This New Haven Thai Restaurant Brings Bangkok Flavors to Connecticut

Connecticut
By Alba Nolan

Tucked along State Street, September in Bangkok brings the energy of Bangkok’s street markets straight to New Haven. You feel it instantly – patio lights glowing, woks sizzling, and aromas pulling you inside.

The menu delivers bold, balanced Thai flavors with a playful modern twist that keeps regulars coming back. Come hungry, come curious, and dial the spice to match your mood.

Welcome to September in Bangkok

© September in Bangkok

Set on a quiet stretch of State Street, September in Bangkok feels like a small escape without leaving New Haven. You will notice the warm lights, lush patio, and the hum of conversation before your menu even arrives.

There is a calm, neighborhood ease here, yet the kitchen’s energy hints at big flavors.

Inside, dark wood tones and colorful details frame a dining room that balances comfort with a modern Thai vibe. Staff guide you through spice levels and suggest pairings, from crisp cocktails to soothing Thai iced tea.

The service is attentive without hovering, which lets the food lead the experience.

Locals rave about generous portions and a menu that spans classics and creative specials. Whether you want mild comfort or a chili thrill, the kitchen dials it in just right.

It is easy to see why this spot sits high on New Haven lists.

Plan a relaxed lunch or a date night under patio lights, and do not skip dessert. You will leave with leftovers and a plan to return.

Start here, and everything else on the menu starts making sense.

Pad Thai, Perfected

© September in Bangkok

Pad Thai here walks a delicious line between sweet, sour, and savory. The tamarind tang quietly leads, while palm sugar and fish sauce balance every bite.

You get chewy noodles with a hint of wok char, crisp bean sprouts, and crushed peanuts for texture.

Ask for your spice level and a squeeze of lime to brighten it all. Chicken is a crowd favorite, but tofu or shrimp work equally well.

Portions are generous, so expect leftovers or share with someone across the table.

What sets it apart is restraint and confidence. Nothing feels heavy or muddled, just clean flavors that stay interesting to the last bite.

Even if you think you know Pad Thai, this version reintroduces it with finesse.

Pair with Thai iced tea if you like creamy comfort against subtle heat. Or go with a citrusy cocktail for a sharper counterpoint.

Either way, it is a New Haven staple for a reason.

Massaman Curry Comfort

© September in Bangkok

This Massaman curry is the hug you order when you want warmth without overwhelming heat. Creamy coconut milk, tender potatoes, and roasted peanuts create a velvety base.

You can choose tofu, chicken, or beef, and the kitchen nails the texture.

The flavor is gently sweet, lightly nutty, and softly spiced with cinnamon and clove. A spoonful over jasmine rice becomes a perfect bite, comforting and steady.

Ask for medium if you like a whisper of chili to perk it up.

What you will notice is balance. Every ingredient feels purposeful, nothing crowded, and the sauce clings just right.

It is hard not to keep dipping back for more.

Shareable by design, this bowl feeds conversation and quiet nights alike. If leftovers make it home, they taste even better the next day.

It is one of those dishes you remember when the weather turns cool.

Drunken Noodles With Heat You Control

© September in Bangkok

Drunken noodles arrive glossy and fragrant with Thai basil and chili warmth. Wide noodles carry a satisfying chew, picking up smoky notes from the wok.

You can dial the spice from mild to Thai medium, and yes, Thai medium means business.

There is a vegetable-forward approach that adds crunch and color. Add chicken, tofu, or shrimp to fit your mood.

Every bite lands bold, herbal, and a touch sweet, never cloying.

The heat lingers, but it does not bulldoze the basil or garlic. A cold beer or a tart cocktail pairs beautifully, calming and refreshing.

If you want extra basil, ask, and they usually accommodate.

This plate is weeknight fuel and weekend fun in equal measure. It is crowd-pleasing, photo-ready, and deeply satisfying.

You will probably plan your second visit halfway through the first plate.

Basil Fried Rice With a Kick

© September in Bangkok

Basil fried rice at September in Bangkok tastes lively and aromatic. The basil hits first, then gentle chili heat follows.

Rice grains stay distinct, kissed by the wok for a lightly smoky undertone.

You can order chicken, shrimp, or tofu, and the kitchen seasons each protein thoughtfully. Ask for mild if you are spice-shy, because Thai medium packs a punch.

The plate looks simple but eats layered and memorable.

What you will appreciate is control. They listen when you request a specific heat level and deliver exactly that.

It makes the dish feel personally tuned to you.

Leftovers reheat well, making this a clever lunch the next day. A squeeze of lime brightens everything, and cucumber slices cool the palate.

It is reliable, flavorful, and never boring.

Pineapple Duck Curry, A Showstopper

© September in Bangkok

This curry steals the spotlight with crispy duck nestled in a rich red sauce. Pineapple adds bright sweetness that balances chili heat and coconut cream.

It looks celebratory, and it eats even better.

The duck skin stays crisp against the silky curry, a welcome texture contrast. You will find basil perfume, bell peppers, and a gentle sweetness that never turns heavy.

Spoon it over jasmine rice and let the flavors mingle.

It is a dish that invites sharing, especially on date night. The presentation tends to wow before the first bite lands.

Then the layers unfold, and you will probably fall quiet for a moment.

If you love bolder heat, ask them to notch it up. A citrus cocktail like an aperol spritz or something lychee-forward pairs nicely.

It is one of those orders you will talk about later.

Crab Fried Rice That Overdelivers

© September in Bangkok

Crab fried rice arrives fragrant and packed with tender lump crab. The seasoning respects the seafood, staying light and citrusy.

Fluffy rice, soft egg ribbons, and scallions keep each bite balanced.

It is the kind of dish that looks humble but tastes luxurious. A squeeze of lime sharpens the sweetness of the crab.

You will want to guard the plate when it lands because it disappears fast.

Some nights, this is the only thing you need with a cold drink. Add a side of vegetables or a papaya salad if you crave crunch.

Either way, you will leave satisfied.

It travels well for takeout, keeping texture and aroma intact. For seafood lovers who prefer finesse over spice bombs, this is your lane.

New Haven locals are not wrong to call it a favorite.

Crab Rangoon, Crispy and Creamy

© September in Bangkok

These crab rangoons crunch audibly before a creamy, savory center spills out. The filling leans crabby rather than overly sweet, which keeps you reaching back.

A bright sweet chili dip adds just enough sparkle.

They arrive hot, well-drained, and evenly browned. Share them as a starter or keep them selfishly to yourself.

Either way, they vanish quickly around the table.

There is a craft to getting the wrapper thin and crisp without greasy heaviness. September in Bangkok makes it look easy.

It sets the tone for the meal, promising care in the details.

Pair with a tangy cocktail or a bubbly soda for contrast. If you are building a platter, add coconut shrimp and garlic prawns.

It is a greatest-hits kickoff that rarely disappoints.

Coconut Shrimp With Sweet Crunch

© September in Bangkok

Coconut shrimp lands with a satisfying crunch and a touch of sweetness. The coating is light, not clumpy, so the shrimp stays juicy.

Dip in the citrusy sauce to keep the flavors bright.

It is easy to share, and it pairs well with a cold lager or spritz. Order it beside crab rangoon for a fun, crispy duo.

There is a vacation vibe that makes the patio feel even sunnier.

What works here is balance. The coconut does not overwhelm the shrimp, and the dip keeps things lively.

You will find it disappears much faster than you planned.

If you want a spicier edge, ask for a side of chili oil. The kitchen happily adjusts without breaking the harmony.

Simple, cheerful, and very snackable.

Blue Rice and Colorful Plates

© September in Bangkok

Yes, the blue rice is real, and it is naturally tinted with butterfly pea flower. The color is striking, especially beside curries and salads.

It adds a floral whisper and a playful sense of theater to the table.

Use it to temper spicy dishes like basil seafood rice. The hue makes photos pop, but it is more than a gimmick.

Texture remains fluffy, and the flavor stays clean.

Kids and adults alike end up grinning at the reveal. Ask your server about pairing suggestions if you want contrasts and balance.

It becomes an easy conversation starter at any gathering.

If you crave something memorable without piling on heat, this is it. New Haven does not see rice like this every day.

Sometimes fun is exactly what dinner needs.

Thai Tacos, Patio Crowd-Pleaser

© September in Bangkok

Thai tacos play with texture and brightness in a very snackable format. Think lemongrass chicken or garlicky pork tucked into warm tortillas.

Pickled vegetables add zing while a chili aioli ties it together.

They shine on the patio with a drink in hand. Order a few for the table and mix fillings to keep things lively.

It is fusion with restraint, focused on flavor first.

What you get is familiar form, Thai soul. Fresh herbs lift every bite, and the heat stays friendly.

You will probably want one more than you planned.

Pair with the Full Moon cocktail or a guava lemonade for a juicy counterpoint. These make a great prelude to noodles or curry.

Light, playful, and built for sharing.

Lemongrass Chicken, Zesty and Tender

© September in Bangkok

Lemongrass chicken arrives juicy, aromatic, and lightly charred. The marinade sings with citrus and herb notes that stay crisp on the palate.

It is simple in the best way, letting freshness lead.

A side of rice and cucumbers keeps things cool and balanced. Dip into a tangy sauce to wake up each slice.

You can add a small salad if you want extra crunch.

This is a go-to for diners who want flavor without heavy sauces. It also plays nicely with a side of blue rice for color.

You will feel satisfied but not weighed down.

A squeeze of lime brings the dish fully into focus. Pair with a light beer or a tart spritz for contrast.

It is the kind of plate you could eat any day of the week.

Papaya Salad, Fresh and Fiery

© September in Bangkok

When you want snap and zing, papaya salad delivers. Shredded green papaya tosses with lime, fish sauce, chilies, and peanuts.

It is crunchy, tart, and just fiery enough to keep bites exciting.

You can request heat levels, so do not be shy about mild if needed. The salad does serious work alongside rich dishes like duck curry.

Every forkful resets your palate for the next round.

Tomatoes and long beans add sweetness and a pleasant squeak. A sprinkle of peanuts rounds out the texture.

It is a classic done with respect for balance and brightness.

Pair with coconut shrimp or wings to play hot against sweet. On warm days, eat it on the patio and sip something icy.

It is a New Haven refresher with Bangkok energy.

Sweet Sips: Thai Iced Tea and Guava Lemonade

© September in Bangkok

Drinks here can be as memorable as the food. Thai iced tea arrives creamy and fragrant, a soft cushion for spicier plates.

If you prefer brighter, the guava lemonade hits juicy, tart, and wildly refreshing.

Adjust sweetness if you like, especially with the iced tea. Some prefer no whipped cream, and the staff happily notes it.

Either way, you will get a balanced sip that plays well with heat.

On the cocktail side, the bar leans playful and polished. Ask about the Full Moon or something lychee-forward for a floral lift.

There is always a glass to match your mood.

Settle on the patio and let the music and fountain hum. The drinks make time slow down a bit.

It is easy to order another round before you notice.

When To Go and What To Know

© September in Bangkok

Lunch brings a calm, focused kitchen that turns out quick, generous plates. Dinner feels glowier, with patio lights and a little more buzz.

Both times reward reservations on busy nights.

Spice levels are customizable, so speak up about preferences. Vegetarians and vegans find plenty of options, with tofu done thoughtfully.

Portions are large, making leftovers a bonus rather than an afterthought.

Parking is street-based, and the entrance is through the patio. It is easy to miss the first time, but worth the turn back.

Once seated, the staff keeps the pace smooth and friendly.

Bookmark the website for hours and specials, or call if in doubt. Bring friends, or come solo and people-watch with noodles.

September in Bangkok makes New Haven feel a little closer to Thailand.