if you’re looking for a delicious and affordable thai meal in queens, pochana thai kitchen in astoria is a great spot to check out. their early bird special, available monday through friday from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, offers excellent value at just $16 for a full dinner set — including an appetizer, entrée, drink, and dessert. the menu gives you a solid range of options. appetizers like crab rangoon and tofu fries come out crispy and flavorful, and mains like pad see ew with shrimp or basil fried rice with tofu are consistently tasty. dessert options such as the coconut ice cream or mango sticky rice sundae wrap the meal up nicely. portions are generous, and everything is well-seasoned and made fresh. the restaurant has a cozy, family-run vibe, and the staff are friendly and attentive. it does get busy during the early bird window, so it’s best to arrive close to 5 if you don’t want to wait. seating is limited, and the place is popular for a reason.