Why have a salad when you can have a fried one? That might have been the thinking behind the unusual yet beloved fried watercress salad at Thai stalwart Sripraphai. The green veggie is battered, then deep-fried to a crisp, topped with dried chiles and toasted cashews, all showered in a tangy fish sauce dressing and bolstered with shrimp. It's unlike any other salad you've seen—or tasted—and one well worth trying if you haven't already. 64-13 39th Avenue, Queens, 718-899-9599, sripraphairestaurant.com (11377)