This Opinion article is part of a Narcity content series. The views expressed are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Narcity Media.
Thai food is my absolute favourite cuisine to eat while I’m out and about in Toronto, and with so many delicious options in the city, I often wonder, “What is the chokehold that Pai has over the 6ix?”
Don’t get me wrong, Pai is absolutely delicious — their Northern Thai Laab is so comforting and yummy — and they deserve every accolade they’ve received, but it seems like any celeb passing through Toronto simply has to stop at this trendy restaurant.
In 2023 alone, Andrew Phung and Ronny Chieng, Simu Liu, Alexander Skarsgard, Finn Wolfhard and a bunch of the Leafs and Raptors players all visited Pai.
Although I totally understand why they go there, I firmly believe there are some other Thai restaurants that deserves the same kind of love and attention that the celeb hotspot receives.
From delicious green curries to saucy noodles, here are some of the best Thai restaurants in Toronto that you should definitely add to your list of “must-try places.”
Chiang Mai
Price: 💸💸
Address: 2998 Dundas St W, Toronto, M6P 1Z3
Why You Need To Go: Chiang Mai has multiple locations in Toronto, but I personally love their restaurant in the Junction — the inside is stunning and it lowkey feels like a very expensive restaurant, but without an exorbitant price tag.
No matter which location you choose, the food is excellent — the Tom Yum Pad Thai is spicy and sweet and pairs perfectly with shrimp. Their weekend brunch menu has North American classics like pancakes and French toast as well as fusion creations like Gai Yang Benny and Khao Soi Grilled Cheese.
“What we are trying to bring to the city is Thai food at its best,” they say of their restaurant. “Paired with our elevated cocktails, it’s guaranteed to make your night out special.”
Don’t forget to pair it all with a Thai Iced Tea!
Si Lom Thai Bistro
Price: 💸💸
Address: 534 Church St, Toronto, ON M4Y 2E1
Why You Need To Try It: If you’re down in the Village, Si Lom Thai is a staple of the area that you simply cannot go without trying.
Their menu is a bit bigger than others which means you can try dishes you likely haven’t seen at other places, such as Suki Yaki, Pad Hoy Lai and Laabpla.
While you’re enjoying your delicious meal, you can also sip away at a personal cocktail bucket that comes with ingredients like blue pea tea and lychee. If you prefer a mocktail, try out the Silomjito or the Ginger Butterfly.
THAI NYOOM
Price: 💸—💸💸
Address: 2961 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6P 1Z2
Why You Need To Go: THAI NYOOM is a bit tiny inside and offers a limited menu, but their food is filled with big flavours.
They have a daily Chef’s Special that’s 100% the option you should go for and it ranges from well-known dishes like noodles to items you might not have tried before, like Roasted Pork Red Curry Betel Leaves.
Another must-have is their Ta-Go dessert which is made with tapioca pearls, fresh young coconut dyed with natural blue colour from flowers, coconut cream and corn — it’s a flavour combo you might not expect that is just simply delicious.
Issan Der
Price: 💸💸
Address: 2961 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6P 1Z2
Why You Need To Go: Also located in the Junction is one location of Issan Der, which has a cute little outdoor patio for summer weather and a few specialty items.
One of the menu options that they recommend you order at least 24 hours in advance of your reservation is the Duck Red Curry with Lychee and Pineapple, which is a delectable signature dish that’s a savoury blend of sweet and savoury.
Another item to try is their Golden Bags: “Deep-fried flaky pastries filled with water-chestnut, carrots, corn, taro, herbs and spices – unlimited depth of flavour in a limited quantity,” they say of the option.
The Golden Bags can’t be ordered online and have limited availability, so you might want to call ahead to ensure they have them if your heart is set on trying them.
Khao San Road
Price: 💸💸
Address: 11 Charlotte St, Toronto, ON M5V 2H5
Why You Need To Go: Located around the TIFF Lightbox, Khao San Road is a great spot to grab a bite when you’re in the downtown core.
I love their curries in particular which I often capitalize on with their “Curry Of The Day” feature where you can get a lunch-sized portion of the daily curry for $14.50, which is a steal in this current economy. I’m usually a Green Curry kind of girl (their Monday special) but Thursday’s offering of Panang Curry might be their best one, in my opinion.
You can also pick which spice level you want your dish at on a rating level from one to 11, with one being “no spice,” six being “Thai spicy” and 11 being “Chef Top Spicy,” which comes at an extra charge if you’re brave enough do try it.
I personally stick to level three, but you do you!
Koh Samui
Price: 💸💸
Address: Various locations
Why You Need To Go: With four locations, there’s generally a Koh Samui somewhere in the vicinity of where I am in the city and I appreciate that.
I really love their starters and salads (in particular, the Crab Rangoon and Papaya Salad) and I appreciate the simplicity and deliciousness of their menu with basics like Basil Stir Fry and Pad See Ew being done well and at a relatively good price.
Of course, if you are in the downtown core, there’s nothing wrong with going to Pai — just keep in mind there are other delicious options in the city that are absolutely worth checking out!
If you’re looking for other restaurants to check out, you might be interested in some of the spots I love to visit despite the fact that i hate leaving my apartment — they’re worth it, I promise!
This article’s cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
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