Ask Torontonians where to get good Thai food and Pai will likely be part of their response. The restaurant has been overwhelmingly successful; since its launch three years ago, lines during lunch and after work are still common. Your chance at securing a meal is higher during lunch since they take reservations and there’s a Pai Market offering quick grab-and-go options. During our recent lunch time visit, at least half the people waiting at the door at 11:30am made their way into the Market.
If you
have the time, dining on site is preferable – you get to eat everything at its
peak! The Thai style chicken wings ($5.50) are fantastic when hot, it’s
slightly crispy skin already abuzz with lemongrass and chilli flavours. The
light sweet and spicy tamarind dipping sauce helps cool it down, it’ll save
your mouth before the first bite.
Thankfully,
Pai cuts their spring rolls ($8) in half to let out the steam. The wispy
crunchy rice paper is filled with glass noodles mixed with mushrooms, carrots,
and bean sprouts. I’d like a bit more vegetables in it, but otherwise they’re
decent and seems to be the go-to starter for every table.
Although
there is a spiciness scale listed on their menu, when ordering curry dishes
they already incorporate a standard heat and you’re given chili oil to augment,
if necessary. Their Panang beef curry ($13) is much thicker than the green
curry I’ve had in the past and even without the chili oil has an abundance of
flavours: salty with a hint of sourness and even a slight nuttiness. There’s
that mix of tastes that’s synonymous with Thai food. The beef slices are
thankfully not overly dry and there’s a healthy portion of meat mixed into the
vegetables.
If you
arrive before noon, the food arrives at a controlled but quick pace, making Pai
a good option for lunch in about an hour. Moreover, their lunch menu includes
most of the popular dishes from dinner at a couple dollars less (the portion
sizes seem equal in size). If you ask me where there’s good Thai food in
Toronto, I’d suggest Pai. Just head to this well celebrated restaurant at lunch
to avoid a long wait.
How To Find Them
Location: Toronto, Canada
Address: 18 Duncan Street
Address: 18 Duncan Street
Website: http://www.paitoronto.com/
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Gastro World's Grading System
- Anything under 5 - I really disliked and will never go back
- 6 - decent restaurant but I likely won't return
- 7 - decent restaurant and I will likely return
- 8 - great restaurant that I'd be happy to recommend
- 9 - fantastic restaurant that I would love to visit regularly and highly recommend
- 10 - absolute perfection!
Is That It? I Want More!
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