Saskatoon’s Best-Kept Thai Secre
🇨🇦 Saskatoon’s Best-Kept Thai Secret: Canadian Thai’s Lobster Curry Worth the Drive When a nondescript strip mall Thai restaurant near the Steel/ Woodbine intersection serves a $39 lobster curry that rivals Bangkok’s finest, food lovers take notice. Canadian Thai, operating quietly for 15 years, delivers some of the most authentic and generously portioned Thai cuisine in Saskatchewan. After sampling their signature dishes – from wok-charred noodles to coconut-laced soups – I’m convinced this is Saskatoon’s most underrated Southeast Asian gem. Here’s why this unassuming eatery deserves a spot on every serious foodie’s radar. First Impressions: Humble Exterior, Exceptional Flavors Walking into Canadian Thai feels like stumbling upon a Bangkok alleyway eatery teleported to the prairies: The Space: • Decor: Faded maps of Thailand beside vintage Saskatchewan tourism posters • Seating: Simple wooden tables with plastic-wrapped menus (classic Thai joint vibe) • Aroma Profile: Toasted coconut, kaffir lime, and searing wok hei Service Highlights: • Owner’s Passion: Chef-owner (a Bangkok transplant) often circulates explaining dishes • Heat Customization: Spice levels 1-5 (their "3" equals authentic Thai "medium") • Portion Warning: Servers gently caution that dishes are family-sized Pro Tip: The back corner table (#8) has the best ventilation for spicy dishes. The Food: Bangkok-Caliber Flavors 1. Lobster Massaman Curry ($39) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The dish that redefines prairie Thai food expectations: Protein Quality: • Lobsters: Two 1lb Canadian cold-water lobsters (not rubbery farmed imports) • Texture: Perfectly poached – fork-tender claws, springy tail meat Curry Breakdown: • Base: Rich Massaman with visible toasted spices (cardamom, cinnamon) • Creaminess: Coconut milk reduction clinging to every nook • Sweet-Savory Balance: Tamarind paste cutting through palm sugar Carb Companion: • Baguette: Crisp exterior for scooping sauce (better than rice here) Value Analysis: At 39, this rivals 80+ lobster dishes at downtown fusion spots. 2. Pineapple Fried Rice ($18) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ A masterclass in sweet-savory harmony: • Protein Trio: • Shrimp: Plump 26/30 count • Chicken: Velveted thigh meat • Cashews: Freshly toasted • Fruit Play: • Pineapple: Caramelized edges • Cranberries: Tart counterpoint • Wok Mastery: Each grain distinct with visible "dancing" char 3. Thai Coconut Soup ($14) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Tom kha gai’s luxurious cousin: • Broth Layers: • Top: Chili oil swirl • Middle: Galangal-infused coconut • Base: Mushroom umami • Protein: • Shrimp: Transparently fresh (likely day-boat) • Chicken: Silken poached breast 4. Pad Kee Mao ($16) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Drunken noodles with Canadian beef upgrade: • Protein Choice: Alberta AAA beef velveted to buttery softness • Noodle Type: Fresh wide rice noodles (not dried) • Heat Profile: Sichuan peppercorn tingle without overwhelming burn Why This Place Stands Out 1. Ingredient Sourcing Despite Saskatchewan’s limitations, they secure: • Live Lobsters: Flown in twice weekly • Fresh Herbs: Kaffir lime leaves grown in-house • Rice Noodles: Made daily (no preservative chewiness) 2. Technique Authenticity Observed through: • Proper Velveting: Beef/chicken treated with baking soda rinse • Coconut Milk Reduction: Simmered 4+ hours for thickness • Wok Maintenance: Seasoned black steel woks (not non-stick) 3. Prairie-Friendly Tweaks Smart adaptations include: • Local Beef: Subbed for traditional pork • Cranberries: Swapped for harder-to-find Thai berries • Spice Adjustments: Offering "Thai spicy" only upon request The Verdict: Saskatoon’s Thai Benchmark Scoring (10-point scale): Category Score Notes Flavor Authenticity 9.5 Near-Bangkok standards Ingredient Quality 9 Exceptional seafood Value 10 Lobster deal unbeatable Ambiance 6.5 Basic but clean Must-Order: • Lobster curry (obviously) • Pineapple rice (best in city) • Coconut soup (winter warmer) Skip Unless: • You dislike spice (even "mild" has kick) • Prefer Americanized pad thai (theirs is traditional) Insider Tips: 1. Lobster Timing: Available Thu-Sun (call ahead) 2. Heat Guidance: Order 1 level below usual preference 3. Leftover Hack: Curry broth freezes beautifully 📍 Location: 55 Woodbine Plaza (just off Highway 11) ⏰ Hours: 11am-9:30pm (closed Tuesdays) 📞 Pro Move: Pre-order lobster 24h ahead ThaiFood #SaskatoonEats #HiddenGems #LobsterLovers