BowThai restaurant — Restaurant in Toronto

HORRIBLE SERVICE!! The waitress was RACIST to me (details below).

We came for dine-in but there was no one there to receive us. We waited for 10 minutes and eventually took a seat at an empty booth and had to grab the menu cards ourselves. There was only one other table seated so it wasn't busy. Given that this is a small, family-owned restaurant, this wasn't a major issue for me and I have come here many times before and always had a pleasant experience.

Next, the waitress (young woman, 18-30 yrs old and asian descent; maybe the owner' daughter?) never came to ask how our food is, if we'd like to order anything else or if we would like more water (our glasses were empty) during the entire 45 minutes we were there. Basically we were not cared for at all. It was the same scenario with the other seated table, where an elderly lady had to yell so someone from the back could hear her and attend her.

Due to the complete lack of service from the minute we entered (and seeing the other table was treated likewise, I decided to give no tip. I have never not tipped before so it was a tough decision but this non-existent service did not deserve a tip.

After paying, the waitress looked at the receipt and said "Do you know the receipt doesn't include a service charge?". I answered "Yes".

Next she said "It's mandatory to pay a service fee.". I answered "No it's not. I was not happy with the service at all, we were not asked how our food is or even offered water and do not think the service deserves a tip. I've come here many times and received great service previously."

Then she said something so RACIST and derogatory that I was left shocked. She said "This is Canada! You have to tip!".

I did not want to create a scene so I answered "I know this is Canada" and graciously left.

In the 15+ years that I have lived in Canada and as a Canadian citizen, I have never been treated in this manner! It was absolutely shocking that she can ever think like this, let alone utter those words. It's a very, very sad feeling when you are made to feel unwanted in your own country.

Otherwise, food was good. However, never returning and not supporting this business unless strong action is...

I'm new to this area and found this restaurant online as something in the neighbourhood that delivered. I went on their website and ordered online without picking up the phone once. I placed my order at 7:40pm and the food was here by 8:00pm. I was floored. AND they took debit.

I ordered the "Combo for 2": 2 Spring rolls, 2 Samosas, Mango salad, Red OR Green Curry (chicken, vegetable or beef), Steamed rice

The spring rolls were exactly what you would want in a springroll. Piping hot. Crispy on the outside. Savoury seasoned filling. Great dipping sauce.

The samosas were a bit odd. Not used to the type of wrapper for the samosa, more of a dough...less flaky. But boy was it good. I love veggie samosas...potatoes, peas and spicy. Yum yum. No need for any dipping sauce for these bad boys.

The mango salad was fantastic. I'm used to ordering from Spring Rolls, and I usually get their mango salad. This one put them to shame. There was a lot in the order. The mangoes were fresh and the seasoning was great. A lot of crushed peanuts on top, which is how I like it.

Then came the main attraction...Green Curry (chicken) and steamed rice. I must admit, it didn't look like a green curry when I was taking it out. More of a golden curry. And I was a little concerned when I stirred it as it seemed very watery. Not like the consistency of green curry I get everywhere else. However, the flavour was right on point. I'm so pleased with this.

The only negative is that the amount they gave for the green curry was enough for only one person, not for 2. Everything else was the perfect amount, but for the actual green curry, it was the amount you would get at other places for just one person. A bit odd. I don't know if they're normally like this, or if they messed up the order. But the experience was good enough that I will definitely be ordering from here again AND I fully intend on visiting in person with my friends...

A staple in our apartment ever since we recieved their menu in our mailbox. Portions are fair, boarding on generous considering the prices with such a range of variety. After spending $25 you'll be given free spring rolls and we've yet to let ourselves dip below that spending threshold after getting our first taste. Even of it means adding an extra appetizer to the order, we always make sure to get a taste. After spending $40 you'll be given the choice of a free vegetable/chicken pad thai or the spring rolls.

Personal favourites of ours are the authentic pad thai, BBQ chicken, peanut curry, fried calamari, shrimp chips with peanut sauce, (massive portion for five dollars) and the Golden Dream curry with a side of rice (half the time I've found the bay leaf in this curry too-- lucky!).

If I have any major gripe with BowThai it's that I find their meat is often slightly over cooked, the beef especially. We've never been served a portion of meat stiff as a board but it is a shame. The chicken and shrimp are far more consistent and I'm happy to report that my most recent BBQ chicken was tender, juicy and delicious.

Shout out to the friendly, perceptive staff. We've never recieved an incorrect order, they always offer the free specials, suggest add ons to compliment the stir fry dishes where applicable. And the delivery staff is...