PAI — Restaurant in Toronto

Dishes Ordered:

KUNG TAWT ‘GARLIC SHRIMP’: ★★★★★ GARLIC TOFU: ★★★★★ THAI MOJITO: ★★★★★ SUMMER DOG: ★★★★★ CHEF NUIT PAD THAI: ★★★★★ PAD GRA PROW with Moo Grob: ★★★★★ KHAO SOI: ★★★★★ THAI ICED TEA GELATO: ★★★★★ Ambience: ★★★★★ Service: ★★★★★ Overall Experience: ★★★★★ Review:

A recent visit to PAI, located at 18 Duncan St in Toronto, left me and my friends utterly enchanted by the rich flavors and vibrant atmosphere of this Thai gem. The ambience is wonderfully chill, setting the stage for a dining experience that's as relaxing as it is delightful, complemented by service that can only be described as phenomenal.

KUNG TAWT ‘GARLIC SHRIMP’ & GARLIC TOFU: Our culinary journey began with these two appetizers, both of which set a high bar for the meal to come. The garlic shrimp, with their crispy breading and succulent meat, paired with a sweet tamarind sauce, were a hit. The deep-fried tofu bites, served with a tantalizing sweet chili-garlic sauce, were equally impressive, offering a crunchy texture outside and a soft, flavorful inside.

THAI MOJITO & SUMMER DOG: The drinks were nothing short of a tropical escape. The Thai Mojito, with its unique blend of lemongrass syrup and butterfly pea flower, was refreshing and beautifully presented. The Summer Dog, a concoction of vodka, peach schnapps, lychee juice, and a splash of grenadine, garnished with a lychee, was an absolute delight, offering a sweet, fruity reprieve from the heat.

CHEF NUIT PAD THAI & PAD GRA PROW: The main dishes were a testament to the authenticity and culinary prowess of PAI. The Pad Thai was a flavorful mélange of noodles, veggies, and protein, all tied together with a house-made tamarind-palm sugar sauce that was simply divine. The Pad Gra Prow, with its holy basil and a mix of crispy and minced pork, served over steamed jasmine rice, was aromatic, spicy, and deeply satisfying.

KHAO SOI: This dish was a creamy, comforting bowl of coconut milk curry with fresh egg noodles and a generous topping of crispy noodles and herbs. It was a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that left us craving more.

THAI ICED TEA GELATO: For dessert, we indulged in the Thai Iced Tea Gelato, served in a young coconut with mango, coconut flakes, and peanuts. It was an innovative and refreshing way to end our meal, perfect for sharing and a delightful twist on traditional Thai flavors.

Overall Experience: PAI is a must-visit for anyone looking to immerse themselves in authentic Thai cuisine within a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere. Every dish we tried was executed with care, showcasing fresh ingredients and a mastery of flavor combinations. The service was outstanding, making our dining experience even more enjoyable. I wholeheartedly recommend PAI to anyone in Toronto looking for an...

Nestled in the heart of the city, Pai delivers a savoury culinary experience. From the moment you step in, the ambiance captivates with its warm hues and authentic décor, setting the stage for a memorable dining adventure. I still remember thinking to myself. What a cute little spot! Only to learn it is quite a big restaurant with various areas for dining.

Each dish is a masterpiece, bursting with authentic Thai flavors and meticulously crafted to perfection. The pork skewers are succulent, offering a tantalizing blend of smoky char and tender meat. The spicy pad Thai dances on the palate with its harmonious balance of sweet, sour, and spicy notes, while the savory red curry envelops the senses in a rich symphony of spices. Accompanied by fragrant coconut rice and a refreshing mango salad, every bite is a journey to the heart.

The presentation of the dishes is a work of art in itself, with each plate meticulously arranged to delight both the eyes and the taste buds. Vibrant colors and intricate garnishes adorn every dish, elevating the dining experience to new heights. From the vibrant hues of the mango salad to the aromatic steam rising from the coconut rice, every detail is thoughtfully considered, adding to the overall sensory delight.

The service at Pai is nothing short of exceptional. From the moment you're greeted at the door to the attentive care throughout the meal, the staff ensures that every aspect of your dining experience exceeds expectations. Knowledgeable and friendly, they guide you through the menu with enthusiasm, offering recommendations and ensuring that every need is met promptly and courteously.

In conclusion, Pai is a culinary gem that delivers an unforgettable dining experience from start to finish. With its exquisite food, impeccable presentation, and outstanding service, it's no wonder this restaurant holds a special place in the hearts of food enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. Whether you're craving a taste of Thailand or simply seeking an extraordinary dining experience, Pai is sure to delight your senses and leave you...

Food so good that we came twice in our 4 days stay in Toronto. PAI is a jewel of Thai cuisine. Honing in their focus on Northern Thailand, the menu offers not only blonde classics, but also some lesser known specialties. Everything is generously bursting with flavour and each bite just kept amplifying the other that we ended on a climax. Bring your friends so that you can sample everything on the menu. None of it failed. The atmosphere also recalls no frills bars and eateries of Thailand.

Here were what we ordered:

Papaya Salad — refreshing and tasty, also enhanced by the prawn crackers that you can use to scoop it. The cracklings are extra crunchy. If there is too much crunch, simply add the rice noodles.

Chicken Wings — juicy

PAI appetizer platter (MUST ORDER) — a combination of appetisers of all flavours and textures. It is ideal to share this for 4 people really. The sausages are plump and juicy, the larb is spicy and refreshing, even with the sticky rice, the skewers were a champion, delicious with a char, the squash fritters are crunchy, slightly sweet and buttery.

Khao Soi (MUST ORDER) — A specialty of the restaurant. Bouncy egg noodles with tender braised beef inside a creamy coconut soup.

Pad Kra Pow (MUST ORDER) — The best dish we ate - the pork mince and basil over rice is rick and tasty. The runny fried egg embraced the dish with profundity. Also add the grilled pork for even richer flavours

Pad See Ew — Really silky thick noodles

Pad Thai — delicious

Mango Sticky Rice — can’t fail

Coconut Sorbet (MUST ORDER) — We thought we were too full but there’s never no room for dessert. The creamy coconut ice cream has the silkiness of a soft-serve. Its sweetness combines with the slightly tangy mango, fragrant desiccated coconuts, and salted peanuts. It ended our meal with a massive crescendo.

Be careful when coming in peak dining hours, you may have to wait for an hour or two. But trust me it is worth every minute. One of my favourite Thai eateries...