PAI
PAI things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
Description
Nuit & Jeff Regular's casual Northern Thai spot serving dishes like salted crab & papaya salad.
attractions: CN Tower, Ripley's Aquarium of Canada, CF Toronto Eaton Centre, Nathan Phillips Square, Scotiabank Arena, Rogers Centre, Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto Sign, Union Station Toronto, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, restaurants: Fox on John, Scaddabush Italian Kitchen & Bar Front Street, The Rec Room Roundhouse, Jack Astor's Bar & Grill Front Street, 360 The Restaurant at the CN Tower, Loose Moose / Antler Room, Cactus Club Cafe First Canadian Place, Kellys Landing, HelloFresh Canada, CRAFT Beer Market Toronto
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Description
Nuit & Jeff Regular's casual Northern Thai spot serving dishes like salted crab & papaya salad.
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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 exceptional Thai meal.
Rohit DhawanRohit Dhawan
00
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 craving more.
Roopie RRoopie R
00
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 in the world.
Farid HamkaFarid Hamka
10
I’ve had Pai bookmarked in the event I visit Toronto and this time, I finally got to try it. I was excited because I love Thai food, and it seemed authentic but unfortunately, it fell short. I’ve read there’s always a wait and they don’t accept reservations so we decided to go at around 1 PM on a rainy Sunday. We were quoted 45 min wait but only ended up waiting about 25. We ordered a drink at the bar while we waited. I had the Thai mojito and hubby had the Lowry. Both tasted pretty similar even though one was rum and one was gin. It’s probably because it was sickeningly sweet, so the sugar was all we tasted. For food, a lot of items weren’t available until dinner time, so if there’s something specific you want to try, keep that in mind. We started with fried garlic shrimp, which was probably the only thing we liked. It was perfectly fried/crispy, and the tamarind dipping sauce it came with was nice. For drinks, hubby got a Thai iced tea which also way too sweet. For my main, I went with the Khao Soi with beef. The beef was flavorless - I had to dunk it in the chili oil it was served with. The broth was too salty. I don’t think I was even able to eat half the bowl. I wish it came with more pickled mustard greens. Hubby had the Gaeng Hunglay (sweet and sour garlic-ginger curry with braised oxtail). The flavor wasn’t bad but overall still a bit too salty. It could have used way more rice. Maybe the dinner experience is different/better? But it’s not worth the wait/trek/money for a lunch.
Melanie TamMelanie Tam
00
Expect a long wait when you come to this Michelin Guide recommended restaurant. They take reservations on their website but since it's limited availability (remaining slots are usually late lunch or early dinners), we've always done walk-ins. I've been here more than fifty times and have bought out-of-towners and recommended this place to families and friends and it never fails to impress them. If there's one thing you should order here, I recommend the Khao Soi. Rich and creamy, packed with flavour from the slew of aromatics combine with tender braised beef, this is my favourite dish. Another dish recommendation is the Pad Gra Prow. I have tried this dish in other restaurants including Thailand itself and Pai's version of this dish is so authentic and a standout in my book. This dish consists of your choice of meat, stir-fried and topped with crispy fried egg. The addition of fragrant holy basil and the rich flavours from oyster and soy sauces, delivers an umami flavour in your mouth. And if you're into spicy food, don't forget to add the Thai chilies as it elevates this dish to the next level. They offer various beverages including unique cocktails but you should try their Thai Ice Tea. This sweet, creamy beverage is popular in Thailand and Pai's version is refreshing and not so sweet. Ambiance is homey and cozy and service is friendly. Pai is still my first choice when it comes to Thai food and wouldn't hesitate to recommend to other people.
Larie LLarie L
00
Hot tip: if you are coming on a Friday night, definitely try to come before 5pm, after 5pm it gets seriously busy and they limit reservations in favour of walk ins. You get a 90 min seating limit. That said the place is much bigger than it first looks. On to the food… Decided to start away from my typical Thai go-today (pad Thai,khaki soi, green curry) in favour of one of Chef Nuit’s favourites that’s available dine in only after 4pm: Kanon Jin NhamNgeaw - very savoury tomato based soup with pork side ribs, served with thin rice noodles. The soup was more stew like in texture, so I think I would have enjoyed it more with rice. Good for a try but not re-order worthy. If there is Thai iced tea on the drink menu, you bet I’ll order it. They used crushed iced for their Thai iced tea here, overall what you expect Thai tea to taste like, a bit overly sweet for me, but Thai iced tea is supposed to be very sweet. Also go the garlic shrimp as an appetizer, again not outstanding but nothing to write bad about. Nicely fried so that it’s crispy and the tangy dipping sauce a nice compliment. My dining companions decided on the safe, tried and true options: green curry with beef (served in a whole coconut, with rice packaged in banana leaf) and Chef Nuit Pad Thai with beef. Either option I guarantee will not be disappointed!
Tanya LeeshanokTanya Leeshanok
00
Nearby Attractions Of PAI
CN Tower
Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
CF Toronto Eaton Centre
Nathan Phillips Square
Scotiabank Arena
Rogers Centre
Art Gallery of Ontario
Toronto Sign
Union Station Toronto
Metro Toronto Convention Centre

CN Tower
4.6
(25.7K)Click for details

Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
4.6
(20.8K)Click for details

CF Toronto Eaton Centre
4.4
(18.5K)Click for details

Nathan Phillips Square
4.6
(14.4K)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of PAI
Fox on John
Scaddabush Italian Kitchen & Bar Front Street
The Rec Room Roundhouse
Jack Astor's Bar & Grill Front Street
360 The Restaurant at the CN Tower
Loose Moose / Antler Room
Cactus Club Cafe First Canadian Place
Kellys Landing
HelloFresh Canada
CRAFT Beer Market Toronto

Fox on John
4.6
(3.8K)$$
Click for details

Scaddabush Italian Kitchen & Bar Front Street
4.5
(3.5K)$$
Click for details

The Rec Room Roundhouse
4.0
(3.7K)$$
Click for details

Jack Astor's Bar & Grill Front Street
4.2
(3.4K)Click for details
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