Thai Express Restaurant Etobicoke — Restaurant in Toronto

It's been awhile since I last visited a Thai Express, so I thought I would stop by and pick up some food here before leaving the area. Unfortunately, I didn't know that I would pay for my mistake.

Parking - 5: Plenty of parking as a mall should have. I was lucky enough to find a spot next to Thai Express.

Atmosphere - 3: It's an intimate setting. The decor was minimal but clean. Just enough to have an atmosphere, but nothing to write home about. Expectations for a mall location would not be very high to say the least.

Space - 3: Acceptable amount of space for a mall location. Good enough for a small lunch crowd who are looking to get in and out with friends or coworkers.

Service - 3: Quick and friendly service. It was nice to see at least a little bit of effort to flash a quick and small smile with service. The effort was noticed.

Food - 1: I ordered the General Thairacha. HUGE mistake. I knew something was wrong the moment I went to grab it from my backseat. When I picked up the bag, I can immediately see that there was a spill soaking up the bottom. I frantically looked to see if there was any spillage on my car backseat, and luckily there was none. I opened up the bag to check the container, and found that the container was not sealed tightly, but I could not understand why the bag was soaked on the bottom. Needless to say, I didn't give it much thought, and took it home. I opened up the container at home and took a bite of the food. I immediately knew why and what the fluid was that was sitting on the bottom of the bag. IT WAS OIL!! When I tasted the rice, it tasted like I just ate a spoonful of oil!! The employee who made my order basically DROWNED my rice in oil and that is why and how the spill soaked the bottom of the bag!!

I wanted to return the food immediately, but they were already closing the store when I left. I didn't want to throw away the food since it would have been a waste of food AND money, so I found a strainer. I took scoops of rice, placed it in my strainer and started squeezing the oil out into a plastic container.

DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW RIDICULOUS THIS IS?!

I couldn't squeeze too hard, otherwise the rice would stick to the strainer, and I would have to scrape it all back out! You wouldn't believe the amount oil that came out! I took a bite of the strained rice, but it was pointless. The rice was completely soaked in oil that it couldn't be separated. I tossed out the whole container of food. I lost money AND wasted food. I'm not sure if the employee who cooked my order was inexperienced or if it was an honest mistake, but management better make sure to keep a close on this person and the rest of the staff for that matter. In any case, the overall experience was actually quite decent until I tasted the food. I DO NOT recommend this place.

*EDIT

After someone, who I assume was the manager, reached out to me after my original review, my rating has gone from the original 2* down to 1*. No apology, no offer to look into the matter, nor even any offer of any type of compensation. I would highly recommend avoiding this location at all costs. I would rather starve (which I did) than give this place...

The place just opened about a month or two ago from the of writing this. The prices are lower now early on but I'm certain they will soon go up once they acquire a customer base. The portions sizes are just enough for me but the flavor is lacking, flat. For instance, the amount of curry is inadequate and the meal ends up pretty dry and the same goes for their stir-fry plate. I end up having to add sauces such as sriracha and soy sauce, which by the way, you have to ask for. It should be in the condiments bin. The meals choices, however, are limited, especially compared to my favorite Thai Express place in the Eaton's centre in downtown Toronto. (that TE location should serve as the TE benchmark!). You will also get fewer veggies and more rice. The staff appear to be clean and friendly as is the place. Bottled water is almost two dollars!

I will keep coming back for now given that the prices are acceptable. If and when they do go up then it won't be worth it. Note that there was a Mango Boys in this location and they started exactly the same - low prices and good size portions and they increased prices and decreased portions sizes and quickly...

I’ve been a loyal customer at the Thai Express in Cloverdale Mall for years now, and there’s a good reason I keep coming back, even though I live in Mississauga, I still make the drive all the way to Etobicoke just for this location. It’s that good.

My usual is the basil fried rice, not just for me, but for my whole family. We always order four meals, and every single time, the food is hot, fresh, and full of flavour. They get it right every time. It’s clear they put care into every order, and it never feels rushed or sloppy.

But honestly, it’s not just the food that keeps me coming back, it’s the people. The staff here are some of the friendliest I’ve ever met. They’re welcoming, fast, and often remember me and my usual order. That personal touch really makes a difference, and it’s something you don’t find everywhere.

Between the amazing food, the consistently great service, and how easy they make the whole experience, it’s 100% worth the drive from Mississauga. If you’re thinking about trying Thai Express, make the trip to this location, you’ll see exactly why...