Zab Bite - Thai E-Sarn Cuisine — Restaurant in Vancouver

While we agree that dishes here are more authentic instead of only serving the more westernized dishes, most dishes simply did not live up to expectation. I can't say anything was bad, but nothing was great either.

We got the SET3 menu, which most influencers online are misleadingly (and unrealistically) advertising it as the "$40 set menu", when it is infact a $120 set menu. That being said, the portions are generous and you will not leave this place hungry.

Papaya Salad: Things were off to a good start with the papaya salad, it was unconventional but filled with flavour and we enjoyed this dish. Just note that it is quite heavy on fish sauce, so make sure you like that if you want to order this.

Pad See Ew: The Pad See Ew was decent. The noodles had a chewy texture which was enjoyable, but the flavours were only okay. If I were to return to this place, I would probably order this again.

Appetizer Platter: I normally look forward to appetizers, but I can't help but feel the platter here was a letdown. Things were overly deep fried, very oily and heavy on carbs, at the end, I just felt oily and gross.

Roti: At first bite, the texture was flakey and great, but it is very quickly overpowered by a pool of oil. Each bite into the roti is like drinking another spoonful of oil, completely not acceptable.

Stir Fry Thai Holy Basil: The stir fry itself was good, but when mixed with the rice, it became very bland, we were unable to finish this dish at the end.

Crispy Grilled Pork: Having eaten this dish back in Asia and really liking it, the one served here is very under-seasoned. The texture of the pork is great, but it was bland.

Service: Service is unremarkable here, they did their jobs, but the overall feeling I got was that they were too busy. For our soup, we asked for no mushroom only for it to come with a bunch. They also gave us two of the same dish (we don't mind ofcourse, but they took it back). Towards the end of the meal, it was also very hard to get their attention to ask for take out boxes. But at the end of the day, we understand that they are very busy so it is fine.

Overall, a place with a great menu, potential to be way better than they currently are, but really fell short...

One of the latest Thai restaurants to open in Vancouver serving north eastern Thai dishes.

Visited in October and enjoyed some lunch special including the Royal Pad Thai with veggie spring rolls and the Khao Pad Kra Pao Tray which is their holy basil stir fry dish served with crispy toast topped with minced pork.

Their pad Thai comes with a sweet and sour type of sauce (not sure if it was tamarind but it didn't really taste like other tamarind sauces I've had before).

I liked that they asked how spicy we wanted the khao pad kra pao (and specified the difference between Thai spice level vs western spice level). We picked the medium Thai spice level which wasn't excessively spicy but the heat does grow as you continue to eat.

Overall, tasty food. Also liked the Thai lemon tea and cha yen (Thai yes with condensed milk). Would really like to come back to try their curry dish.

Update: Returned in mid-November 2023 and tried their appetizer platter, tom yum, green curry chicken, and drunken noodles. They were much busier on this visit (guess the word had gotten out). Loved the translucent noodles in the drunken noodle dish and the green curry rice was amazing. The tom yum soup was spicy and chock full of ingredients. And we enjoyed the items in the platter (crispy pork toast, veggie spring rolls, shrimp wrap, and pork jerky).

Update July 2024: Seems like we always get the same dishes here... like the Appetizer Platter ($32) or the Drunken Noodles ($21). But we did manage to try something different this time... the Penang Curry ($19)with stewed beef (+$3). First off, stewed beef was really good with the eggplant in this dish. Second, that rich curry sauce is awesome.

Update September 2024: Revisited with friends and were given some really tasty complimentary shots. Also first time trying their jaew chicken which is pretty good.

UPDATE - March 2025: Easily one of our fav Thaib places in the city nowadays. Revisitedb for their Penang Curry ($19) with chicken in a delicious rich red curry sauce. The Drunken Noodles ($21) with beef (+$3) with thick noods. And Crispy Pork Cakes ($12) with a spicy savory dipping sauce. Thai Lemon Tea ($6) Thai...

A Taste of Thailand in Vancouver's Heart

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Zab Bite, and I can't stop raving about this amazing Thai restaurant in Vancouver. From start to finish, the experience was nothing short of exceptional.

First and foremost, the food at Zab Bite is an absolute delight for the taste buds. The menu boasts an impressive array of Thai dishes, each bursting with authentic flavors and fresh ingredients. Whether you're a fan of classic Pad Thai, a spice enthusiast craving some Tom Yum soup, or looking for something more adventurous like their signature pineapple fried rice, Zab Bite has you covered. Every dish I tried was a symphony of flavors that transported me straight to Thailand.

The ambiance of the restaurant is charming and cozy, making it the perfect spot for a date night or a gathering with friends and family. The staff were incredibly friendly and attentive, ensuring that we felt welcome and well taken care of throughout our meal.

What truly sets Zab Bite apart is their commitment to authenticity. The chefs use traditional Thai cooking techniques and spices, resulting in dishes that are not only delicious but also true to their cultural roots. It's evident that the team at Zab Bite is passionate about delivering an authentic Thai dining experience, and they excel in doing so.

I must also mention their vegetarian and vegan options, which are plentiful and just as scrumptious as their meat counterparts. As a vegetarian, I appreciate a restaurant that goes the extra mile to cater to diverse dietary preferences.

In conclusion, Zab Bite is a gem in Vancouver's culinary scene. If you're a Thai cuisine enthusiast or someone looking to explore the flavors of Thailand, I highly recommend paying a visit to this fantastic restaurant. It's an experience you won't forget, and I can't wait to return for more of their mouthwatering dishes. Zab Bite has certainly earned its spot on my list of favorite dining spots...