The Best Thai Restaurants in Montreal
Thailand has been a very popular destination in recent years. People travel there for the electrifying energy of its capital Bangkok, for the majestic temples that stand in the mountainous landscape of the North, and for the paradisiacal beaches of the numerous small islands of the South. Something to please everyone.
In addition, the so-called “Land of Smiles” offers a colourful cuisine, as unique as it is delicious. The Thai specialize in street food that can be eaten on the go. Light, tasty and spicy dishes with flavours of curry, mint and lemongrass and lots of rice vermicelli. Pad Thai, a dish of rice noodles sautéed in a tamarind and lime-based sauce, remains the undisputed signature dish of Thai cuisine. However, the country has an ancestral culinary culture that never ceases to amaze.
Like many cuisines when they cross the oceans to America, Thai cuisine has become subject to Americanization – where the flavours often lose their authenticity and become sweeter. Fortunately for Montreal foodies, there are a few establishments offering Thai cuisine that know how to pay tribute to its origins.
That’s why we’ve put together our list of the best Thai restaurants in the city. Addresses that offer a little immersion in Thai culture and that temps us to book our plane ticket to Chiang Mai, Bangkok or Kho Samui.
For more delicious suggestions, check out our list of the best Vietnamese restaurants in Montreal.
Restaurant Thaïlande
Thaïlande Restaurant serves good traditional Thai food in a pleasant decor on Bernard Street. The restaurant has been open for more than 17 years and is known for its traditional tables where customers can eat sitting on the floor on cushions. Eating at Thailande is definitely an experience in and of itself! Photo Restaurant Thailand
Montréal
Épicerie Pumpui
Épicerie Pumpui is a small counter/restaurant that opened in November 2017 on St. Zotique Street and offers a great menu with flavours from Thailand! The chef Jesse Mulder, formerly of Chak Wow, learned to cook Thai specialties during his long trips in Thailand. The result is one of Montreal’s most comforting, authentic and delicious addresses; very spicy on occasion too.
Montréal
Thaï Sep
Open since 2011, the small restaurant Thaï Sep welcomes its customers in a simple and friendly decor to savour delicious Lao and Thai dishes! Chef-owner Anouxath Siyavong prepares plates with authentic flavours from his home countries of Laos and Thailand, and the result is exquisite! This little Bring Your Own Wine address offers delicious and affordable dishes that assure you’ll leave satisfied!
Montréal
Mae Sri
Mae Sri is a new Thai restaurant in the McGill Ghetto. The counter specializes in Thai noodles and offers affordable and satisfying dishes for students and others just steps away from the University. Mae Sri offers many classic Thai dishes in a rustic decor. The house specialty is Kuai Tiao, a typical Thai street food dish that can be eaten as a soup or without broth.
Montréal
Pamika Thai
Pamika is quite simply one of the best Thai restaurants in town. Pamika Sukla succeeds in offering authentic, accessible Thai cuisine, without falling into the trap of Americanizing it. A particular favourite is the Tom Kha Kai soup, a delicate blend of coconut milk and lemongrass that is both comforting and fresh. Small dishes to share, a friendly atmosphere, good cocktails and a refined, modern decor (they moved to St. Laurent Boulevard for their tenth anniversary): this address has it all!
Montréal
Pichai
Pichai is the long-awaited new restaurant from the Épicerie Pumpui team. We come here to enjoy dishes typical of Isaan, Thailand’s poorest region, but inhabited by a people with a distinct culture of their own. The menu matches the decor: vibrant, colourful and friendly.
Montréal
Krapow
Krapow is a friendly little address that opened in October 2020 on Mont-Royal Avenue. The menu is simple, with just a few dishes. There are two variations of the famous krapow, one made with beef and the other with Beyond Meat. Although the place is best known for its takeaway dishes, the small space still has a few seats for those who prefer to sample these delicious Southeast Asian dishes in situ.
Montréal
Thammada
Thammada has moved to Bernard Avenue, offering Thai street food in Outremont. The place stands out for its relaxed approach and mouth-watering flavours. On the plates, the chef attempts to present Thailand in its raw state: pad thaï with shrimp sautéed in shrimp oil, satay gai (chicken skewers) and red curry. The house also offers a number of house cocktails inspired by Thai nightlife.
Montréal
