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 suggestions, we recommend our list of 12 good bring your own wine restaurants with flavours from elsewhere, or our good, nice and cheap addresses!
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. Photo Alison Slattery
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! Photo Alison Slattery
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. Photo Restaurant Mae Sri
Montréal
Pamika Brasserie Thai
Pamika Thai Brasserie is simply one of the best Thai restaurants in town. Pamika Sukla succeeds in offering an authentic and accessible cuisine, without falling into the trap of Americanization. Our favorite is the Tom Kha Kai soup, which finely blends coconut milk and lemongrass for a soup that is as comforting as it is fresh. Small dishes to share, a friendly atmosphere, good cocktails and a warm decor: this address has everything to please!
Montréal
