The Best Pad Thai in Montreal
Pad Thai, the jewel of Thai cuisine, has a fascinating history dating back to the last century. This iconic dish has become the symbol of a nation that has skilfully blended flavours to create an unforgettable culinary experience.
The history of pad Thai dates back to the Second World War, a period when Thailand was seeking to promote its national identity. The Prime Minister at the time, Plaek Phibunsongkhram, initiated a series of cultural reforms, including changes in diet. The government encouraged the consumption of rice noodles, a local alternative to imported wheat noodles. It was against this backdrop that pad thai was born, as a dish that embodied the newly asserted Thai identity.
Pad Thai was born of the creativity of street chefs who transformed simple rice noodles into a deliciously balanced dish. The choice of ingredients has evolved over time, but the basis of the dish has remained the same: rice noodles stir-fried in a wok, mixed with eggs, protein ( shrimp, chicken or tofu) and an exquisite sauce.
Now, the sauce is the secret of its success. Made from tamarind, fish sauce, palm sugar and chillies, it offers a perfect balance of sweet, salty, spicy and umami. This unique combination of flavours has conquered palates the world over.
Over the decades, pad thai has become an icon of Thai street food, appreciated as much for its delicious taste as for the visual experience of its dynamic preparation. Whether on the bustling streets of Bangkok or on international menus here at home, pad thai continues to captivate food lovers around the world, recalling its humble beginnings as a dish born of a time of cultural change and self-assertion.
Here’s our list of the best pad thai in Montreal!
Pumpui
L’Épicerie Pumpui is a small counter-service restaurant that opened in November 2017 on rue Saint-Zotique and offers an excellent menu with flavours from Thailand! Épicerie Pumpui’s chef, Jesse Mulder, formerly of Chak Wow, learned to cook Thai specialities during a long trip in Thailand. The result is one of Montreal’s most comforting, authentic and tasty addresses, and one that can be quite spicy too.
Montreal
Restaurant Thaïlande
Restaurant Thaïlande serves traditional Thai cuisine in a welcoming setting on rue Bernard. The restaurant, which has been open for over 17 years, is known for its traditional tables where customers can eat seated on cushions on the floor. Eating at Thaïlande is definitely an experience unto itself!
Montréal
Restaurant Talay Thai
Talay Thaï, founded in 2003, is one of the most popular restaurants in Côte-des-Neiges. It offers a full range of dishes, layering textures and aromas that will take your senses on a journey through Thailand’s finest gastronomic heritage.
Montréal
Thai Sep
Since 2011, this small restaurant has been welcoming its customers in a simple and friendly setting to enjoy tasty Laotian and Thai dishes! Chef-owner Anouxath Siyavong prepares dishes with authentic flavours from his native Laos and Thailand, and the result is exquisite. Thaï Sep is also a Bring Your Own Wine address, so you can enjoy a delicious and affordable meal!
Montréal
HÀ Vieux-Montréal
This festive restaurant in Old Montreal offers an absolutely delicious pad thai.
Montréal
Mae Sri Comptoir Thai
Mae Sri is a small Thai restaurant near McGill University. Specialising in Thai noodles, the counter offers affordable and efficient dishes to satisfy student and non-student cravings just a stone’s throw from the university. Mae Sri offers a number of classic Thai dishes in a rustic setting. The house speciality is Kuai Tiao, a typical Thai street food dish that can be eaten with or without broth.
Montréal
Thammada
Thammada has set up shop on Bernard Avenue, offering Thai street food in Outremont. The place stands out for its relaxed approach and flavours that take you on a journey. On the plates, the chef tries to present Thailand in its raw state: pad thaï with prawns sautéed in prawn oil, satay gai (chicken kebabs) and red curry. Thammada also offers a number of house cocktails inspired by Thai nightlife.
Montréal
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Photography by Mae Sri
