Not always easy to get a table - Torontonians are in the know now of the best Thai in the city. My lady and I visited northern Thailand in 2012 and fell in love with the cuisine. Much different than the southern classics - green/red curry, pad Thai etc - the northern food was rich, complex and comforting. In the town of Pai, we relaxed by the river, ate amazing food and motorcycled around the countryside. The night market there was our favourite in the country. The Pai locals were so welcoming - I recall ending up partying at a local wedding with a family we happened to meet - and the owners of Pai (Toronto) brought that familiar humble, generous culture across the pond.
If you want a short review, here goes: The food is Spectacular.
We have been to Pai (the restaurant) twice now. Once as a couple - and again as a group of 8. The Thai iced tea - orange in colour - with condensed milk - brought me back to the streets of Chiang mai. The Holy Basil they cooked the Pad Gra Pow with is imported from Thailand. I hope to grow some this summer at home. Make sure to try the crispy pork version of this - it was next level awesome.
The sai ua sausage - amazing flavours and glad to see the lemongrass doesn't overpower everything - these guys know what they're doing.
The khao soi was so filling but perfect. Authentic creamy texture with a great spice mix. Classic Thai comfort food with some great crunch. Same can be said for the massaman - perfect for a winters night - but the potato and beef might be too much for a summer meal. Laap salad is a must try for anyone who misses the flavourful sticky rice of northern Thailand. As a group - we started with the Grabong - which was great to share.
Get down here - and wait an hour if there are no tables. Maybe you'll see Michael fassbender. Or the girl from step up (people are flocking from far and wide to sample this amazing food) Or maybe I'll be there! But the food and ambience will Captivate. Enormous cavern of a restaurant - it just keeps going! So tables come up quick. Enjoy :) KAP