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| - Short version: This is the best Thai restaurant in Toronto, better than Khao San Road , Pad Northern Thai Kitchen, or any other well-known Thai place downtown.
One of the best restaurant experiences I've ever had. Everything from start to finish was magnificent. You must, must go here.
Long version:
My mum was in town and I was hoping to take her to Pad Northern Thai, but they were booked up on the evening we wanted to visit. We weren't going to order takeout, or wait around for hours for a table at Khao San Road, so I searched for Thai restaurants in the east end on Yelp and it led me here.
I saved the restaurant's number on my phone that morning, to call and make a reservation later. Somehow, I must have dialled the number accidentally, because I received a call from the owner around 11.30am. Not only did he go out of his way to call me back and take my booking, but he kept me on the phone for over five minutes chatting (in a genuine, not a creepy way), telling me about the restaurant, where to find it and what dishes he would particularly recommend. He told me that Mengrai had received the official approval of the Thai government for its authenticity in cuisine, something no other restaurant in Canada has achieved. I was blown away by his friendliness and passion for his business!
After talking with the owner, my expectations were high. After locating the restaurant on the slightly deserted and sketchy corner of Richmond and Ontario, we were seated by a wonderfully friendly and knowledgeable server, whose name unfortunately escapes me. Welcoming and chatty but not in our faces, and knowledgeable and helpful about the menu without being pushy, he made our evening a delight.
At his recommendation, all three of us ordered the restaurant's speciality - thai red curry served in a pineapple. The kitchen had no problem in adjusting the spicyness level to adjust my mum's milder preferences, whilst my boyfriend and I stuck to the traditional spice level (6/10 spicy as described by the server).
The presentation of the curry, atop a half-cut pineapple, was stunning. The chicken itself was gorgeous. I'm not sure who Mengrai's suppliers are, but it was top-notch quality. The sauce for the curry was the perfect consistency and mind-blowingly flavourful and aromatic. This was all rounded off by the juice from the pineapple slowly seeping into the curry, giving the dish an extra sweet and unique feel. Absolutely amazing; after one bite you will easily see how this dish has won so many awards.
I was too stuffed to order dessert, and I'm not usually a dessert and especially not a cheesecake person, but after sampling my mum's cheesecake, I was tempted to order one of my own. It was so good, I still think about it. That's quite an accolade from someone who usually recoils at the thought of cheesecake!
The meal wasn't cheap, but this is truly one of those restaurants where its worth every cent. The layout and decor of the restaurant is also gorgeous. It's intimate and romantic while still maintaining a casual, spacious feel.
I'm leaving Toronto for good soon and this meal will stay with me forever. I really encourage everyone to go here - especially those who are tired of the long lines and rushed service at the better-known Thai restaurants downtown.
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