There’s more to life than pad thai. Like, for example, hot and sour soup. And eight-spice chicken. And cold beer. Here, Vancouver’s top Thai joints.
Maenam
Take in traditional Thai flavours in this bamboo-laden room. Top Vancouver restauranteur Angus An and his Bangkok-born wife met working at the first Michelin-starred Thai restaurant in Europe, London’s Nahm, where they learned the art of creating royal cuisine like curry of sable fish and eight-spice fish. 1938 West 4th Ave., 604-730-5579.
Sawasdee
Vancouver’s first Thai restaurant, this Main Street mainstay is still one of the best. The spicy Crying Tiger Beef will have you shedding tears of joy into your tom yum pak, their finest soup. 4250 Main St., 604-876-4030.
Tropika
Malaysian meets Thai at this trio of sleek restaurants. Grab a table by the window at the Robson Street location and tuck into the flavourful aromatic fare, unlike anything you’d find at other Thai spots. Deep-fried chicken wings with red bean cheese sauce anyone? 1128 Robson St., 604-737-6002; 2975 Cambie St., 604-879-6002; 4151 Hazelbridge Way, 604-233-7002.
Sala Thai
A popular stop for hungry Hollywood types — Robin Williams is a repeat customer — this friendly spot lures in crowds with its classic curries. The downtown destination also serves up the best tom yum soup in town. 102-888 Burrard St., 604-683-7999.
Montri’s
This busy neighbourhood nook sets Kitsilano mouths on fire with a long list of authentic dishes. Five-chili heat is only for “addicts, masochists and Thai nationals” the menu warns. “Order beer and tissues with these dishes.” 3629 West Broadway, 604-738-9888.
Image courtesy of *vlad*.
