Arguably, and often-accepted as, the best Thai restaurant in Toronto, Mengrai also proves to be one of the more convivial dining experiences in a city well-known for unassuming style, thanks in no small part to the charms of owner Allan Lim.
Toronto’s own Mr. Chow creates an ebullient atmosphere, complete with table-hopping and genuine enthusiasm at the arrival of each new party, until nearly everyone in the lovely, low-lit room appears to know one another.
Winner of numerous awards from Bon Appétit, Tourism Toronto, and Fodor’s, Chef Sasi Meechai-Lim (wife of Allan) achieved critical acclaim at Me Thai, Mengrai’s previous incarnation – and was the first female chef from Canada and Thailand to participate in an Iron Chef event.
Located in a former brewery, complete with dumbwaiter, exposed brick walls, and dark wood floors in a neighborhood known as Corktown for its proximity to the Distillery District, Mengrai is but a few blocks south of the Gay Village – and well worth the walk for its superb and authentic Thai cuisine, such as a sublime Bangkok “street style” pad Thai, and the justifiably famous #54 (the number on the menu at Me Thai), a red curry with lychee, infused with kaffir lime leaf and coconut, and served inside a pineapple.
Chef Sasi’s bold re-interpretation of traditional Thai cuisine is the reason to dine here – but we must mention that numerous Hollywood celebrities seem to dine here as well, making Mengrai the Toronto equivalent to Dave in Paris. You’ll want to be here too, basking in Allan Lim’s joie de vivre.
LINK: Mengrai
