Take it from somebody who has lived there: Southeast Asia is a diverse cornucopia of cuisine, with various regional nuances often unseen to the naked eye. Like the rest of that part of the world, Thailand features a unique cross-section of fare, and downtown Toronto offers a pretty good sampling that can be delivered right to your door.
China’s northern cuisine – szechuan – is spicier than its southern counterparts. It’s the opposite case with Thailand’s northern fare. Pai specializes in northern cuisine also, but its signature item, the Gaeng Masaman curry, is actually a central Thai dish – served with braised beef and served with jasmine rice. Delivery hours: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Monday to Saturday), 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (Sunday).
The signature orange cashew nut shrimp here is fantastic, as is the pad see ew (name notwithstanding), a similar dish to the beloved pad thai. Like many dishes from Thailand, pad see ew has notable Chinese and Malaysian influences, but you’ll all the Thai favourites on the menu – from lemongrass curries to sourthern Thai noodles. Delivery hours: 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., Monday to Saturday
Start with a strong selection of rolls at this King West spot – the loaded spring rolls or the deep-fried shrimp rolls will dazzle – then move on to the red curry, with just the right balance of that Thai staple, coconut milk and sweet peppers. Delivery hours: 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. (Monday to Friday), 12 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (Saturday and Sunday).
This Roncies spot is a go-to for authentic Thai for those who need it quick and piping hot, right to their front door. Like vegetarian and spicy? The tofu goreng is for you. Stir-fried with assorted vegetables, it’s served with steamed rice and a peanut sauce. Delivery hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., 7 days a week.
This Queen West spot neighbouring Trinity Bellwoods is master of all the go-to Thai favourites (think: made-fresh pad thai, fresh rolls, and spice Thai curries), alongside lesser seen dishes like the tempting BBQ beef with sticky rice. Insider tip: Mango salad is the old standby of healthy Thai starters, and Thai Elephant does not disappoint here. Minimum delivery order of $30. Delivery hours: 3:30 to 10:30 p.m., 7 days a week