The fragrant aroma of lemongrass, galangal, and fiery chilies hangs in the Calgary air, a tantalizing invitation to a vibrant and growing community of Thai food enthusiasts. Forget bland take-out; Calgary’s Thai food scene is a diverse and delightful tapestry woven with authentic family recipes, modern interpretations of classic dishes, and passionate chefs dedicated to bringing the true taste of Thailand to Alberta. Thai cuisine, at its heart, is about balance. It’s a symphony of sweet, sour, salty, spicy, and occasionally bitter notes, all carefully orchestrated to create a harmonious explosion of flavor on the palate. From the creamy richness of coconut milk-based curries to the refreshing tang of salads bursting with lime juice and herbs, Thai food offers something for everyone.
Calgary, with its increasingly sophisticated culinary landscape and multicultural population, has embraced Thai cuisine with open arms. This embrace has led to a proliferation of Thai restaurants, ranging from hidden gems tucked away in unassuming strip malls to upscale establishments offering refined dining experiences. Navigating this delicious landscape can be daunting, but fear not! This guide is your passport to exploring the best Thai restaurants Calgary has to offer, highlighting the variety, authenticity, and sheer deliciousness that makes this cuisine so irresistible. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Fine Dining Thai Experiences
For a special occasion or an evening when you want to indulge in a more sophisticated Thai dining experience, Calgary boasts several restaurants that elevate the cuisine to new heights. These establishments typically feature elegant ambiance, artfully plated dishes, and a higher price point that reflects the quality of ingredients and the culinary expertise involved.
Consider Bai Tong Thai Cuisine, a restaurant known for its refined atmosphere and meticulously crafted dishes. Their signature dish, the Panang Curry with slow-braised beef short ribs, is a true masterpiece. The rich, creamy curry is perfectly balanced with tender, flavorful beef, creating an unforgettable culinary experience. Located on Macleod Trail, Bai Tong Thai Cuisine offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the flavors of Thailand.
Another excellent choice is Thai Sa-On Restaurant, known for its elegant presentation and innovative menu. Try their Pla Nueng Manow, a steamed whole fish with a spicy lime sauce, which showcases the delicate flavors of the fish perfectly complemented by the zesty, aromatic sauce. Thai Sa-On, situated in the heart of downtown, provides a sophisticated setting for a memorable Thai meal.
Casual Thai Favorites
Sometimes, all you crave is a delicious and satisfying Thai meal in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Calgary has a plethora of casual Thai restaurants that offer just that – perfect for a quick lunch, a family dinner, or a casual get-together with friends. These establishments often feature popular dishes at reasonable prices, making them accessible to everyone.
Notable among these is Sukothai Restaurant, a long-standing Calgary favorite known for its consistently delicious food and friendly service. Their Pad See Ew, wide rice noodles stir-fried with egg, Chinese broccoli, and your choice of protein, is a classic dish done exceptionally well. The noodles are perfectly cooked, and the sauce is flavorful and satisfying. With multiple locations throughout the city, Sukothai is a convenient and reliable choice for a casual Thai meal.
Another popular option is Bahn Thai, a bustling restaurant known for its generous portions and vibrant atmosphere. Their Green Curry is a must-try – a fragrant and creamy coconut milk-based curry with bamboo shoots, eggplant, and your choice of protein. Be sure to specify your desired spice level, as their Green Curry can pack a punch! Bahn Thai, located in the northeast, is a great place to experience the energy and excitement of Thai cuisine.
Hidden Thai Gems and Hole-in-the-Wall Delights
For those seeking a truly authentic and unique Thai experience, Calgary is home to several hidden gems and hole-in-the-wall establishments that offer a glimpse into the heart of Thai cuisine. These restaurants are often family-run businesses with generations of culinary expertise, serving up traditional dishes made with love and care.
Look for Thai Tai Restaurant, tucked away in a strip mall, but is definitely a place worth seeking out. With home cooked flavor and a passion for Thailand this place is a must. Thai Tai’s menu is packed full of all the favourites, but they have their very own authentic recipes. Make sure to check them out for yourself and ask them what they recommend.
Another such gem is Tuk Tuk Thai Street Food. This place provides more of a trendy and casual atmosphere. Tuk Tuk provides all kinds of thai food including street food. If you are in downtown this is a must to check out.
Essential Thai Dishes to Try
No culinary journey through Calgary’s Thai food scene is complete without sampling some of the quintessential dishes that define this vibrant cuisine.
Pad Thai
While ubiquitous, a truly exceptional Pad Thai is a work of art. It should be a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors, with perfectly cooked noodles, crunchy bean sprouts, and a hint of peanut. Look for restaurants that use fresh tamarind paste for that authentic tangy flavor.
Green Curry (Gaeng Keow Wan)
This creamy coconut milk-based curry is a staple of Thai cuisine. The spice level can vary significantly, so be sure to inquire about the heat before ordering. Common ingredients include bamboo shoots, eggplant, bell peppers, and your choice of protein.
Tom Yum Soup
This hot and sour soup is a symphony of flavors, featuring lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, chilies, and fish sauce. It’s typically made with shrimp or chicken and is known for its invigorating and aromatic qualities.
Khao Soi (Northern Thai Curry Noodle Soup)
This creamy and flavorful noodle soup is a specialty of Northern Thailand. It features egg noodles in a rich coconut milk-based curry broth, topped with crispy fried noodles and pickled mustard greens. It’s a truly unique and satisfying dish.
Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niao Mamuang)
This classic Thai dessert is the perfect way to end a meal. Sweet sticky rice is drizzled with coconut milk and served with slices of ripe mango. The combination of textures and flavors is simply divine.
Tips for Ordering and Experiencing Thai Food in Calgary
To ensure a truly enjoyable Thai dining experience in Calgary, keep these tips in mind:
Spice Levels: Thai restaurants typically indicate spice levels using terms like “mild,” “medium,” and “hot.” However, spice tolerance varies greatly, so don’t hesitate to ask your server for guidance or to request a milder or spicier version of a dish.
Dietary Restrictions: Many Thai restaurants in Calgary are happy to accommodate dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free. Be sure to inform your server of any dietary needs when ordering.
Ordering Family Style: The best way to experience the full breadth of Thai cuisine is to order a variety of dishes and share them with your dining companions. This allows you to sample different flavors and textures and discover new favorites.
Ask for Recommendations: Don’t be afraid to ask your server for recommendations. They can often suggest dishes that are not on the menu or that are particularly popular with locals.
Check Reviews: Before trying a new Thai restaurant, take a look at online reviews to get a sense of the restaurant’s quality and service.
Exploring by Location in Calgary
The location can change the feel and experience you are looking for in Calgary.
The downtown core has many great and wonderful options. Such as Basil Box with is Thai Street food with lots of delicious flavours and amazing staff. Basil Box is great for a nice bite. Another great option in downtown is Noodle Box. Noodle box has amazing stir fry noodles that are very authentic and tasty. With lots of great options it has a great vibe and is worth checking out.
Moving into the Southwest Marda loop has a great Thai option called the Thai place. Thai Place has a lot of great options and offers eat in and take out. It is close to many great places in Marda loop so its in a nice spot to grab food after shopping. It has many great ratings so make sure to check it out.
Going into the Northwest we have an amazing place called the Green Chili Thai restaurant. This restaurant has everything from seafood to rice to noodle dishes! Green Chili is a great option if you are in the Northwest.
A Final Word
Calgary’s Thai food scene is a vibrant and ever-evolving culinary landscape that offers something for everyone. From elegant fine dining experiences to casual family-friendly restaurants and hidden gems serving up authentic flavors, there’s no shortage of delicious Thai food to discover. So, embark on your own culinary journey through Calgary’s spicy scene, explore the restaurants mentioned in this guide, and discover your own personal favorites. The rich cultural heritage and the undeniably delicious flavors of Thai cuisine await! Venture out, be adventurous, and let your taste buds guide you. The perfect Pad Thai, the most aromatic Green Curry, and the most unforgettable Thai meal of your life are just waiting to be discovered in Calgary. Remember to support your local Thai restaurants and appreciate the passion and dedication that goes into creating these culinary masterpieces. Now go, eat, and enjoy!
