We were looking for a quiet place for dinner. One that was near where we lived in Burnaby, and one that was actually open on a Monday. When I don’t have anywhere specific in mind I always gravitate towards Asian cuisine, and today that was specifically Thai. Our first 3 suggestions for each other were closed, so here we were at Chad Thai as the last Thai resort.
Honestly, it is not the best for Thai, and after today’s experience, not the one I would visit again. I have been dining at this restaurant for years, after first being introduced to it by my mother.
Since then the restaurant has aged and the owners having failed to up keep it. Multiple price increases are visible pasted over white out strips, showing the age, along with the frayed and tattered bound menu.
Similarly the settings were worn, the space felt dirty and dingy. And my guest pointed out the cup with tooth brush and other oral instruments on the front counter/bar, within eye-line of customers. This was highly unappetizing, and in hindsight, I should’ve walked out then and there. But the mentality of not causing problems, and the need to find plan E felt unappealing.
I was put off, so no matter how good the food was, and how it did satisfy, I cannot will my self to return again.
On to the food. I am a fan of curry, and when choosing of colour I gravitate towards green. Although, the truth is they taste fairly similarly, and the difference lies in the colour of peppers used. Yellow tends to be the sweetest, red a sharp pepper flavour, and green comes with a bitterness. Each curry is sweetened with coconut milk, giving it a creamy finish. We had it with thick chunks of chewy white chicken meat along with a collection of peppers, pumpkin, green beans and eggplant. All the vegetables I liked. The sauce is also so flavourful that I liked it as is over plain rice as well.
Another go to Thai order for me is Pad Thai with tiger prawns. I find prawns the ideal protein, a subtle taste and gentle chew to match the flow of the pasty noodles. Tangy with tamarind and tasty with garlic, I have yet to meet a pad Thai I didn’t like.
And for a fresh side and some vegetable, we had the Thai salad. Plenty of julienne green papaya that resembles noodles topped with crispy green beans and beansprouts, juicy tomatoes wedges, and plenty of crunchy peanuts. As enjoyable to look at as it is tasty.
And of course to drink we had to get the Thai iced tea, there is no drink like it. Caffeine forward with a milky creaminess, plus a sweet finish. A delicious in between bites sip.
Once again I don’t think I will be coming back to Chad Thai anytime soon. Given what I can see, I can only fear what is not visible and in their kitchen, where the food is made. Sad because I do believe in supplying small, local, and community driven cafes such as these. Although at the same time am sure I can find another similar Thai restaurant a few blocks away.
Chad Thai Restaurant
4010 E Hastings St, Burnaby, BC V5C 2H9
+1 604-677-1489
chadthai.herokuapp.com
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the blog about Chad Thai. It’s great to see how the restaurant has evolved while still maintaining its authentic Thai flavors. The detailed review of the updated menu and ambiance makes me eager to visit and experience the changes for myself. Kudos to Chad Thai for continuously delighting their customers with delicious dishes and a welcoming atmosphere!
I appreciate you sharing this valuable information. In my opinion, it’s fantastic.
https://gjepc.org/