Thai fusion at Maenam. Image credit: Maenam.ca
We at Kitsilano.ca are always on the lookout for that close-to-authentic and addictively delicious Pad Thai – a stir-fried noodle street-food dish that’s hugely popular in Thailand. Having yet to find it in our neighbourhood, here are 5 Southeast Asian restaurants in Kits that do many other dishes of that region wonderfully well.
5 Best Southeast Asian Restaurants in Kits
1. Linh Cafe
This newish and popular Vietnamese cafe with a clean and modern interior has a lovely French flair added to their dishes. Menu items include Pho Bo (beef noodle soup), Cassoulet (hearty bean soup with duck and other meats), Goi Cuon (salad rolls), Mussels & Frites, and a selection of fresh pastries. Lucky for us, it’s now open for dinner as well as brunch and lunch!
Linh Cafe, 2836 West 4th Avenue, (604) 559-4668, Linhcafe.com
2. Spoon Kitchen
Tucked away some steps below sidewalk level, Spoon Kitchen serves up fresh, home-cooked Malaysian meals with some Thai/Indonesian/Singaporean options on their large menu as well. Try the Roti Canai (flaky naan bread with dipping sauce) and the Mango Salad to start, then the Gulai Seafood (curry), and finish with the Pisang Goreng (fried banana) for dessert. Spoon Kitchen delivers too.
Spoon Kitchen, 1909 West 4th Avenue, (604) 428-6368, Spoonkitchen.ca
3. Noodle Box
Love it or loathe it, we think the Noodle Box is always a great option for Southeast Asian take-out cravings (though you can eat in as well). Watch as the young tropical-backpacker-type chefs sizzle your noodle or rice dishes fast and furious. Best bets are the Thai Green Curry, the Black Bean and Garlic noodle dish, and the Malay Style Fried Rice.
Noodle Box, 1867 West 4th Avenue, (604) 734-1310, Noodlebox.net
4. Maenam
For highbrow Thai fusion cuisine, head over to modern but inviting Maenam for lunch or dinner. Their beautiful creations are both esthetically pleasing and a surprising delight for your palate. For something different, try the Banana Blossom Salad to start, then the Aromatic Curry of Duck Leg for a main, and the Rice Doughnuts for dessert.
Maenam, 1938 West 4th Avenue, (604) 730-5579, Maenam.ca
5. Ryles Sandwiches
Specializing in Vietnamese Banh Mi (sub sandwiches), this little clean counter restaurant is at the back of a convenience store. Choose from about 10 different fillings for your Banh Mi made fresh in front of you. Salad rolls and Vietnamese-style coffee also available. Open only from 11am-6pm daily.
Ryles Sandwiches, 3277 West Broadway, (604) 428-4267, no website
Last modified: February 3, 2015
