VA2007 - Sala Thai

Authentic Thai Cuisine in a Traditional Setting

Photos: Bruce Law
Seen Right: left to right: Owner Joy Kongsilp; Manager Virat Phomsrichan; Special Guest Chef Instructor Nittreeya Wongsa; Thai Chef Thumrong Kaewboonsong; Thai Chef Arnat Seksantakul .

Just off of bustling Robson Street, where coffee sipping fashionistas, officious looking business types, and high-priced retail shops abound, one of Vancouver's best dining destinations awaits. The moment you step inside, you are immediately transported to the exotic Orient, from the bubbling koi pond in the entranceway to the imposing elephant carved from a single piece of one hundred year old teak, a visit to Sala Thai (meaning Thai Pavillion) induces the most pleasing variety of sensory overload. No expense was spared in furnishing this spacious 200 seat downtown dining room, with its high ceilings and imported artwork. Sleek teak walls, shining brass ornamentation and elegant rattan, adorned with leafy bamboo and purple orchids, provides an intimate setting to savour artfully prepared plates served on gorgeous chinaware.

Since first opening on Cambie Street over 20 years ago, Joy and Sam Kongsilp have been offering Vancouverites the most authentic taste of Thailand. This labour of love has them constantly searching for the freshest product necessary to consistently conjure the exotic flavours of their homeland. Curries, redolent of tamarind and sweet thai basil, nam pla (the prized aromatic fish sauce) and other provisions are flown in fresh from Thailand every week, while local markets provide the kaffir lime, jack fruit, and lemongrass that make the cuisine at Sala Thai so uniquely authentic.

"Many of our repeat customers have been to Thailand," says Joy. "These people have fallen in love with the experience and the exquisite food they enjoyed there. They keep coming back to our restaurant because that's exactly what we offer."

Not only have they survived for two decades in the notoriously cutthroat Vancouver restaurant scene, they have also been consistently reviewed as one of the best in the city. In addition to the numerous local accolades, Sala Thai has been recognized internationally by the Prime Minister of Thailand for outstanding achievement; making them one of only five restaurants worldwide to receive such an honour. They have also had the privilege of serving the Thai Royal family on their visits to Vancouver.

This gem sparkles for shoppers, moviegoers and the local business crowd with its formidable lunch fare and stellar service, and in the evenings, diners will also often spot visiting celebrities staying at the nearby Sutton Place Hotel. Sala Thai ensures that you don't need to update your passport for an exceptional taste of Thailand.

Menu Highlights

Appetizers

Krathonh Tong
Crispy waffle with chicken, shrimp and corn

Vegetarian Springrolls

Golden Angel Wings
Boneless chicken wings filled with seafood, meat, vegetables and vermicelli noodles

Gai Hor Bai Toey
Tender pieces of chicken marinated in a sweet sauce and wrapped in pandanus leaves

Tom Yum Goong
Hot and sour broth, with prawns, exotic spices, mushrooms, lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves

Tiger Beef
Grilled beef in hot sauce, toasted rice, onions and coriander

Som Tom
Green papaya salad

Entrées

Green Curry with Chicken
Eggplant, bamboo shoots, sweet basil leaves in coconut milk, with Thai spaghetti

Gaeng Pa-Naeng
Roast duck sautéed in thick red curry, coconut cream, ground peanuts and basil leaves

Pad Gra Paow
Chicken with sweet basil leaves, onion and chili

Tiger Prawns
Sautéed with crispy garlic, black peppers, broccoli and carrots

Pla Rard Prig
Pan-fried red snapper or salmon with red curry sauce

Pad Thai
Stir fried rice noodles, shrimp, egg, tofu, bean sprouts and ground peanuts

Special Creations

Pa-naeng Tiger Prawns and Scallops

Pad Thai Chao Wang
The original ingredients of the palace and an authentic Thai noodles dish

Desserts

Homemade Coconut Ice Cream

Deep-fried Banana and Ice Cream

Black Sticky Rice Pudding

Tapioca Pudding

Sticky Rice with Mango

Best of the Cellar

White Wines

St. Hubertus Riesling
Kenwood Sauvignon Blanc
Rosemount Chardonnay Reserve
Charton Et Trebuchet Poilly Fuisse
Lingenfelder “Bird Series” Riesling

Red Wines

West Bank “Little Straw” Pinot Noir
Wolf Blass Red Label Shiraz-Cabernet
Wyndham Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Bin 444
Casa Lapostolle Merlot
Concha Y Toro Marques Cabernet
Pere Anselme Châteauneuf Du Pape

Unique Sala Thai Cocktails

Bangkok Bounce: coconut rum, melon liqueur, pineapple juice and Sprite
Chang Mai Dream: gin, mango juice, pineapple juice, grapefruit juice and grenadine
Pattaya Sunset: rum, pineapple juice, mango juice, cream of coconut, lemon juice, grenadine and Sprite
Penang Island: gin, blue curacao, mango juice and lime juice
Thailand Paradise: rum, guava juice, passion fruit juice, pineapple juice, orange juice and tonic
Miss Thailand Coconut Slush

Above: Tom Yum Goong – Hot and sour broth blended with exotic spices, mushrooms, fresh lemon grass and kaffir lime leaves with tiger prawns.

Sala Thai
102-888 Burrard Street, Vancouver, B.C., 604-683-7999
More Information - Websites, Maps and Directions

3364 Cambie Street, Vancouver, B.C., 604-875-6999
More Information - Websites, Maps and Directions