Winnipeg's Thai restaurant scene has grown rapidly in the last 20 years. It all started with Thailand’s gastro-diplomacy in the late 90s when the government of Thailand took investment in opening Thai restaurants all over the world, particularly in North America.
They ran Thai culinary training programs to send chefs abroad and operate restaurants with authentic Thai ingredients and cooking methods. This definitely paid off here, as Winnipeg has elite Thai restaurants today run by owners who take pride in preserving the culture and flavours.
Just remember: if you want it spicy, you’ll have to ask, as most Winnipeg spots tailor to palates that don’t want too much heat.
Here's my picks for the best Thai in Winnipeg.
Siam Authentic Thai Cuisine | 587 St Anne's Rd
Siam Thai is Winnipeg's only Thai restaurant awarded the “Thai SELECT Signature” certification by the Royal Thai Government, and is only one of only nine restaurants to have received this “signature” certification in Canada. It's a gem in River Park South, and I love coming here during the weekdays as they have the best lunch combos that come with their famous Thai spring rolls. Siam Thai recently renovated the dining room, creating an ambiance that is now fitting of the quality of its cuisine. My favourites here are the coconut prawns, golden purses, stir fry chicken with cashew over rice, and panang curry.
Siam Authentic Thai Cuisine is open Monday 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., closed Tuesday, Wednesday to Thurs 11:30-8:30 p.m., Saturday 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Sukhothai Restaurant | 191 Osborne St
For over 20 years Sukhothai has been a Thai staple in Osborne Village. I've been here for many birthday dinners and celebrations it's always a crowd hit. You have to start off with their famous stuffed chicken wings, which are deep fried and crispy and filled with ground chicken breast, silver noodles and herbs. Seriously so crispy and juicy! I also highly recommend the mango salad, mee krob (crunchy egg noodles in a sweet and sour sauce), pad kiew waan (green curry), and massaman (a luscious curry with potato).
Sukhothai Restaurant is open Tuesday to Friday 11:30 a.m. to 10:15 p.m., Saturday to Sunday 3 p.m. to 10:15 p.m.
Magic Thailand Restaurant | 842 Logan Ave
I would call Magic Thailand the pioneer of Thai Restaurants in Winnipeg, as they have mentored and trained so many local chefs when it comes to Thai cuisine. I've been dining at Magic Thailand for over 20 years and this place is widely known as the best Thai food in the city. I hadn't been in for a couple of years and was impressed that they did a renovation and had Magic Thailand logo in big neon lights. My go-to orders here at the crab rangoon, three mushroom panang (so many pleasant chewy textures from the various mushrooms), and red curry with fish.
Magic Thailand Restaurant is open Monday to Friday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. then 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Sabai Thai Eatery | 1113 Corydon Ave
Sabai Thai Eatery has been on Corydon Ave since 2007. Its Laotian owners, the ever-present, hard-working and super friendly Manivongs are always bustling in the kitchen and dining room, with matriarch Vilayphone Manivong (who co-owns the restaurant with her sister Supasorn Sayavongsa) first learning to cook at Magic Thailand. I live in Crescentwood and it's a popular hub by my friends to dine in and and pickup. My mainstays here are the summer rolls (order extra peanut sauce) and pad Thai, while my absolute favourite here is the green curry soup. If you want some heat, check out the lettuce wraps from the “something different” section. Get them with the crispy beef and watch how much house-made sauce (which is like a chili crunch) you put on, as a little dollop of that stuff goes a long way.
Sabai Thai Eatery is open Monday to Saturday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
KYU Bochi | 870 Logan Ave
Another creation by my friends Calvin and Peet of KYU Grill, KYU Bochi brings a modern twist to Thai cuisine. They have the best soups, as all the broths have an explosion of flavour and plenty of depth, and I highly recommend the tom yum and the creamy Chiang Mai khao soi. Also check out the Thai fried rice, Thai fish cakes, chicken panang, and Thai chicken bites. All the plates here are so colourful too, while service––even for delivery via an app––is quite fast. There’s no real sign on the door, so look for the building on the corner of Logan and Beacon, as this is a real hidden gem.
KYU Bochi is open Monday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Carter Chen has an unbridled passion for Winnipeg and its food scene. He truly savours life, one delicious bite at a time. Check out some of his other contributions to Peg City Grub: Mapping out the city's culinary scene: PT 4 - South Pembina, Winnipeg late night eats guide, Carter Chen's best restaurant experiences in 2022 and Winnipeg Middle Eastern food guide.
