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2026 CHOPSBOOK Golden Chopsticks: Toronto's Best Thai Cuisine – Quick Look

Wondering which Thai restaurant is Toronto's best in 2026? The results are in for the CHOPSBOOK Golden Chopsticks Awards 2026 'Thai Cuisine' in Toronto! After intense online nominations and voting on Threads, Koh Lipe Thai Kitchen has been crowned the 'People's Choice Strongest' winner, thanks to its authentic and spicy Southern Thai flavors.

The full list of nominated restaurants for the Toronto 'Thai Cuisine' series includes:

CHOPSBOOK Golden Chopsticks Awards: Toronto Thai Cuisine Voting Recap

As Canada's local restaurant review and food guide platform, CHOPSBOOK is dedicated to discovering and promoting diverse culinary cultures. Our 'CHOPSBOOK Golden Chopsticks Awards' is a public vote-based restaurant award series hosted on Threads, aiming to harness the power of netizens to collectively select the 'People's Choice Strongest' winners for each culinary theme.

This edition of the 'Golden Chopsticks Awards' focused on 'Thai Cuisine' in Toronto. Starting with broad nominations, netizens eagerly recommended their favorite Thai restaurants. Through several days of daily elimination rounds, the community rallied to advance their beloved eateries to the finals. Ultimately, a comprehensive nomination list was compiled for the final round of voting, culminating in the selection of Toronto's most cherished Thai cuisine winner.

2026 CHOPSBOOK Golden Chopsticks Winner: <a href="https://www.chopsbook.com/en/restaurants/koh-lipe-thai-kitchen-toronto-a7671" target="_blank">Koh Lipe Thai Kitchen</a>

As expected, the 'People's Choice Strongest' winner of the 2026 CHOPSBOOK Golden Chopsticks Awards 'Toronto Thai Cuisine' is Koh Lipe Thai Kitchen and its Scarborough location Koh Lipe Thai Kitchen Scarborough. This restaurant is renowned for its authentic and spicy Southern Thai cuisine, having received Michelin recommendations for several years, affirming its culinary excellence.

Brand Insights: Southern Thai Flavors in Toronto

The name 'Koh Lipe' comes from a beautiful tropical island in Southern Thailand, and the restaurant's founder, Patrick Suksaen (Phanom Suksaen), is indeed from Southern Thailand. He recognized that Thai cuisine in Toronto often focused on Northeastern papaya salad (Som Tum) or Northern khao soi, and he aimed to bring the unique spiciness and rich flavors of his home region to Canada. Patrick arrived in Canada in 2008 as an engineer, but his passion for authentic home-style food led him to the restaurant industry. He co-founded Koh Lipe Thai Kitchen with his partner Gotch Klangtongduang, dedicated to offering genuine Southern Thai delicacies. Notably, Patrick's culinary ventures are extensive; besides Koh Lipe, he has been involved in establishing Larb Muang, Kati (a Thai gelato shop), Eat BKK, Savor Thai, Som Tum Jinda, and the latest Thai fusion restaurant Le Lert Thai Bar & Restaurant, all aimed at introducing diverse regional Thai cuisines to Toronto.

Signature Dishes: Rich Spices, Intense Heat

The cuisine at Koh Lipe is characterized by its 'rich spices and intense heat,' embodying the essence of Southern Thai cooking.

Pad Thai: As a classic of Thai cuisine, Koh Lipe's Pad Thai offers a balanced flavor profile, making it a favorite for many diners.
Green Curry Beef: This dish is particularly praised by Michelin, featuring tender beef in a rich green curry sauce, infused with unique Southern Thai spices, offering a deeply flavorful and satisfyingly spicy experience. Traditionally, it may include plantains and stink beans for a distinctive taste.
Local Stinky Beans (Petai): For adventurous eaters, Koh Lipe's dishes with local stinky beans are definitely worth trying. This ingredient is popular in Southern Thailand and Southeast Asia, known for its unique aroma and texture, which develops a special flavor when cooked.
Keto Menu: Thoughtfully, Koh Lipe also offers a Keto menu to cater to diverse dietary needs, ensuring more people can enjoy their delicious Thai dishes.

Whether you're a devoted fan of Thai cuisine or eager to experience authentic Southern Thai flavors, Koh Lipe Thai Kitchen is an unmissable culinary destination in Toronto.

Golden Chopsticks Awards 2026 Toronto Thai Cuisine: Other Nominated Restaurants

Thai Basil (Richmond Hill)

Thai Basil in Richmond Hill has been serving authentic Thai cuisine to the York Region since 2005, renowned for its Pad Thai, Green Curry, and lunch specials. The restaurant emphasizes using fresh ingredients and spices directly imported from Thailand, with an interior design inspired by the 1999 film 'Anna and the King.' Signature dishes include Lobster Pad Thai, Emerald Salmon, and various curries, alongside authentic Green Mango Salad and Som Tum.

EAT BKK Thai Kitchen & Bar (Steeles, Toronto)

EAT BKK Thai Kitchen & Bar (Steeles) offers a diverse menu of Thai dishes, including classic Pad Thai, spicy Pad Kaprao Kai Dow (minced meat with holy basil and fried egg), and rich Green and Red Curries. The restaurant also provides vegan options and large sharing portions, with Thai popular fried chicken with spicy salad and Pineapple Fried Rice being particularly favored.

Salad King (Toronto)

Salad King is a landmark at Yonge and Dundas in Toronto, famous for its customizable, fast, and affordable Thai food, popular among students and downtown workers. Diners can choose their protein with various noodles, soups, curries, or rice dishes, and adjust the spice level from 1 to 20 chilies. Signature dishes include the classic Pad Thai, flavorful Green Curry, and 'Thai Islamic Noodles' from their 'secret menu.' The restaurant also offers Halal, vegan, and gluten-free options.

Thai Barn Na (Mississauga) & Thai Barn Na (Etobicoke)

Thai Barn Na is a family-owned restaurant, featuring authentic family recipes passed down through generations. Signature dishes include the daily fresh Pad See Ew (stir-fried flat rice noodles), Northern Thai Khao Soi (curry noodles), 'My Best Pad Thai,' Pad Kra Prao with a fried egg, and their homemade TBN Fried Chicken. The Mississauga location exclusively offers a coconut milk-free 'Jungle Curry.' The restaurant is Halal-certified and provides gluten-free and vegan choices.

Le Lert Thai Bar & Restaurant (Toronto)

Le Lert Thai Bar & Restaurant is a new Thai fusion concept from the team behind Koh Lipe and Savor Thai. 'Le Lert' signifies 'elegant, excellent, supreme.' The restaurant's distinctive approach infuses the balanced flavors of Thai cuisine (sour, sweet, spicy, salty) into Western dishes, such as Thai-flavored pasta, tartare, Eggs Benedict, and burgers. Signature dishes include Grilled Beef with Thai Holy Basil & Crispy Egg (Pad Krapow Neua), Black Ink Fried Rice with Grilled Squid, Cashew Nut Chicken Stir-Fry, and Super Pa Loh. It also collaborates with Daan Go Cake Lab for creative desserts and Plearn Cafe for trendy Thai beverages.

Isaan Der - Thai Kitchen & Bar (Richmond Hill)

Isaan Der - Thai Kitchen & Bar specializes in Northeastern Thai (Isaan) cuisine. Menu highlights include traditional Som Tum (papaya salad), Thong Pong Grob, Calamari, and Thai Shrimp Cakes. Their Pad Kee Mao (drunken noodles) and Tom Yum Soup are also popular, along with a luxurious Lobster Tom Yum Hot Pot. The restaurant offers an appetizer platter to sample a variety of their authentic small bites.

Jatujak (Richmond Hill)

Jatujak (Richmond Hill) brings the vibrant flavors and energy of authentic Thai street food from Bangkok's markets to Richmond Hill. The restaurant serves freshly made Thai dishes using quality ingredients and traditional recipes, including popular Pad Thai, Khao Soi, Mango Sticky Rice, and handcrafted cocktails. Other recommended dishes include Jatujak Fried Rice and Seafood Tom Yum, with curries such as Gaeng Massaman, Green Curry, and Red Curry also available.

Maya Bay Thai (Toronto)

Maya Bay Thai is a hidden gem in Cabbagetown, known for its extensive menu of unique Thai classics. Head chef Prasopchok Trakulphat is said to be a former 'Iron Chef' from Bangkok, crafting elevated dishes meant for sharing. Must-try items include Poo Nim Phad Pong Karee (soft-shell crab curry) and Tom Klong Linguine, featuring crispy pork belly and katsuobushi flakes. They also offer Green Curry Chicken, Maya Pad Thai, Khao Soi, Mango Salad, Pineapple Fried Rice, and Leng Saap (spicy pork bone soup).

THAI NYYOM (Toronto)

THAI NYYOM in Toronto is recognized for its authentic Thai flavors and friendly service. The restaurant offers a concise menu with daily chef's specials, featuring signature dishes like Khao Soi and Chicken Rice (Thai-style Hainanese chicken rice, Khao Man Kai). Other offerings include Mango Salad, Thai Styled Chicken Wings, Vegan Thai Rice, and Crispy Chicken Skin. Desserts like Coconut Layer Cake and Ta-Go are also available. The restaurant prides itself on using scratch-made curry pastes for genuine taste.

Larb Muang (Toronto)

Larb Muang is the latest project by the Koh Lipe team, specializing in Northern Thai cuisine. Led by Chef Porpy Aq, the menu features less common Northern Thai dishes such as Larb Kua (stir-fried minced pork and intestine), Kai Pan (grilled egg omelettes in banana leaf), and Khao Kan Chin (steamed jasmine rice with pork blood). Khao Soi is also a featured dish. Desserts include Mor Kaeng (taro custard with coconut milk) and sweetened black sticky rice.

Sala Modern Thai Kitchen (Danforth Ave, Toronto)

Sala Modern Thai Kitchen serves exemplary Thai standards from all regions of Thailand, presented with elegant twists. The menu includes vegan Mango Sticky Rice, Spring Rolls, Thai Calamari, Chef MO Pad Thai Chicken (also available with King Prawn or Lobster), and egg-wrapped Pad Thai. Curries like Kheaw Waan Green Curry, Paneng Curry, and Pad Gra Pao are also popular. They also offer Khao Soi and Green Mango Salad.

LHAO (Toronto)

LHAO is a new venture from Patrick Suksaen's team, bringing Thai-Chinese fusion cuisine inspired by Bangkok's Chinatown (Yaowarat) to Toronto. Led by renowned Thai chefs Roj and Jojo, with 30 years of culinary experience, the restaurant is known for its 'star-rated' roasted duck (a Thai-flavored Peking Duck hybrid), spicy salt and chili shrimp, pork-stuffed tofu skin rolls, fish maw soup, and whole fried sea bass. The dishes highlight intense wok-hei and a harmonious blend of Chinese spices with Thai flavors.

Kiin (Toronto)

Kiin is a refined Thai dining establishment founded by acclaimed Chef Nuit Regular and Jeff Regular, specializing in Royal Thai-inspired cuisine and exploring Thailand's diverse culinary traditions. The restaurant offers a seasonal multi-course Chef's Tasting Menu, showcasing Chef Nuit's creativity and exquisite cooking techniques. Dishes emphasize balance and precision, utilizing premium seasonal ingredients from Thailand and regional Canada. Past menu items have included betel leaf-wrapped spiced prawn paste, lobster tom yum soup, and braised short rib in curry paste.

Chiang Mai (Various Toronto Locations)

Chiang Mai Thai Kitchen has multiple locations across Toronto, known for its authentic Thai cuisine, with a particular specialty in Northern Thai Khao Soi. Other popular dishes include their Famous Pad Thai, Pad See Ew, Green Curry, Panang Curry, Pad Kra Pao (Holy Basil), Crispy Chilli Chicken, and Pineapple Fried Rice. They also offer refreshing Thai Green Mango Salad and various traditional soups like Tom Yum and Tom Kha.

Pii Nong Thai Yonge - Eatery & Experience (Toronto)

Pii Nong Thai Yonge offers a comprehensive Thai dining experience, featuring a restaurant, market, and massage services. Highlights from their menu include Pandan Leaf Chicken, Pla Neung Manao (steamed fish), Smoked Gai Yang (grilled chicken), Som Tum Papaya Salad, Green Coconut Curry, Pad See Ew Beef, and their rich Braised Beef Rib + Beef Brisket Khao Soi. They also offer Chef Nong's signature Mango Sticky Rice and a grand three-tiered Thai-style surf & turf platter.

Som Tum Jinda (Toronto)

The Michelin-recognized Som Tum Jinda, founded by chef-owner Patrick SukSaen, specializes in Northeastern Thai (Isaan) cuisine. Named after Patrick's grandmother Jinda and her original papaya salad recipe, the restaurant focuses on the bold and fiery flavors characteristic of Isaan cooking. Their specialty is Som Tum (papaya salad), particularly the Isaan-style with fermented fish paste, and the signature Tom Puu Nam Pla (salted crab papaya salad). Kor Moo Yang (grilled pork jowl) is another highly popular dish. Additionally, they offer Pad See Ew, Panang Curry, Larb, and Nham Khao Tod (crispy rice salad with sour pork).

Savor Thai Toronto

The team behind Savor Thai Toronto is also involved with Koh Lipe and Le Lert. The restaurant focuses on traditional Thai dishes with an emphasis on balanced flavors. Popular menu items include Fried Calamari ('Muek Tod'), Chicken Satay ('Gai Satay'), Spring Rolls ('Po Pia Tod'), and Tom Yum Goong (shrimp soup). They also serve Dark Soy Sauce Stir-Fried Beef ('Pad See Iew Neau'), Drunken Stir-Fried Duck ('Ped Pad Kee Mao'), and Curry Powder Stir-Fried Shrimp ('Goong Pad Pong Garee'). Desserts feature Mango Sticky Rice and Thai Tea Tres Leches Cake.

Khao San Road (Toronto)

Khao San Road is a highly popular restaurant in downtown Toronto, celebrated for its lively atmosphere and authentic Bangkok street food. Signature dishes include Pad Kee Mao (drunken noodles), Garlic Chicken, Papaya Salad (Som Tum), Khao Soi (egg noodles curry), and Massaman Curry. The restaurant also offers a dedicated vegan menu, as well as specialty appetizers like fresh rolls and squash fritters.

PAI (Toronto)

PAI is one of Toronto's most celebrated Thai restaurants, founded by renowned Chef Nuit Regular and Jeff Regular. The restaurant focuses on authentic Northern Thai comfort food and street food, distinct from Kiin's Royal Thai cuisine. Known for its genuine flavors and vibrant dining experience, popular dishes include various Pad Thai creations, Pad Gra Prow, Massaman Curry, and Khao Soi.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which is the best Thai restaurant in Toronto?
According to the public vote in the CHOPSBOOK Golden Chopsticks Awards 2026 'Thai Cuisine' category, Koh Lipe Thai Kitchen and its Scarborough location were chosen as the 'People's Choice Strongest' winners, highly praised for their authentic and spicy Southern Thai dishes.

What are the CHOPSBOOK Golden Chopsticks Awards?
The CHOPSBOOK Golden Chopsticks Awards is a public vote-based restaurant award series organized by CHOPSBOOK on Threads. Its aim is to identify the 'People's Choice Strongest' restaurants in various culinary themes and cities through community nominations and voting. This award has featured multiple 'chapters,' with this edition being the 'Toronto Thai Cuisine' chapter.

How can I participate in the Golden Chopsticks Awards voting?
You can participate in the next round of Golden Chopsticks Awards voting by following CHOPSBOOK's Threads account (@chopsbook). We announce nominations and daily battle results on Threads, allowing everyone to participate and support their favorite restaurants!

What are Koh Lipe Thai Kitchen's special dishes?
Koh Lipe Thai Kitchen specializes in authentic Southern Thai cuisine, characterized by its abundant spices and intense heat. Must-try recommendations include the classic Pad Thai, the Michelin-recommended Green Curry Beef (traditionally served with stink beans), and local stink bean dishes. The restaurant also offers a Keto menu.

What Thai dishes, other than Pad Thai, are worth trying in Toronto?
Toronto boasts many excellent Thai restaurants offering a rich variety of choices! For instance, you could try Northern Thai specialties like Khao Soi, with outstanding renditions found at Chiang Mai and Khao San Road. Explore Isaan cuisine with Som Tum (papaya salad) and grilled pork jowl (Kor Moo Yang), with Som Tum Jinda being a top choice for these. For Thai-Chinese fusion, LHAO's 'star-rated' roasted duck offers a unique experience.

Thank You for Participating, Stay Tuned for the Next Chapter!

The CHOPSBOOK Golden Chopsticks Awards 2026 'Toronto Thai Cuisine' has concluded successfully! We sincerely thank every netizen who participated in the nominations and voting. Your enthusiastic support makes this award series even more meaningful and representative.

Want to discover more Canadian culinary delights, or leave your 'rave' or 'rant' reviews for other restaurants? Register now to become a CHOPSBOOK member! Visit each restaurant's dedicated page to share your authentic dining experiences and help more foodies find their next favorite meal!

Continue to follow our social media channels to stay updated on the announcement of the next Golden Chopsticks Awards theme!

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Threads (for participating in the next Golden Chopsticks voting): @chopsbook
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