Nuit and Jeff Regular, the husband and wife duo that brought northern Thai cuisine to Toronto’s attention unveiled a new lunch concept last month called Pai Market.
Thai cuisine is often recognized first for the breadth of street food options. Single proprietor stands dot the streets and fresh produce markets with prepared food vendors are abundant throughout the country. When chef Nuit was working as a nurse back in Chiang Mai, Jeff would often bring her lunch for them to share from one of the local markets.
Now, some of their favourite flavours are available from a daily lunch counter in a newly expanded section of their Duncan Street restaurant, which is also available for private rental in the evening.
“We wanted to bring that experience here by having a counter at the restaurant with daily prepared street market dishes for customers to pick and choose from,” explains chef Nuit. “It’s a fun and fast way for our customers to enjoy delicious quick lunches.”
Platters of northern Thai sausage, fried pork, crispy pork rings and green chili relish is served with steamed vegetables and sticky rice. Noodle soups with stewed pork ribs and sweet tomato, and curries of braised pork and egg or with jackfruit and beef are ladled from large pots to quickly satiate midday cravings.
Pai Market’s menu will have consistent standbys, however many seasonal dishes, like variations of Thai laap salad and daily specials will be available.
To bring the market experience into full context, imported Thai specialty ingredients, oft unavailable elsewhere in Toronto, are displayed for sale. Fresh Thai vegetables, fruits and herbs are also on offer, if you are inspired to cook your own versions of these transoceanic dishes.
Pai Market will soon be expanding the space once again to include more of a bar concept – a testament to the popularity and persistent drive of this power couple with hearts as warm and approachable as the food they serve.
Prices at Pai Market depend on how many items you choose: 1 item for $10, 2 for, and 3 for $18. These prices may vary for specials.
