As Edmonton’s food scene evolves, there seems to be a steady increase in Thai food establishments. Loft Thai Eatery and Siam Thai Kitchen deliciously continue the trend.
It’s in a newer strip mall on 75th street, among all the LRT construction near Roper Road’s industrial area, but don’t let limited access stop you, or its chain-restaurant façade fool you — it’s high-end and legit.
The menu starts with spicy, “world renowned” Tom Yum Goon soup, has classic Thai dishes like green and red curry, and closes with “chef’s creation” delicacies like Braised Duck Confit and Seafood Tom Khlong Cioppino. I rarely read a menu without any automatic “no” answers, but when I read Loft’s, my stomach kept making that noise that lets me know it’s intrigued. So I went with the Seafood Drunken Bucatini, with shrimp, clams and oysters swimming in slightly spicy, and perfectly salty pesto sauce.
Notably, the eatery alters its lunch and dinner menus by size (and price), with smaller portions for lunch (served until 4 p.m.) and the option to make it a combo with spring rolls. But you should always order spring rolls, because they’re spring rolls.
Loft Thai Eatery, 5324 75 St. NW, (780) 466 – LOFT (5638), loftthaieatery.com
— Cory Schachtel
I had heard some good things about this new place on the west end, so I ordered delivery of one of my favourites, the tamarind-and-spice Tom Yum Soup. It has just enough spice to get the sinuses all clear, and a delightful amount of tang to make for a great lunch.
I was impressed enough that I went back for seconds — I ordered the green curry beef. Now, for me, the green curry is a favourite — a dish by which I judge all Thai restaurants. Not only was the basil-rich broth balanced with sweet and spice, the portions were generous to a fault, with red pepper, beef and broccoli swimming in wonderful sea of green.
Highly recommended.
Siam Thai Kitchen, 15883 116 Ave.NW, (780) 455-5060, siamthaikitchen.ca
— Steven Sandor
