Baan Thai
1117 Blanshard St.
250-383-0050
http://www.baanthaivictoria.com
I have tried a few other Thai restaurants in Victoria, but Baan Thai remains my faithful haunt when I’m craving a hearty meal with some spice. The servers are always uber-friendly, smiles from ear to ear, very quick, and very enthusiastic. I always feel welcomed, mostly because I’ve been here quite often and I know a few of the people who work there now. I’ve taken my family here before
( as they had never tried Thai food before), and Baan Thai delivered an approachable and palate-pleasing representation of Thai food. I agree with some of the other reviewers that the spice level isn’t bang-on authentic, BUT, you can adjust heat with the chili wheel, OR you can be adamant that you sincerely want it SPICY.
My good friend K and I mutually agreed that Baan Thai would be a good meal to take for a picnic, so we swung by to grab some take-out. I ordered one of my favourites, Panang Gai($13.50), and K ordered a veggie curry, Gaeng Gak($11.50). We both got side orders of coconut rice to soak up all the gorgeous coconut sauce, and some iced teas to chill our tongues.
As always, my Panang Gai induced an orgasmic twitching sensation at first bite, a nice medium spice and a smooth textured sauce. Bell peppers were interspersed amongst thinly sliced strips of chicken, and topped with a garnish of a chiffonade of kaffir lime leaf. K’s red curry looked equally as delicious, with bamboo shoots, tofu, fresh veg, and thai basil. The coconut rice was cooked to perfection, luscious and creamy. The portions are huge, and if you are eating in at Baan Thai, the dishes are ideal for sharing between your group, try a little bit of everything! Their peanut sauce is out of control.
I know I am going on a maniacal rant, but I really do love this place. The decor is quirky and colourful, with a lot of quality furnishings. The service is solid, and the food always leaves me feeling full and happy. Get on the Baan Thai bandwagon!
UPDATE: I went to Baan Thai last week and tried their Green curry for the first time. I courageously ordered it hot, and it was HO. Sweat came out of the back of my head, it was a challenge. It was delicious, but a few litres of water were consumed. Medium would be a safer bet for the green curry. Cheers!
