Reviews Sabai Sabai

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Quique Nifco
+5
Amazing place. By far the best Thai food place I have tried in my life. The food was great, you can taste all fresh ingredients and amazing quality. The staff was super friendly and the atmosphere is great. I would definitely recommend it to any locals or if you are visiting TO you can't miss it! Loved it and would go back for sure.
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Paige Aistrop
+5
The food and service is amazing. Love the new space. Fun spot and they serve great cocktails and have an extensive wine list too!
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Wray N Nephew
+5
Was my first visit last night and it was great. Server was helpful n attentive and most importantly the food was delicious! I'll be back and would highly recommend it.
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Mac Ebrahimzadeh
+5
My wife and I will be going back with our 2 boys as they love fresh delicious Thai food too. We knew this place was pretty impressive as tonnes of take out was being placed on tables for pickup and delivery. Meanwhile, within 55 minutes of us grabbing the first table, the restaurant was completely jam-packed before 1230pm...hustling & busting with peanut sauces and coconut curries! mmmm!!
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Claudia Gemme
+5
It was a really great experience! The food, the ambiance were amazing! The owners gave us the best service :) I would highly recommand this place to everyone from the city or travelling.
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Tracy Vanderwyk
+5
Awesome service and food - and a great vegan menu!
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Aoife Ni Shiochain
+5
Amazing, tasty, authentic food- incredible service, friendly staff, great prices! One of my faves in Toronto!
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Vihan Jain
+4
Went with a client for lunch. Get there a little early or be prepared to wait. First restaurant that as you are seated, let's you know you have 1 hour for lunch. Never had that happen. An hour was plenty of time to enjoy lunch. The Tom Yum soup was great and the drunken noodles were outstanding. They won't make your dish super spicy, but brought me plenty of fresh and dried Thai chilies. Will eat here again!
7 months ago
Zomato
Gurpreet Somal
+5
I already miss the Khao Suey at Sabai Sabai! Having travelled the world, I can confidently say it was the best khao suey i’ve ever had so far in my life! Absolutely devoured every last bit of the spicy, well-cooked dish, and look forward to going there again.
Jul 16, 2018
Zomato
Susie Hartkorn
+4.5
Amazing Thai! The spring rolls are great and so is the red curry. I even sampled other friends curries and everything was very yummy. I will definitely be back soon.
Aug 02, 2017
Zomato
Julia C.
+4
Not the warm experience advertised on their website, but really, really good grub. Fried rice is a little heavy on the garlic and soy, and the onions are cut in large slices, which is not what I'm used to, but I couldn't stop eating it. Massamam curry is rich, thick, and unctuous. Pork skewers were great on their own, but the sweet glaze is very well balanced with the spicy fish sauce dip. Their pad Thai, what they call 'street-style noodles' is a lot chili flavour, without much heat; exactly what I wanted.

Chicken satay was a huge bust. Chicken was cooked fine, and the peanut sauce was good (a reduced version of their massamam curry), but when eaten together, the flavours were sadly mulled.

Service was uneven, but friendly.
Mar 26, 2017
Zomato
Pablo
+5
One of the best veggie friendly places I've been to in Toronto. First of all the decoration and overall vibe is simply amazing. The food was also great. We had the panang curry and the green curry. Both great presentation and tasty as hell.
Feb 12, 2017
Zomato
A C
+4
Great place! Came here on a weeknight, the food was great, service was good, had the chicken skewers which were all tender and delicious, Panang and Malassa (sp.) Curries, which were very rich in flavour :)
Lots of people for this newly opened restaurant!
Thai and Laotian for served here. Convenient loc and will come again!
Dec 07, 2016
Zomato
Cuiscenes
+3.5
Just a little east of Yonge and Dundas is a non-assuming restaurant that is home to Chef Nuit's restaurant and bar, Sabai Sabai. A little different from Chef Nuit's other restaurants (ex: Sukhothai and Khao San Road who boast quite similar menus), Sabai Sabai has a more relaxed feel with a tapas-inspired menu reminiscent of classic Thai comfort food.
Feb 28, 2017
Zomato
Korean Food Monster
+4.5
We came here last night, which was a monday and it was filling up quite quickly. If it wasn't for zomato I would never have even given this place a second look. You really can't notice this joint at all. Food was phenomenal, and the decor was really cute as well as the music! We ordered the coconut noodles, shrimp slaw and the pork skewers. Noodles had just the right amount of kick, sweet vs tangy ratio. The shrimp slaw was soooo delicious!! The skewers were really yummy and they were good pieces of meat too. Hands down I love this place way more than Pai. It was a perfect amount of food for 2! There is parking across the street which is $8 and good till 6am. They are moving to a new location at yonge and bloor!! Exciting!!!
Jul 13, 2016
Zomato
Cooking With Alison
+4.5
I am VERY picky about my thai and cambodian food and I Love Sabai Sabai. Although I've yet to try Pai. The food at sabai sabai is flavourful and unique to its competitors. I’ve tried most of the items on their menu and they have all been good, but my favourite dish is the Loatian wings. I suggest making reservations as the tables fill up quickly. I like this restaurant MUCH more than the one-dimensional curries at Khao San Road. But be warned that the portion sizes are very small, so your meal can get quite expensive.
Jul 09, 2016
Zomato
Alex
+4
Made my way here on a Sat evening and was surprised to find a very lively lounge atmosphere inside. Although the space felt kinda cramped, the food was good and priced appropriately. My friend and I shared a green curry, minced pork wraps, and eggplant stir-fry. The pork had a surprisingly heavy hit of spice, but it was balanced well with citrus notes.
Apr 25, 2016
Zomato
Lunny
+4
I had been to Sabai Sabai one time before and liked it, so it was time for another lunchtime visit. They have a regular lunch menu, and they also have a couple of feature/special items. One of the specials was Pad Gra Prao (stir fried pork or chicken with holy basil on rice, topped with a fried egg). I had the chicken, which was finely diced. The egg was soft and a bit runny, which mixed nicely with the chicken and rice. 

Even though the restaurant was more than half full, service was reasonably fast and efficient.
Mar 09, 2016
Zomato
Stenoodie
+4
The House-Made Spicy Lao Sausage was a pork belly sausage seasoned with fresh lemongrass, galangal, lime leaf, shallots, and spices. I thought this was delicious!! I am a huge fan of pork sausages and since this was made with a pork belly, this was a little fatty — but which made it so juicy as well. I really enjoyed it. It arrived freshly made to the table so it was quite hot when eating it. The sauce that it arrived with also brought a light and refreshing taste to the sausage. Yum!
Mar 10, 2016
Zomato
Allen MI
+5
One of the best Thai foods Restos In Toronto. Very authentic and tasty. Very good atmosphere and great service. Everything on the menu is delicious
Jan 31, 2016
Zomato
Ray
+4.5
Overall enjoyed my experience there. Went to catch up with a friend on a Friday night. We were lucky to have gotten a reservation earlier that day. When I arrived, the place was pretty busy. It took a little while for the server to come but the food came pretty quickly. I would definitely go back.
Jan 12, 2016
Zomato
KirstiePerry
+4
It's a great place to eat, love the vibe inside the restaurant (not the outside, lol). I love the shrimp/fish crackers, and the tamarind sauce was the bomb! I even used the sauce for the pork bbq I had, the bbq was pretty good as well. Great Thai resto and the servers were welcoming and friendly.
Jan 12, 2016
Zomato
Allisonafable
+4.5
This was the first restaurant I went to when I visited Toronto. To be honest I thought the place looked sketchy from the outside, but once I got it it was pretty nice. It was pretty chill and the people were really nice. I ordered the crispy fish and it was surprisingly good. If I ever come back to Toronto once i'm legal to drink there (which is weird cause I'm legal to drink at Winnipeg) I would go to this place and enjoy a couple of drinks and good food.
Dec 28, 2015
Zomato
Foodbird
+3.5
Food: Tasty but not super memorable. The flavours lacked complexity after several bites. Portions were on the smaller side.

Atmosphere: This seemed to be a popular weekday lunch spot, with a line-up building after noon. Overall, it was comfortable and homey. I liked the decor.

Service: Attentive and friendly servers. No issues here.
Dec 22, 2015
Zomato
MAtia
+4
Great combination of authentic Thai flavours. The quantity is not overwhelming which allows you to take your time and enjoy the flavours. Please try the lunch menu before trying the dinner on your first visit.
Aug 20, 2015
Zomato
Nucleus Solitarius
+4
Had a few delicious meals here. Crispy fish and the fried eggplant were excellent. The Penang curry was so so tasty. Very cool place with knowledgable and helpful staff. Definitely worth a visit for lunch or dinner. Love places with short menus that make great food.
Jul 31, 2015
Zomato
Sarah D.
+4.5
Tried this place out and couldnt have been happier. I took my boyfriend and hard to please grandparents and everyone loved what they ordered. The service was fast and friendly, and they take great care in the presentation of the meals. Everything looked and tasted fantastic.
Jul 20, 2015
Zomato
Brad Arbour
+5
While planning a trip to Thailand, I came across some Northern Thai dishes that I had never heard of. A quick Zomato search brought me to Sabai Sabai where I was able to try Khao Soi ($9) for the first time. We really enjoyed this new flavourful dish - so much so that we ordered another bowl :P We also had the street-style noodles ($8) and they were also delicious. The restaurant was busy but the staff were friendly and efficient. Overall, we had a very pleasant experience.
Jul 15, 2015
Zomato
Eats T.O.
+4.5
An amazing thai restaurant. Very similar to Khao San Road in terms of dishes but we give a slight edge to Sabai Sabai. The tapas are wonderful, you just can't get enough. The shrimp chips are perfect and are not overly fishy. Overall the stir fried noodles, taro rolls, satay chicken, tom yum soup, garlic shrimp, squash fritters, were delicious and are a must! The chicken wings, green curry were decent. The desserts are a must try! Mango sticky rice and fried banana were some of the best we've ever had!
Jun 22, 2015
Zomato
Joseph Pranadjaja
+4
Another excellent Thai restaurant in downtown T.O. Not as good as its sister restaurant "Pai", but very good nonetheless. Like their tapas style serving, allowing you to order and sample different dishes.
Jun 06, 2015
Zomato
Rick Branham
+4.5
LOVED THIS. Some of the best Thai I've had outside of Thailand. Funky little place with cool artwork, great cocktails, and kick ass Thai. It's definitely on my "must return" list when I'm back in Toronto.
Apr 23, 2015
Zomato
Lise
+4.5
Great food! It's similar to the Khao San road, Pai and Sukothai restaurants. So, yes, it's tasty authentic Thai food. We had a big group and ordered so many dishes, so we got to try almost everything. Not one complaint! And the staff were accommodating, even during a crazy busy Saturday night.
May 10, 2015
Zomato
Mr Tee
+4.5
Loved it! Had taro roll, panang curry, grilled pork salad and street style rice noodles and it was all on point!
Apr 03, 2015
Zomato
Asumi
+4.5
Overall: Amazing authentic Thai food, ideal for date or girl's night, great service, smaller portions 

I have been here multiple times, and every time I come here, it's always a pleasant experience. Food, I've had Red-Flamed Stir Fried Morning Glory, Panang Curry, Fresh Rolls (shrimp), Grilled Pork Salad, Northern Thai Pork Skewers before. My most favourite dishes from here are definitely the Morning Glory and Pork Salad. I may be a little biased, but I stir-fried morning glory is my most favourite dish out of all Thai dishes (Sabai Sabai does an exquisite job preparing this dish). My other favourite from here, the Pork Salad is quite addictive; the pork has that sour-spicy ting that makes you want more. Food aside, everything else is great as well; the ambiance is lively and the servers are very nice. Though one warning I might say is that you might find the portion sizes relatively small. Regardless, I would definitely want to come back here again.
Apr 11, 2015
Zomato
Antones
+4.5
Absolutely amazing. Yet again, Nuit Regular and the team have really pulled it together to deliver outstanding Thai packed with flavours that leave you wanting more! The plates are smaller allowing you to try more dishes... Which we gluttons did! And it was worth it. Definitely keeping this one as our "go to" Thai place.
Feb 21, 2015
Zomato
Kitty
+4.5
The food, drink and ambiance is really good. The only downside is it's kinda pricy.
Feb 11, 2015
Zomato
HM
+4
We sat at the bar because they had no tables on a friday night. Awesome service. The food is great. Each plate was better than the one before it. We are definitely going back.
Dec 06, 2014
Zomato
Heather
+4.5
Tasty. Authentic. Only downfall is that it's small and kind of expensive. Love the food though so price is all relative
Sep 26, 2014
Zomato
Care
+4.5
I went to this place one night when nearby at ryerson. It was such a pleasant surprise!!! It's really unique inside and out. The cocktails are out of this world! Try the mojito! We ordered the green curry, the squash fritters and some kind of fish custard. They were all good, but the green curry was unreal! Would go back in a second!
Apr 27, 2014
Zomato
Yuppielikesfood
+5
Don't go there hungry, tastes too good. We had our waiter choose the dishes, went as a group of 5. Had a total of 10 dishes, so we got to try out a good range. I have to say, I really liked every single dish. Somewhat fusion, some dishes were typical Thai, but some were totally unique.

I was trying not to appear like a glutton, otherwise I would have ordered a few more dishes. I was hungry, and the tapas portions weren't meant for a group of five. I'd say you need about 2.5 to 3 dishes a person for a filling meal.
Mar 09, 2014
Zomato
AFDyum
+4.5
Food is amazing and drinks are too! Check it out you won't be disappointed!!!
Sep 28, 2013
Zomato
Linda
+4.5
What a wonderful experience. The service was exceptional even though the place was slammed. The food was absolutely delicious. Must try: sangria, crispy fish, green curry and Tom yum soup. Will definitely be coming back soon!
Sep 07, 2013
Zomato
Ashley
+4.5
Yum yum sabai sabai! Great concept and atmosphere, yummy food
Jul 31, 2013
Zomato
Trent
+4.5
AMAZING food! The massaman beef is stunning! Great vibe and atmosphere! Friendly staff. Nice to see something decent in that space!!
Jul 14, 2013
Zomato
Food Crate
+4.5
After spending our Monday morning at Ripley's Aquarium in downtown Toronto, we went to Sabai Sabai for an early lunch. The restaurant is located close to Dundas Station, so it was only a short walk away from where we were.

The storefront is quite modest and I must admit, I wasn't really sure what to expect on my way into the restaurant. It was dimly lit and seemed more like a bar than a restaurant. But I am happy to report that I left the restaurant full and satisfied- or, fully satisfied?
Sep 30, 2014
Zomato
Lov3stia
+4.5
The moment I stepped into Sabai Sabai, my attention was immediately drawn to the table with fresh flowers and sunshine poured on. So naturally I took my seat there while one of the owner's, Jason came over, greeting my warmly and introduced their specialties on their menu.  When my girl friend arrived, we mingled a bit and proceeded in picking and choosing what we both wanted to try! Jason recommended about 2-3 tapa's per person, depending on hunger level,  we agreed on 5 tapas to start, with 1/2 litre of 2011 Between the Lines Gewurztraminer, Lychee Peach and Mango White.  
Sep 17, 2014
Zomato
Holly Edejer
+4.5
Before meeting up with my friend from work for a double date, Kevin and I decided to go to Sabai Sabai (225 Church Street) for some Thai tapas. Sabai Sabai, roughly meaning “peace, tranquility, and a sense of well being” according to the website, is owned by Chef Nuit and offers a more casual atmosphere than some of the other Thai places around Toronto. Before meeting up with my friend from work for a double date, Kevin and I decided to go to Sabai Sabai (225 Church Street) for some Thai tapas. Sabai Sabai, roughly meaning “peace, tranquility, and a sense of well being” according to the website, is owned by Chef Nuit and offers a more casual atmosphere than some of the other Thai places around Toronto. 00 It was a Friday night and pretty packed. The host was really working to get people comfortable! We were hungry and decided to be seated at the bar rather than wait for a table to free up. I’m actually normally more okay with sitting at the bar, but it was a little cramped and we had our bags and jackets. :o Barstools also tend to be a little too high for me, haha. Anyway, our bartender/server welcomed us enthusiastically and Kevin and I got a drink to start:
Jan 31, 2015
Zomato
The Curious Creature
+4.5
The squash fritters ($7) came out next. And they were so good that we had to share them with anyone in sight (there are perks to sitting near us at a resto)! The fritters were nice and light, but it was the sauce that really won me over: the flavours tantalized every taste bud in my mouth. The tamarind and freshly roasted peanuts (yup, they have a peanut roaster in the kitchen) added so much complexity to the sauce. It was absolute perfection.
Mar 05, 2014
Zomato
Samshimi
+4.5

I had the Beef Kaho Soi. It was delicious! The curry was not overly spicy and enjoyable to eat - as I do not have a large tolerance for spicy-ness. The curry itself was creamy, rich, flavourful, and delicious. It's slightly on the sweeter side - which I personally enjoy - but I can understand that some others out there may not like their curry that sweet. There wasn't much egg noodles as I would have liked, but I could have ordered a side of sticky rice such that I could have eaten the rest of the curry. There was a decent amount of beef - but it would have been nice to have a few more pieces - but for the price of the dish, I couldn't complain. It definitely rivals the Khao Soi from Khao San Road but at a way lower price. As first impressions go - I will be returning to Sabai Sabai very soon.
Oct 30, 2013
Zomato
Yvonne Tsui
+4.5
I have been in love with chef Nuit Regular’s food since their humble beginnings at the original Sukhothai location in Regent Park.  I followed her around as she then jumped ship to open up Khao San Road.  She seems to have the Midas touch as every single restaurant she’s been involved with has become a hot spot and she has no doubt elevated the profile of Thai cuisine in the city.  What used to be seen as cheap, inauthentic, takeout food has now been elevated to restaurant-quality, dine-in eats. After parting ways with Khao San Road, her and hubby proceeded to open up Sabai Sabai at Dundas/Church joining neighbors Santouka Ramen and no doubt catering to the Ryerson crowd. The food isn’t fancy; you aren’t going to be wowed by presentation but who cares when it’s this tasty?  I personally prefer the lunch menu which features more single dishes versus their tapas-style dinner menu which leaves me wanting.  The crispy fried taro roll ($9) reminds me of a deep fried bean curd roll but the t
Feb 18, 2014
Zomato
Xiaoeats
+4.5
With a tapas style menu developed by Chef Nuit ( Khao San Road and Pai Northern ), a cozy decor and spiked Thai Iced Tea on the menu, Sabai Sabai had all the ingredients for a great meal. My best friend and I stopped by on a chilly night before catching Hamlet at the Winter Theatre. We didn’t make reservations but arrived as doors opened and were able to get a table.
Dec 23, 2014
Zomato
Food Sisterhood
+4.5
Ordering an individual meal and only having one dish is slowly becoming a thing of the past as more restaurants in Toronto are beginning to offer more tapas style dishes on their menu. Sabai Sabai Kitchen and Bar is no exception offering an assortment of Thai inspired drinks and dishes.  Unlike popular Thai style restaurants that are currently hot spots in Toronto, Sabai Sabai offers reservations making it much easier to coordinate and not have to have dinner at 5 pm or 11 pm to avoid ridiculous waiting times.  Its menu is fairly simplistic and organized into sides, curries, fish & seafood, meats and vegetables. It’s recommended that each person orders 2-3 dishes keeping in mind that this is tapas style dining. Some of the dishes had 4-5 pieces so any groups larger than that may have to consider ordering two of each to ensure everyone gets a fair share.  From right ro left,  Thai Mojito , Midnight Monsoon , and  Lychee Slushie . The lychee slushie definitely lived up to our expectation
Jun 11, 2014
Zomato
Ann Gagno
+4.5
What I love about Chef Nuit’s food was that it transported me back to my childhood. The sensibilities of combinations of flavours were familiar and the comfort it brings was very much appreciated. The fish was crispy as promised and the sweet fresh flavors shone through as there was just the right amount of breading to give it texture. The shrimp was pleasantly plump and juicy and the heat of the curry was a good curl of heat, lasting through your palette without burning.
Apr 05, 2013
Zomato
Jess W.
+4.5
Good food, friendly service and a great vibe!
Jan 30, 2013
Zomato
Stella
+4.5
Really enjoyed the northern Thai tapas here. Favourites were the squash fritters, tom ka soup, pork skewers and khao soi.
Aug 08, 2013
Zomato
Foodies Inked
+4.5
Offering some of the best Thai flavours this city has to offer, Sabai Sabai, which translates roughly as “peace, tranquility, and a sense of well being”, is the name of the new Northern Thai tapas-inspired restaurant by former Khao San Road founders.
Jan 14, 2014
Zomato
Holly Edejer
+4.5
Before meeting up with my friend from work for a double date, Kevin and I decided to go to Sabai Sabai (225 Church Street) for some Thai tapas. Sabai Sabai, roughly meaning “peace, tranquility, and a sense of well being” according to the website, is owned by Chef Nuit and offers a more casual atmosphere than some of the other Thai places around Toronto.

It was a Friday night and pretty packed. The host was really working to get people comfortable! We were hungry and decided to be seated at the bar rather than wait for a table to free up. I’m actually normally more okay with sitting at the bar, but it was a little cramped and we had our bags and jackets. :o Barstools also tend to be a little too high for me, haha. Anyway, our bartender/server welcomed us enthusiastically and Kevin and I got a drink to start:

MIDNIGHT MONSOON

spiced rum, fresh ginger, Thai basil, lime juice, coconut sugar syrup

$6

It was quite nice! Kevin said it basically tasted like a spiked iced Thai soup, haha. An apt description. We then had three tapas dishes to share. Kevin has a nut allergy which can be difficult when getting Thai or Malay food. Our server informed us though that they keep a grid of items that do and don’t contain nuts, so that was helpful and appreciated.

SPICY TOM YUM SOUP

shrimp, tomato, lemongrass

$6

I love tom yum soup and almost always order a bowl when I eat at a Thai restaurant. We shared a bowl and had it come with shrimp. Note that this portion is really meant for one person, especially if both people are really into their tom yum.

LAO MINCED PORK SALAD

lettuce wrapped ‘laap lao moo’, fresh herbs

$10

Minced pork wrapped in lettuce leaves! I can see this being popular on presentation alone. I especially like how they used a lettuce bowl to hold all the porky contents! The lemongrass and lime were strong to the point that Kevin disliked it. It’s rare for him to eat less of a meat dish than me! I liked it but definitely would have enjoyed it more if the lemongrass was toned down some.

EGGPLANT STIR-FRY

Thai basil, red pepper, shallot

$9

We both like eggplant and can’t believe how tasty this was! Kevin usually likes to at least have some meat in his dish but wasn’t disappointed by this choice. The eggplant was soft and soaked up the flavours of all the juices so nicely. Highly recommend this one. We were talking about getting one more dish after this one before dessert, but this was actually enough to start making us feel satisfied.

FRIED BANANA ‘KLUAY TOD’

crispy fried banana served with pandan leaf infused coconut cream (3 pieces)

$6

with vanilla or Thai milk iced tea ice cream

$2.50/scoop

We had just a wee bit room left for dessert, and I’m glad we did! There’s one featured dessert special on the menu, and this week we were lucky enough to enjoy some fried banana. We went all out and even ordered an expensive scoop of Thai milk iced tea flavoured ice cream, which partnered so wonderfully with the fried banana. We went through the coconut cream really quickly, too. Ahh, definitely a great dessert! I was very satisfied with our food experience here! I’ll just know to make reservations for next time though – while our server/bartender was super nice, the bar was a little too cramped for me.
Feb 02, 2015
Zomato
Abbey Sharp
+4
It's been two long weeks of vacationing, translated into two long weeks of restaurant dining x 2 meals each day. After being in what seems like an American-portion-food-coma, coming home to my own kitchen always feels a bit like a revelation. What to cook first? What exciting tool to pull out? Which knife is going to get the first slice? Well, it's always nice to dream of a healthy home cooked meal (even if you're the one doing the cooking), but the reality is, coming home from a two-week vacation means I haven't done any grocery shopping or meal planning. And what I did find on this unfortunate occasion upon our homecoming (hello there, past-date cheese, milk, yogurt, and cabbage) was definitely not the be had.  Alas, another meal out. But this one promised more excitement than what I had grown accustomed to because a) the Toronto dining scene runs circles around Palm Beach's and I was particularly excited about our restaurant choice and b) we had dinner guests! Not that starring across the table at my beloved every night for the past 2 weeks was losing its charm but it's always nice to go out with friends, especially when it's for tapas.

Sabai Sabai is the new (opened mid-December) Thai restaurant, run by husband-wife Thai-food guru's, Nuit and Jeff Regular.  These were the folks to open (and later leave) the ever popular Sukhothai, and Khao San Road.  Rather than the traditional portions and dishes found in other Toronto Thai establishments (including the aforementioned two), SS instead serves up Northern Thai tapas.  As an uninhibited eater with a vast palate, I am a huge fan of tapas style dining, especially when I have more than one dining companion with me. I mean, just think of all those times you've made the server stand beside you as you change your mind a million times on whether you want the chicken or the beef. This way, you can have them both (and maybe a few more options, depending on the sizes).  Furthermore, tapas are meant to be shared and savoured one succulent morsel at a time. To me, this communal style embodies what I love so much about food. Sharing it with the people I love!

Much like the playful approach to the menu, the room itself at SS is hip, casual and comfortable. Despite being a totally full house of mainly 20-30 year olds, the noise level was completely manageable.  Busy enough to catch the vibe, but low enough to speak across our table without any strain.

Service was pleasant, friendly and informative.  We were greeted with a smile so bright it could replace a few of the restaurant's lighting fixtures, and were shown to our table near the back of the house. I appreciated that our server was quick to bring water glasses and share plates, and check up on us periodically to see how everything was.  He also didn't rush us out or immediately deliver the bill once our food was all finished. My only concern was that the meal itself was too quick. I know this eat-and-run style may be the approach of the restaurant, but I would have appreciated if our server maybe fired our items off in stages throughout the evening. The result was that we were in, ordered (and we lingered on this a touch) and finished our meal all within an hour, and that everything just got piled onto our table at once before I could hardly decipher what it was.  Bare with me folks. As a result of this hasty execution, my tasting notes are superficial, at best.

Cocktail list at SS is limited and basic as only a Thai Mojito (available by glass or pitcher) and the Thai Long Island Iced Tea were offered. We did a pitcher of the former, and 3 tall glasses of the latter.  The mojito had a pleasant hum of lemongrass, but I found it needed another kick of lime to drive the flavour home.  The Iced Tea was maybe a little too sweet, despite the alcohol content, and not really a cocktail I personally would go for again.

Food wise, we pretty much conquered the majority of the menu.  Our server recommended 2 - 2 1/2 dishes per person, which turned out to be a perfect amount. We all actually left satisfied, but definitely not "full".  That potentially could have been mediated by a dessert menu but alas, SS doesn't have one, so we planned for a little liquid dessert (aka. drinks at Cold Tea Bar) after.  So between the 4 of us, this is what we had:

Crispy Shrimp Chips with Sweet and Savoury Tamarind Dip
These were very fresh, crunchy shrimp chips with just enough fish flavour that it wasn't at all obnoxious or offensive. While I loved the flavour of the dip, I found it a touch too thick and cloying for easily dipping the delicate chips in without over-doing it.

Green Papaya Salad
A perfectly balanced salad. It was fiery, sweet, sour and herbacious, with a wicked fresh crunch factor. Definitely a must order to balance out all of the meat dishes.

Khao Soi, Egg Noodles in Coconut Curry Gravy with Beef
This was the milder of the two curries but it certainly packed an aromatic flavour punch. It tasted to me a bit of warm cinnamon and baking spices, which paired nicely with the super tender beef and the crisps that garnished the top.  It was a little hard to share, however, since the beef pieces were so massive and so few (I think there were only two big chunks), and the noodles were too long to avoid a splatter. But mess or no mess, a really solid dish.

Braised Chicken Green Curry
With a completely different flavour profile, I loved this curry as well. It was much spicier than the former, with a more pronounced element of sweetness, and was served with lots of julienne vegetables in addition to the meat. Again, we had the issue of large hunks of chicken, but even if you ended up without a substantial piece, the sauce itself on rice was satisfying.

Crispy Fried Fish with Special Sweet and Tangy Tamarind Reduction
One of our favourite dishes of the night, my only regret was that we only ordered one! The fish was impossibly moist, coated in a super light and crunchy batter, and fried without any hint of undesirable grease. I was worried the tamarind reduction would be overwhelming, but instead I got a perfectly balanced burst of flavour that complemented the fish.

Red-Flame Morning Glory Stir Fry
Intensely garlicy and savoury, this was a nice vegetarian dish to break up some of the sweeter flavours in the meal.

Grilled Pork Salad with Fresh Herbs and Roasted Ground Rice
Another favourite of mine. The pork was served cold, but had a beautifully balanced heat level, a really supple texture on the inside and a glorious crunchy exterior.

Grilled Chicken Wings, Sabai Sabai House Marinade
Meh, probably my least favourite of the bunch.  The wings were magnificently juicy, but didn't have any distinguishing flavour or crispiness on the outside.

Grilled Northern Thai Pork Skewer with Nam Chim Dip
A simple dish, but a well prepared one. The pork was very moist and seasoned well, and paired well with the sweet and tangy dip.

So for 1 Mojito pitcher, 3 Long Island Iced Teas, 9 tapas, 1 order of white rice, and 1 order of sticky rice, the bill came to $165 including tax and tip. Incredibly inexpensive for a night out for four with delicious and fun food. No, nothing was ground breaking, but it was all executed well, seasoned nicely and agreeable. If Sabai Sabai was around in my Ryerson days, I'm not sure I would have got much studying done with all of the good eats at arms reach, but I sure as hell would have enjoyed it!  A great addition to the downtown core, and my now number one option for a post-shopping-I-spent-too-much-and-walked-too-much meal  (hey, maybe their hasty pace will become a blessing!)

MORE PHOTOS AT ABBEYSKITCHEN.COM
Dec 22, 2014
Zomato
Alison
+4.5
I enjoyed my visit here very much. Instead of entrees, you order tapas, which is a great way to try new dishes. They didn't have three items that were advertised on the menu, but it didn't matter, as the food we ordered was delicious.

We had the tossed chicken noodle salad, which was served cold and amazing! We also tried the pork skewers, which was mediocre and a little too chewy. The khao soi was definitely the hit of the night, with its tangy coconut gravy.

Prices were reasonable and portion sizes were just right - you don't feel too full. Service was wonderful and professional. We went on a Thursday night, and it was packed. It can get a little noisy and you can hear people's conversation beside you.
Dec 21, 2014
Zomato
Stella
+3.5
Being a huge supporter of Khao San Road, I knew it was only a matter of time that I would make my way to Sabai Sabai Kitchen and Bar. Nuit and Jeff Regular, formerly of Khao San Road, parted ways with the restaurant early last year to open Sabai Sabai on 225 Church Street in November. Teaming up with the couple is Jason Jiang and Seng Luong, who became friends with the Regulars after being regulars (ha!) at Sukhothai's original location on Parliament (Nuit and Jeff continues to operate the two Sukhothai locations).

I really like the decor at Sabai Sabai. With colourful paper lanterns hung up high and vintage artwork on the walls, the space feels roomy, bright and festive.

Sabai Sabai's menu items are all meant to be shared so we ordered eight dishes followed by dessert: 

Crispy shrimp chips with tamarind dip 
Tom ka soup with coconut milk and shrimp
Deep fried freshly grated squash fritters
Crispy deep fried taro roll 
Crispy fish with homemade sweet & tangy tamarind reduction
Khao soi, egg noodles in coconut curry gravy with beef
Northern Thai curry fish custard steamed in banana leaf
Grilled northern Thai skewers with spicy nam chim dip
Mango sticky rice

This was an awesome meal. I'm really diggin' the tapas style northern Thai plates at Sabai Sabai. The meal started with a big basket of shrimp chips. Because there were seven more dishes on the horizon, I was careful not to eat too much (this took a lot of control). The tom ka soup with plump shrimps was one of my favourite dishes that night...it was spicy yet soothing with a hint of coconut taste. Really good. Next, nicely stacked on a bamboo plate were hot squash fritters. Crispy on the outside with a soft interior, these were the best I've ever had. I prefer these squash fritters over the ones from Khao San Road. The fritters there were often haphazardly piled really high on a plate with individual fritters "linked" together with batter. Likewise, I also prefer the khaoi soi at Sabai Sabai. It wasn't the thin egg noodles nor the tender beef that made the difference, it was the consistency of the broth. The khao soi's curry coconut broth was a bit too thick the last couple of times at Khao San Road. The broth here had a perfect consistency for me. Not too thick or thin.

In terms of texture, the two fish dishes we ordered couldn't be more different. The fillets topped with tamarind had a super crunchy coating while the curry fish custard was soft and smooth. My absolute favourite dish of the evening had to be the pork skewers though. After my first bite, I became wide-eyed and literally made orgasmic noises as I continued eating it. These skewers were unbelievably meaty, tender, juicy and smoky all at the same time. It was like pork heaven on a stick. After all that food we finished our meal with mango sticky rice. Wow. Fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk then topped with mango, this dessert was irresistible. We couldn't stop eating it although we were all supposedly "really full".
Oct 22, 2014
Zomato
EatNMingle
+4
"They were our favorites, so good that we ordered those two dishes again!"Sabai Sabai is a welcoming and comfortable restaurant that serves great food at fair prices.I think I summed it up there, but I'll go in detail for those who want to know what to order. So being able to make reservations, my group of 6 sat down immediately and started ordering. The booth seating kept all of us close and our conversations weren't interrupted by  loud music or loud diners either.The server recommended us to order two things off the menu each, the dishes come more on the smaller side (kinda like appetizer portions) so it made sense. Dishes range from 5-9 dollars depending on your choice of protein for each dish. We decided to order pretty much everything on the menu (minus what was on the backside, which is purely vegetarian) and share.The highlights were the Fried Fish with homemade tamarind sauce and the Massaman Curry with braised beef. Just our #1 preferences out of all the 4 curries and 3 fish dishes on the menu. They were our favorites, so good that we ordered those two dishes again! Everything was good though, so you can't go wrong! Like the Khao soi was creamy and sweet like the panang curry, while the green curry was full of lemon grass and more herbal flavors. I'd also recommend beef over shrimp or chicken - it's just so damn tender.The most unique dish I had was the Northern Thai Fish Curry in Steamed Banana Leaf. Sort of like a Pumpkin Pie Flan with white fish in the middle, really interesting.Overall, Sabai Sabai was a great restaurant. I enjoyed how nice the servers were. I liked the food and style, and I liked that I was comfortable while eating. Super casual and hip atmosphere.
Aug 20, 2014
Zomato
Toronto Food Blog
+4
I was recently asked to organize a double-date and had heard a lot of good things about Sabai Sabai… a much-needed new Thai restaurant on Church between Dundas and Queen. Arriving way too early, I sit at the bar and converse with the owner, Seng Luong, over a couple of Beer Lao.Now, I haven’t had one of these since I lived on the other side of the world, so this was a really nice treat. Seng told me that he was born in Laos but moved to Canada at an early age. Returning recently for the first time since childhood, Seng’s S.E. Asia trip inspired him to return to Toronto and open up a restaurant. With menu consultation from legendary chef Nuit Regular (Sukho Thai & Kao San Road), Sabai Sabai opened in late 2012 to many warm reviews of their Thai Tapas. By the time our conversation ended, Seng and I agreed on a chef’s tasting menu… allowing us to try a bit of everything on the menu without actually ordering anything from the menu.The first plates to arrive were great for sharing. Crispy Shrimp Chips come with a sidecar of Tamarind dipping sauce; a Green Papaya Salad is full of crunch and gets surprisingly spicier with every bite; a Grilled Pork Salad marries hot & cold… so good that we quickly demand another; and Chicken Wings are grilled and tossed in what tastes like a Sweet Chili and Soy marinade. We wash everything down with a few Thai Mojitos (a virgin one for my Wife), and things are definitely off to a good start.The second course of tapas start rolling out as soon as we finish our Mojitos. We switch to Beer to beat the heat. Crispy Fried Fish (our table’s favourite taste of the night) is drizzled in a sticky Tamarind and Chili sauce. Then comes a large bowl of Khao Soi (Egg Noodles in a rich Coconut Chicken Curry) followed by a Vegan Red Curry full of Veggies and Mock Fish that was so tasty, you’d swear it was actually Grouper. Shrimps are then served to us 2 different ways (in a Panang Curry and in a Spicy Stir Fry). Finally, a couple servings of Stir-Fried Morning Glory (Chinese Broccoli pictured below) taste like they’ve just come off the BBQ. There is literally no more room on the table or in my stomach, so I am glad to hear that’s the last of it.Too stuffed for dessert, we opt instead for Whisky and Tea… a mellow ending to one heck of a meal. Good value, too: $40 per-person (tax, tip & drinks included). In Thai, Sabai Sabai means “peace, tranquility, and a sense of well-being.” Thanks to their hospitality, food and atmosphere, we can’t help but agree that this is a fitting name for a special place on Toronto’s lower-eastside. Thanks for a great group dining experience, Seng Luong. We’ll see you again soon… next time to try the lunch menu!
Oct 01, 2014
Zomato
Foodies Inked
+4
Sabai Sabai, which translates roughly as “peace, tranquility, and a sense of well being”, is the name of the new Northern Thai tapas-inspired restaurant by former Khao San Road founders. The venue, open for a year now, is located in the Garden District of Toronto and offers some of the best spoon-full Thai flavours this city has to offer.

A kitchen and bar is what best describes the ambiance of this place. The staff welcome guests with a friendly smile and food comes and goes in well plated dishes that just water your mouth as they pass. Sabai Sabai caters to the Church street community, but one look inside and you immediately see a melange of university students, followed by couples on a first date, next to a party of five baby boomers that just came by for a bite after a theater play. It really is a mix of people that have clearly just landed at Sabai Sabai for its food and drinks.

Speaking of drinks, one can not leave without having the Thai Mojito.Dark Sailor Jerry rum, lemon grass, kaffir lime leaf, mint and coconut sugar syrup are mixed in a sauce jar and smoothly poured over ice. The drink itself is refreshing and has the perfect notes of sweet and sour one expects. On the more American side, the Grilled Chicken Wings were my second favourite of the night and probably the most finger-licking dish in the house. The wings were perfectly cooked, with crispy and mildly burnt skins, dressed in a house marinade and topped with my favourite ingredient – cilantro.

The food on the other hand is nice and spicy, and the flavours blend like a symphony in one’s mouth. To start, the Crispy Shrimp Chips are the perfect appetite opener and drink pairing. These chips are different and taste almost like rice chips with paprika. The kicker here really is the sauce. The tamarind sauce is tart and has a sweet bite to it, bringing the taste of the chips to a new dimension.From the list of tapas, the one that caught my eye was the Crispy Fried Taro roll. I enjoyed this dish the most as it reminded me of yams back home. Taro is a perennial, tropical plant primarily grown as a root vegetable for its edible starchy corm, and as a leaf vegetable. The roll itself is filled by what seems to be a mashed mixture of the taro plant itself with some ground pork and spices. One dish I was not a fan of but heard very positive reviews from Asian peers is the Northern Thai Curry Fish Custard in Banana Leaf. Quite the long name for a dish this tiny, but certainly worth the try. I remember specifically liking the creamy and spicy sauces at the top, the mousse on the other hand had me in two-minds about it.

The night ended with my favourite and most popular Thai dish – the Shrimp Housemade Panang Curry. A delectable curry mix of spices with notes of chili peppers, coriander, lemongrass, garlic and peanuts. The perfect way to end a Northern Thai feast.

Bueno Provecho,
Foodies Inked.
Oct 02, 2014
Zomato
Yvonne Tsui
+3.5
I have been in love with chef Nuit Regular’s food since their humble beginnings at the original Sukhothai location in Regent Park. I followed her around as she then jumped ship to open up Khao San Road. She seems to have the Midas touch as every single restaurant she’s been involved with has become a hot spot and she has no doubt elevated the profile of Thai cuisine in the city. What used to be seen as cheap, inauthentic, takeout food has now been elevated to restaurant-quality, dine-in eats.

After parting ways with Khao San Road, her and hubby proceeded to open up Sabai Sabai at Dundas/Church joining neighbors Santouka Ramen and no doubt catering to the Ryerson crowd.

The food isn’t fancy; you aren’t going to be wowed by presentation but who cares when it’s this tasty? I personally prefer the lunch menu which features more single dishes versus their tapas-style dinner menu which leaves me wanting. The crispy fried taro roll ($9) reminds me of a deep fried bean curd roll but the tamarind dipping sauce kicks it up a notch and the grilled chicken wings ($7) are definitely a must-try.

The lunch menu sees old favorites such as khao soi and massaman; one-bowl delights that will leave you thoroughly satisfied, even sans dessert. For something a little different, go for the spicy braised beef noodle soup with peanuts & lime ($11) – it’s the perfect combo of spicy, tangy, and sweet.

The grilled pork and fresh green papaya salad with rice (Thurs-Sat only, $11) is a great non-soup/curry-based option and packs in a lot more textures to tantalize the taste buds.

The evening menu would be great if you’re just looking to nosh while sipping back drinks. Yes – they have a liquor license

.Cocktails are on the tropical side and skip the cavity-inducing-overly-sweet Thai iced tea/coffees (pre-mixed and would offend all the hoity-toity skinny this, no foam that customers of Starbucks dread) and opt for their lemon iced tea features. My personal favorite is lemongrass.

While the lunch menu is basically what you’d find at Sukhothai and Khao San Road, the dinner menu is where chef Regular has differentiated Sabai Sabai from the former 2. The dinner menu is definitely what would classify the joint as “a bar with really good food.” The bonus of coming to Dundas/Church is to avoid the long wait times like the other restaurants – and of course, knowing that the originator and chef is the one churning out the food. Definitely sit at the bar if you’re dining here for dinner (especially if your’e dining solo), because the boys behind the bar make things fun!
Feb 18, 2014
5
Gottfried von Rathonyi
+5
Our first time at this Thai Restaurant to celebrate with our daughter and friends. The restaurant has a nice ambient and the staff are very friendly and attentive. Our waiter "Jeff" was extremely helpful in explaining the different dishes and recommended dishes including meat, vegetarian and vegan in order to satisfy the palate of each person in the group. Although the restaurant was very busy, the service was relatively quick and a number of additional staff came by to check up on us throughout the meal to insure that all was satisfactory. All the food served to us including appetizers, main dishes, deserts and drinks were delicious. I highly recommend this place to anyone that wants good food and good service at a reasonable price.
5
Bhagyashree Chouhan
+5
The ambiance was good. We did an advance booking (almost about a week before our visit) but during our visit the restaurant was very busy with a long line up. Probably because everyone wanted to enjoy a good meal on a cold night after the restrictions were eased off. The hostess couldn't provide us with a table even though we had a reservation. We sat at the bar for sometime, then checked with another host and got a table. Our overall experience was nice. Food was delicious, loved the fried rice. Enjoyed the beer and our long visit, we were the last ones to leave the restaurant which was way after the closing time but no one complained.
5
Mohammad Shafayet Islam
+5
Had a walk-in dinner reservations there. Their food and drinks collection is amazing. Not to mention their awesome hospitality. Food amount is also good enough for 2 people. Starting from appetizers to main dish, it was really tasty and filling. Their seating arrangement is also nice and adequate for big groups as well. Would love to visit them again some time soon.
5
Minho Lee
+5
What a busy place! Visited on a Sunday night, and it was packed! The servers were friendly and quite accommodating. The place itself is a bit tight in terms of table arrangements and is noisy but not too the point where you cant have a conversation. Food was delicious and decent quantity. My personal favorite were the chicken wings. All in all, would definitely visit again.
5
Nataliia Hoi
+5
Authentic Thai food and amazing atmosphere make you feel as if you were in Thailand! We ordered deep fried shrimp, taro rolls, and drunken noodles and everything tasted exceptional. We also had mango sticky rice for dessert and it was good but the mango wasn't as ripe as we'd want it to be. Otherwise, great experience and we will come again!
4
Aileen Lee
+4
Great little place … service was excellent. Food was also very good. Tried the squash fritters, huge portion. Grilled chicken was tender and juicy. Fried tamarind fish was crispy and flakey. Overall a very good experience. The papaya salad was my least favourite, just lacked some punch.
4
Veronica C
+4
Enjoyed dinner there. They seemed a bit busy and forgot a request for a drink, but otherwise service was good. The menu was by QR code (where you also submit contact tracing data) and they were only accepting credit or debit payment. The food was good. Loved the squash fritters, drunken noodles and pork sausages. Only food complaint is that the beef salad was suppose to be served rare, but the meat was medium at best and some pieces were well done. Also, the Thai milk tea is delicious, but really sweet.
4
L L
+4
Extreme noisy place for dinner. Need to yell out to talk. Tiny and cute Thai food place located in downtown centre. Food took a bit long to cook. All dishes are well decorated and look fancy.
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