SASSY THAI
Neighbourhood: Charleswood
Address: 3311 Roblin Blvd
Phone: 204-615-8989
Entrees: $17 – $20
Like its name, Sassy Thai offers something unmistakably Thai: a lively atmosphere, attentive service and delectable food. It finds its niche deep into Charleswood’s Corydon Avenue, where seemingly everyone in the ‘hood is clamoring for tables
This tiny eatery, owned by husband and wife Kris and Sasithorn (Nan) Thorsteinson exudes modern mom and pop hospitality. Kris hustles between tables, serving as a cultural interpreter while Nan cooks delicacies from her homeland for locals and tourists digging beyond the city’s eating ‘hoods for the gems.
Starting your meal with a plate of savoury spring rolls is non-negotiable. The first crunchy bite breaks into an exciting mixture of noodles, chicken and veggies that whets the palate for the feast of textures to come. Then order a handful of plates to share among table mates and embrace a full range of sophisticated flavour equations.
Somtum, a salad centered around julienned strips of fresh green papaya, is divine. The medley of carrots, cherry tomatoes, dressed in signature garlic red chile, tamarind and lime bursts with perfect vibrancy. Laab Issan, another stand-out salad, delivers meaty bites of spiced minced chicken balanced with red onion, cilantro and mint atop crisp lettuce, sliced cukes and tomatoes. The peculiar plate combining juicy meat and lime is unexpectedly transformative.
The succinct menu provides ample choice for many novel combinations. The usual soups, Tom Yum and Tom Kha are here, and delicious, but opt for a lesser known Khao Soi, and be rewarded with spoons full of delicately balanced coconut curry broth laden with egg noodles. A nest of crisp noodles top the bowl, with lime and shallots, whimsically layering crunch and zingy flavour.
Noodles, curries, stir-fries and rice dishes can be customized with choice proteins, including tofu, enabling many delicious combinations.
The first bite of green curry clears the sinuses. That sharp, on-fire feeling, thanks to capsaicin, the compound that makes chili peppers spicy, opens the taste buds, heightening sensitivity to flavour. End the taste tour sweetly with mango sticky rice drizzled with coconut cream and always say yes to Nan’s delicately moist taro custard on offer.
Known for its humble yet cozy ambiance, generous portions and plethora of fresh herbs and spices makes Sassy Thai a hotspot for casual weeknight dinners, and authentic global tastes.
