#FOOD: MUAY THAI RESTAURANT AND BAR

The family behind successful restaurants Thai House Cuisine (downtown Toronto, Port Credit) and Thay Thai Bar, are introducing a one-of-a-kind boxing-themed venture, Muay Thai Restaurant and Bar. Located in the neighbourhood of Queen West (325 Queen St. West), owners Inchai Tabun and Thanyaporn Tinthanasan have created a hub that marries Thai culture, food and martial arts. Muay Thai Restaurant and Bar will have its grand opening to the public on March 9, 2024 from 12:00pm to 2:00pm, complete with celebratory free pad thai for customers (while supplies last) and Thai-themed trivia with cash prizes.

Chef Inchai Tabun has years of experience working with Thai cuisine. He started his culinary journey as a trainee and was eventually promoted to chef de partie at a five star Thai restaurant in his hometown of Chiang Mai. Chef Tabun moved to Toronto in 2002 and worked as a head chef at various restaurants before taking the leap and opening his own initial establishment in 2012.

“My menus are most inspired by sharing ideas with other chefs and finding the freshest ingredients throughout my travels. I combine my hometown cooking skills with modern techniques to create Thai dishes that are both relevant and authentic,” says chef Tabun.

As Thai food is a staple and source of fuel for many fighters, Tabun wanted to blend his passion for cooking with his love for Muay Thai.

“Food is a universal language. We look forward to showcasing popular local dishes from different parts of Thailand that connect Muay Thai fighters on a daily basis. Our menu will incorporate sharing platters which are popular among fighters from Esarn with my own hometown recipes and popular Thai street food,” says chef Tabun.

Menu items include Crispy Miang Kham (savoury leaf wraps), Crispy Catfish Flake Salad, Thai Street Pad Thai Shrimps & Hoy Tod (crispy fried mussel pancake, pictured above), and hero item Vancouver Crab Fried Rice (pictured above).

Much like food, the drink offerings do not fall short. Signature drinks including the Knock Out Punch (pictured above), Spicy Boxer (pictured above) and Thai Tea Martini accompany a list of Thai beers and mocktail options. Hero cocktail Beautiful Boxer (pictured above) is inspired by Thai boxer and former champion, Parinya Charoenphol. The ingredients (vodka, coconut, mango) and presentation were curated to represent Charoenphol: strong, beautiful and sexy.

The interior decor is decked out from top to bottom with traditional Thai colours and Muay Thai elements including murals and paintings done by a Thai artist, Muay Thai punching bags and boxing ring-style rope along the perimeter.

With unique sporting decor, friendly service and Thai menus not quite done the same elsewhere, Muay Thai Restaurant and Bar is excited to become part of the Toronto culinary, mixology and sports community.

Reservations for Muay Thai Restaurant and Bar will be available to book through OpenTable once the website is finalized. Delivery and pick-up will be available through UberEats, SkipTheDishes, DoorDash, Ritual and an online portal directly through the website.

(Photo credit: Ananta Gulati)