PaiGu

Thai Basil is a bustling Thai eatery on Bloor that’s trying to gain sophistication but is still a student eatery as far as my school mates and I are concerned. It is usually busy, so be prepared to wait half an hour for your food (or longer, depending on how much you’ve ordered). The interior decor reminds me of a modern cafeteria, and the food is unspectacular. The Fried Satay Noodles ($8.95) and the Thai Fried Rice ($7.95) are too oily. The satay chicken skewers ($2.25 per skewer) are too thick, and always over-grilled or under-grilled. The Pad Thai ($8.95) is not sweet enough, and the spring rolls ($3.50) are too bland. The curry chicken is too watery and not enough chicken. What it keeps me coming back is the affordable prices and hearty serving sizes.

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467 Bloor St. W.
Toronto, ON
(416) 840-9988
Website

The Yonge location of Spring Roll is way too busy at lunch hour, and they don’t have very big tables, so don’t go with more than four people, and be prepared to wait. The menu and interior design tries too hard to be sophisticated and trendy. The selection of spring rolls is not particularly tempting, and for a place named “Spring Rolls,” their spring rolls really aren’t anything to boast about. The “Grilled Marinated Chicken w/ House Mango Salad” appetizer ($8.95) is decent, but overpriced. The “Famous Pad Thai” (shrimp and chicken, $8.95) is only mediocre, and nothing memorable. Service is also disappointing, as we were shoved into a corner and ignored for the most part. Also, they don’t accept debit, so bring cash or credit card.

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693 Yonge St
Toronto, ON
(416) 972-7655
Website

Green Mango is known for giving huge servings of everything. The satay chicken skewer appetizer ($7.95 for 4), though expensive for an appetizer, is filling and well worth it. The thinly-cut chicken stripes are grilled to perfection and marinated subtly, with a side of peanut-y peanut sauce. The “Fresh Rolls” ($5.00 for 3) is also a healthy choice for an appetizer, although be wary of the mint leaves they wrap into the roll. Their “Pad Thai” (chicken $8,95) is very sweet, and a lot more noodles than anything else. If you’re not a huge fan of sweet pad thai, try the “Street-Style Pad Thai” (same price). The “Chicken Cashew” ($10.95) is the best I’ve ever had, and the “Peanut Chicken” ($10.95) is also worth trying, although a bit too saucy. The “Mango Chicken” ($10.95) is far too saucy, a taste of ketchup mixed with orange juice, but the “Golden Curry Chicken” ($10.95) is a fairly satisfactory curry dish. The ice cream crepe (with fresh fruits, $7.00) is absolutely heavenly, big enough to share between two people, and by far the best dessert on the menu. For a smaller, one-person dessert, try the “Tiramisu Diablo” ($5.95). Great service, although the interior decor is mediocre.

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730 Yonge St.
Toronto, ON
(416) 928-0021
Website