SASSY THAI
Neighbourhood..... Charleswood Address......... 3311 Roblin Blvd Phone............. 204-615-8989 Entrées..................... $ 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. ciao! reviews
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.
CHARISMA OF INDIA
Neighbourhood......... Wolseley Address.......... 83 Sherbrook St Phone.............. 204-222-7878 Entrées..................... $ 11- $ 23
With few exceptions, Indian cuisine is a dance of spices. A dash of cumin, cardamom and cinnamon are expertly combined into remarkably yet imperceptible concoctions that confound and delight diners. After two decades, Charisma of India’ s varied and ever-changing buffet continues to draw regulars to its Wolseley location.
Though economic buffet eating has not lost its timeless appeal, an à la carte menu is also available for diners wishing to customize their own feast. A loaded basket of naan bread starts the culinary adventure. Though the soft chewy bread is irresistible, the wise will save slices for sopping up every bit of the spiced gravies later.
Fish pakora, a menu must, is among the best in the city. Fritter style boneless bites of fish, delicately spiced and coated in flour are fried to crisp flaky perfection. Pair with cilantro chutney for added heat.
The usual signature dishes found on local buffets – tandoori and butter chicken, chickpea curry, samosas – are all here and executed well. Though spice perfumes the air, flavours tease gently with heat. For a twist on the familiar, mango chicken makes a worthy shareable for the table, adding fruity sweetness to the lineup of curries.
Paneer lababdar, a northern Indian dish made with paneer( cottage cheese) and tomato gravy is another beautifully balanced dish. Sautéed tomatoes, onions and cashews layered with cumin, coriander and garam masala are transformed into a deeply savoury velvety sauce brimming with cubes of mild cheese – requiring that naan slice.
Heat seekers will find more in the vindaloos, with the scorch of chiles punctuating a rich goat version. Tomato and garlic notes enliven this rich meaty dish.
Though dessert for some may mean a third trip to the buffet, or a mango lassi with dinner, a selection of dainties makes a lasting sweet impression.
ciao! / oct / nov / two thousand twenty-five 29