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The Rhythm of the Street

There’s a unique kind of chaos found on the streets of Thailand—where heat from open flames meets the rush of footsteps, the hiss of woks, and the hum of everyday life. It’s loud, fast, a little wild, but full of soul.

 

Street food in Thailand isn’t just about eating; it’s about being swept into a moment. A dance of urgency and ease, where flavors collide as effortlessly as strangers passing on the sidewalk.

 

At its heart, that rhythm is what inspires the cooking here. Even when ingredients are reimagined or plated with precision, the soul of the street remains—fiery, vibrant, and deeply human. Each dish becomes a quiet echo of that energy: a little chaotic, a little comforting, and always alive with flavor.

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Jungle Green, Ocean Bright: A Modern Kaeng Om

This dish is a celebration of contrasts. Earthy and herbal, fiery yet balanced. The iconic Kaeng Om is reworked with a modern hand: vibrant herb purée, rich pla ra undertones, and charred shallots create the foundation. Eggplant adds softness, while plump Black Tiger shrimp sit at the center—sweet, briny, and luxurious. It’s Isaan in essence, but dressed for a different table.

Wychwood Farmers Market

The Wychwood Farmers' Market, set in Toronto’s Wychwood Barns, is more than just a place for fresh produce—it’s a lively community space that brings people together through food. Run by The Stop Community Food Centre, the market focuses on supporting local farmers, small producers, and sustainable practices.

 

Our chef enjoys visiting on Saturdays to browse the freshest seasonal ingredients, connect with local growers, and get inspired for new dishes. The market is full of energy, packed with high-quality, homegrown produce that not only tastes great but also tells the story of the people who grow it. It’s a fun and meaningful way to stay connected to the local food scene—one rooted in real ingredients and real community.

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Pink Sauce, Pure Flavour:
Yen Ta Fo with Atlantic Salmon

Fermented tofu is a key ingredient in yen ta fo sauce, giving it a distinctive bold, tangy, and slightly salty flavor. It’s usually red fermented tofu (called “tao hoo yee” or “fu zhou”) that’s mashed or blended into the sauce, creating the iconic pink color and deep umami taste. It is served with Atlantic salmon, homemade fishballs, and soft rice noodles.

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       OPENING HOURS

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​TUE - WED    4 PM  -9:30 PM

THU - SUN    12PM  - 10   PM

MONDAY​     -      CLOSED 

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4164127087

chaolayto@gmail.com

809  ST CLAIR AVE W, TORONTO, M6C1B9

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Rooted in Thai. Framed by the Journey.

Chao Lay — People of the Sea

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Before he became a chef, Tophy was a photojournalist — documenting cultures through food, art, and everyday life.

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The inspiration was drawn from in a small fishing village along Thailand’s southern coast: a way of life shaped by harmony with the sea — not as hunters, but as a living part of the ecosystem, connected and sustained by it.

 

Chao Lay Thai is an homage to that rhythm — timeless recipes, reimagined with restraint, clarity, and soul.

 

Now open in Hillcrest Village, St. Clair West, Toronto.

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Pickup  & Online Order

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