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# Chaiyo by PAI – Authentic Thai Street Food in Toronto
Chaiyo by PAI is a vibrant Thai restaurant located in Toronto, Canada, within the TABLE Food Hall at CIBC Square. This eatery offers a unique fast-casual dining experience, focusing on traditional Thai street food. Since its inception, Chaiyo has garnered attention for its flavorful dishes, particularly the Thai-style Hainanese chicken rice and Khao Soi. The restaurant has become a popular spot for both locals and visitors, thanks to its convenient location near Union Station and a welcoming atmosphere. Review highlights emphasize the quality of the food, the friendly staff, and the spacious dining environment, making it a go-to choice for a quick yet satisfying meal.

## History
### The story of Chaiyo by PAI
Chaiyo by PAI was established as a sister restaurant to the renowned PAI, known for its authentic Thai cuisine. The founders envisioned a space that would bring the essence of Thai street food to a fast-casual setting, allowing diners to enjoy quality meals without the lengthy wait times typical of traditional dining. This concept was born out of a desire to make authentic Thai flavors accessible to a broader audience, particularly in a bustling urban environment like Toronto.

### Milestones and growth
- Opening of Chaiyo by PAI in TABLE Food Hall, 2022
- Expansion of menu offerings to include various Thai street food staples
- Establishment of a loyal customer base through quality food and service
- Recognition as a top choice for quick dining near Union Station

### Cultural and local influence
Chaiyo by PAI reflects the growing appreciation for diverse culinary experiences in Toronto. The restaurant not only serves delicious Thai food but also contributes to the local food culture by promoting the concept of street food in a modern setting. This alignment with Toronto's multicultural landscape allows Chaiyo to attract a diverse clientele, enhancing the city’s vibrant food scene.

### Continuing the tradition
Chaiyo continues the tradition of authentic Thai cooking by using traditional recipes and high-quality ingredients. The restaurant aims to maintain the integrity of Thai cuisine while adapting to contemporary dining preferences. This commitment to authenticity, combined with a casual dining atmosphere, ensures that Chaiyo remains a beloved spot for both Thai food enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

## Community
### Community involvement
Chaiyo by PAI actively engages with the local community by participating in events and initiatives that promote cultural exchange and culinary appreciation. The restaurant often collaborates with local organizations to host food-related events, showcasing the rich flavors of Thai cuisine while fostering community connections.

### Community notion about the place
The community views Chaiyo as a valuable addition to the local dining scene, particularly for those seeking quick yet flavorful meals. Many patrons appreciate the restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity, often recommending it to friends and family. The casual ambiance and friendly staff further enhance its reputation as a welcoming spot for all.

### Events and gatherings
Chaiyo serves as a convenient meeting place for various gatherings, from casual lunches to after-work meetups. The spacious dining area accommodates groups, making it an ideal location for friends and colleagues to enjoy a meal together. The restaurant's proximity to Union Station also makes it a popular choice for those attending events at nearby venues.

## Offerings
### What Chaiyo by PAI offers
Chaiyo by PAI specializes in a range of Thai street food dishes, emphasizing fresh ingredients and authentic flavors. The menu features a variety of options, including rice dishes, noodles, and curries, catering to different tastes and dietary preferences. The fast-casual format allows diners to enjoy their meals quickly without compromising on quality.

### Dining and food experience
The dining experience at Chaiyo is designed to be both convenient and enjoyable. Guests can choose from a selection of freshly prepared dishes, with options for dine-in or takeout. The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident in the flavors and presentation of each dish, ensuring a satisfying meal every time. Reviewers have highlighted the balanced flavors of dishes like Khao Mun Gai and Khao Soi, showcasing the restaurant's dedication to authentic Thai cuisine.

### Events and packages
Chaiyo offers various meal packages suitable for different occasions, including lunch specials and group orders. These packages allow diners to sample multiple dishes, making it an excellent choice for those looking to explore the menu. The restaurant also provides options for catering, ensuring that guests can enjoy their favorite Thai dishes at events and gatherings.

### Facilities and features
- Spacious dining area with ample seating
- Fast-casual service model for quick meals
- Takeout options available
- Convenient location near Union Station
- Access to the PATH for easy navigation

## Pros and Cons
### Key insights from reviews
Reviews of Chaiyo by PAI reveal a mix of experiences, with many patrons praising the quality of the food and the friendly service. However, some diners have noted that portion sizes can be smaller compared to other establishments, leading to varied opinions on value for money.

### Compliments and strengths
Many customers commend Chaiyo for its flavorful dishes, particularly the Hainanese chicken rice and Khao Soi. The restaurant's ambiance is also frequently praised, with diners appreciating the spacious and well-decorated environment. Additionally, the staff's friendliness contributes to a positive dining experience, making guests feel welcome.

### Contrasts and notable mentions
While most reviews are positive, some customers have expressed disappointment with specific dishes, citing issues with temperature or flavor balance. For instance, the boat noodles received mixed feedback, with some diners finding them lacking in the rich flavors typically associated with the dish. This contrast in experiences highlights the importance of consistency in food quality.

### Summary evaluation
Overall, Chaiyo by PAI is well-regarded for its authentic Thai offerings and inviting atmosphere. While there may be occasional inconsistencies in dish preparation, the restaurant's strengths in flavor and service make it a worthwhile destination for Thai cuisine lovers.

## Location & Nearby Attractions
Chaiyo by PAI is located at 81 Bay Street, Floor 4, in the TABLE Food Hall of CIBC Square, Toronto, M5J 1E6. This prime location is easily accessible via public transit, particularly for those traveling through Union Station. The surrounding area features a mix of office buildings and cultural attractions, making it a convenient stop for both locals and visitors. The food hall itself is a lively space that attracts a diverse crowd, offering a variety of dining options in addition to Chaiyo.

## FAQs
**What type of cuisine does Chaiyo serve** Chaiyo specializes in authentic Thai street food.
**Is there takeout available at Chaiyo** Yes, Chaiyo offers takeout options for all menu items.
**What are the operating hours for Chaiyo** Chaiyo is open on weekdays, typically catering to lunch crowds.
**Is there parking available nearby** Yes, there are parking facilities in the vicinity of CIBC Square.
**Can I make reservations at Chaiyo** Reservations are not typically required, as it operates on a fast-casual model.

## Visit Chaiyo by PAI Today
Chaiyo by PAI invites you to experience the vibrant flavors of Thai street food in a modern setting. With its rich history, commitment to quality, and community-friendly atmosphere, this restaurant is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Thai cuisine in Toronto. Whether you're stopping by for a quick lunch or a casual dinner, Chaiyo offers a delightful culinary experience that is sure to satisfy.

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Wanted to eat dinner before going to a concert and we decided to go and try the Table Food Hall. I ended up choosing to try Chaiyo. There were several options to choose from but I decided to try their Thai-style Hainanese chicken rice (Khao Mun Gai). You can either choose poached or crispy chicken and I opted for poached. The flavours of this dish were nicely balanced. The poached chicken was nice and tender, the rice had alot of flavour, and the sauce really tied the dish together. You also receive wintermelon soup with the dish. The menu seems reasonable for the quantity you get. This dish was $20. The ambiance of the food hall was spacious, nicely decorated and there were tons of seating options. Staff were really friendly as well.

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I normally love pai. I also love boat noodles , so I had to try that here. The soup just tasted like plain beef broth. Once you add the small container of spicy vinegar, it tastes more like boat noodles. I think it's odd to provide this separately... anyways, it still did not have the tasty and addictive flavour boat noodles normally do. And this was over $20! This dish is a pass. Luckily there is a slightly better boat noodle place downtown at 888 boat noodles. Feedback from my friends on the pad Thai was that it was good, but served room temperature/cold instead of hot. Maybe it was because of the paper plates. The grilled chicken looked really tasty but the group liked the fried one more. Overall I would come back if in the area to try a different dish.

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Finally got to try the new sister restaurant if PAI inside the brand new TABLE food hall! The location is pretty great, it's right on top of Union Station and very easy to get to! Unfortunately it is closed for the weekends (the food hall seems to only operate on the weekdays to cater to the office workers). But it's a great place to meet up with people and also enjoy food! I tried the Khao Soi with grilled chicken, Chicken Pad Thai with crispy chicken and the Thai Milk Tea. Altogether comes out to right at $50. The Khao Soi broth was very rich and flavourful, and definitely tasted authentic and satisfying! The Pad Thai was also good, could note the tamarind flavour that was coming through, and the noodles were a nice soft texture. Both dishes came with a decent amount of protein, and I definitely prefer the crispy version for the texture! The chicken was cooked well and don't have much to complain about there. Only critique is that the dishes were served in takeout containers rather than the bowls/plates that I've seen from other reviews, even though I ordered for dine-in, and at pretty chill afternoon time where it wasn't busy at all. Portions could be a bit better as a main, but it is a decent size for a small meal. The Thai milk tea was also great, it comes in a bottle but you get a decent amount, and there's a strong Thai tea flavour that comes through. For the price it's a bit pricy if you see it as takeout food, but the quality is there if you need a quick bite and are craving Thai food!

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Expensive place for lunch. They offered quality food with smaller portion compared to PAI. If you have plenty of time, it would be better to dine in PAI instead. But if you are in rush, not a bad choice. Ambiance is great for business lunch, friends gathering as well as coffee chat etc.

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Ordered the chicken and rice which amounted to $20 and it was delicious! Tasted healthy and loved the sauce that went with the rice!

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This place is located on the 4th floor of CIBC tower inside the cafe which is open to the public called CIBC Square. Looks leery fancy and there's a room where you can play billiards but it's pretty much a glorified cafeteria for finance bros. There are other options in this eatery but the one that stood out most was this place. Service is cafeteria style where you'd go up to the counter to order and they would serve you the food except it's made fresh from the kitchen. If you bring your presto card you get a discount on your meal - I got the pad Thai with crispy chicken and ohhhh man. The pad Thai noodle was just the perfect noodle thickness, the sauce was sweet salty spicy sour (the best flavour combinations) and the chicken delivered on crunch and crisp. It was so good that I ate all of the bean sprouts that came with it (and I seriously HATE bean sprout).

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I've always wanted to try Hainanese chicken rice and my first trying the dish from Chaiyo did not disappoint. You can order the chicken crispy or poached. I had the poached version which I think is the traditional way of making this dish and it was delicious. However, the rice for me was the star of the show. It was so flavourful! The winter melon soup was also a great accompaniment and was quite tasty. I didn't add the ginger and garlic sauce as the dish was already great as is.

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Chaiyo by PAI is located within TABLE Food Hall located on the 4th floor of CIBC Square, accessible by either escalator or stairs. It is accessible via the PATH and Scotiabank Arena. There are currently 4 vendors open within the shared space, Chaiyo being one of them. The concept of Chaiyo is Thai street food in a fast casual environment. There are dishes you can order which are prepared on the spot or a hot table in which you can choose several items. There are also bottled beverages like PAI's Thai iced tea. My friend and I stopped by Chaiyo on a Monday evening. The food hall was pretty empty although there were a few tables with customers. We ordered our food and we were given an electronic buzzer which would light up and buzz once our food was ready. Food wise, I ordered the khao mun gai (Thai-style Hainanese chicken rice) and my friend ordered a shrimp pad thai. We both shared the dishes and both were equally delicious. The rice in the khao mun gai had flavours of ginger and was extremely flavourful! Overall, great new space and concept by the owners of PAI. A bit pricey but eating here once in a while is okay. It's a great thing that the food hall is somewhat hidden where not a lot of people know about it currently.

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Another CIBC food court try, I love steamed chicken so I had to give this a try. The only disappointment to this meal was it was a very small portion for the price point. I was still very hungry from the meal but all the flavors were there. The sauce was a nice touch to tie it all together. I will be coming back here to try their other dishes, so maybe my opinions will change.

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Tried a Thai food spot located in a food hall near the Union station bus terminal. It has spacious dining area and plenty of seating. I ordered the Khao Soi with grilled chicken. The Khao Soi had a rich curry flavor. However, I found it a bit too salty for my taste. Overall, a flavourful meal in a convenient and lively setting, though I'd prefer a slightly lighter hand on the seasoning next time.

Discover Chaiyo by PAI in Toronto for authentic Thai cuisine in a vibrant setting. Experience unique flavors and warm hospitality. Book your table now.

Chaiyo by PAI: Authentic Thai Cuisine in Toronto

Chaiyo by PAI

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Explore the full menu at Chaiyo by PAI in Toronto. Discover signature dishes, drinks & must-try items. Visit us at 81 Bay Street, Floor 4.

Chaiyo by PAI Menu – Food & Drinks in Toronto

Learn about Chaiyo by PAI in Toronto. Experience authentic Thai cuisine, cozy ambiance, and excellent service at 81 Bay Street, Floor 4.

About Chaiyo by PAI, Toronto

Opening hours for Chaiyo by PAI, Toronto. Find opening hours for Chaiyo by PAI, Toronto on 81 Bay Street, Floor 4.

Chaiyo by PAI Menu Overview

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Experience the Menu at Chaiyo by PAI

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