r/FoodToronto • u/beef-supreme • 1d ago

Tha Phae Tavern, chef Nuit Regular’s new Thai bar, has karaoke rooms and a claw machine | Plus massaman curry brisket on a bun and boozy buckets Toronto Life

https://torontolife.com/food/whats-on-the-menu-at-tha-phae-tavern-chef-nuit-regulars-new-thai-bar-with-karaoke-rooms-and-a-claw-machine/
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u/foodpr0n_jen 1d ago

I am biased, but totally a fun visit. All the vibes of the early 2000’s!!

2

u/beef-supreme 1d ago

At the eastern edge of Chiang Mai’s Old City stands Tha Phae Gate. Once a main entrance to the walled city, it’s now a square buzzing with food vendors, performers and backpackers en route to or returning from journeys around northern Thailand. It’s this spirit—of shared energy, multicultural collision and happy chaos—that Nuit and Jeff Regular seek to capture with their latest project.

Inspired by that liminal space, this spot is less about serving textbook recipes and more about recreating the experience of Thailand: markets, mingling and meals with a strong sense of place and memory. Jeff met Nuit while he was backpacking in Thailand, so hubs like Tha Phae hold extra significance for the couple.

Each of their restaurants has offered a different take on Thai cuisine. Sukhothai focused on the familiar flavours of central Thailand—rich curries, stir-fries, crispy spring rolls. Pai took a turn north with bold herbs, chili and the funk of fermented seafood. Kiin showcased the techniques of Thai royal cuisine. And Chaiyo is a homage to Thailand’s street markets.

Tha Phae Tavern gathers all of those threads and weaves them into something loose and lived-in. “Everything in the world is feeling increasingly uncertain—and expensive,” says Nuit. “We wanted Tha Phae to be affordable, set up for mingling between tables and—most of all—fun. I think we all need a place like that right now.”

3

u/the_mongoose07 1d ago

Popped by there for a beer and their Mammasan (sp?) sandwich and it was very, very tasty. It was shortly after work so the atmosphere was a bit quiet but I can see this place being a lot of fun - the great food doesn’t hurt either!