5 Thai SELECT Certified Restaurants to Spice Up Your Summer

Looking to turn up the heat this summer? Skip the passport and let Thai SELECT restaurants bring the flavour to you. These spots aren’t just slinging pad Thai—they’re certified by Thailand’s own Ministry of Commerce for keeping things legit in the kitchen.

Awarded by the Ministry of Commerce of the Royal Thai Government, the Thai SELECT certification is given to restaurants and food producers that deliver authentic Thai cuisine with traditional ingredients and cooking methods.

This summer we’re highlighting Thai SELECT certified restaurants that promise authentic flavours, traditions, and quality culinary experiences.

Let’s kick things off with a Richmond Hill favourite that knows its way around a wok.

Thai Basil Richmond Hill

Cuisine: Traditional Thai
Location: 1070 Major Mackenzie Dr. E, Richmond Hill, ON
Hours: Monday–Sunday, 11:30 AM–3 PM; 4:30 PM–9:30 PM (Check website for updates)
Price Point: $$ – most mains $14–$20
Website: thaibasil.ca
Menu Highlights:
- Pad Thai (house specialty)
- Mussamun Curry with Beef Brisket
- Thai Boat Noodle Soup
- BBQ Pork Jowl
- Shrimp Cakes
Takeout & Delivery: Available through UberEats, SkipTheDishes, DoorDash
Happy Hour/Specials: Occasional weekday lunch combos (~$14)

What We Tried

Pad Thai – 9.5/10

Hands down, one of their best dishes. Balanced, saucy, and just enough wok-char to let you know it’s the real deal. The noodles don’t clump, the sauce isn’t too sweet, and there’s that crunchy peanut topping that seals it all together.

Mussamun Curry with Beef Brisket – 9/10

Comfort in a bowl. Rich, nutty, and warm-spiced curry with slow-braised brisket that practically melts. It’s hearty without being heavy and pairs well with their jasmine rice.

Thai Boat Noodle Soup – 9/10

Tart, savoury, and spicy—this soup packs a punch. The broth is deep and flavorful, and the sliced beef is tender. Noodles have a nice chew. Ideal for a rainy summer day.

Thai BBQ Pork Jowl – 8/10

Fatty, smoky, and slightly sweet. It comes with a dipping sauce that cuts through the richness. Perfect shared dish.

Moo Ping Grilled Pork Skewers – 8/10

Juicy, marinated pork grilled to a good char. A go-to street food item, and they get it right.

Thai Shrimp Cakes – 7/10

Good texture, not greasy, but could use a bit more punch in seasoning. Still a solid starter if you’re into fried apps.

Sweet & Sour Pineapple Chicken – 7/10

Classic Thai-American style dish. Lightly battered chicken tossed with peppers, pineapple, and sweet & sour sauce. Pleasant but more familiar than standout.

What Others Are Saying

Google Reviews (4.5 stars, 800+ reviews):
One reviewer said: “Authentic and consistently good Thai food. The Pad Thai and Thai Boat Noodle are my go-tos. Friendly service and clean atmosphere.”

Another diner added: “Their Mussamun curry is so flavourful. I also recommend the Moo Ping skewers. Great spot for a casual dinner.”

Yelp (4 stars):
A recent reviewer highlighted: “Flavours remind me of Bangkok. It’s not watered down like a lot of other suburban Thai places. Highly recommend the BBQ pork jowl and Thai iced tea.”

BlogTO (2024 Feature):
In their Thai SELECT roundup, BlogTO named Thai Basil a “staple in Richmond Hill that’s earned its certification through consistency and care in technique, especially in their noodle and curry dishes.”

Thai Basil balances comfort food and serious Thai flavour without overcomplicating things. You’ll get real ingredients, thoughtful spice, and satisfying portions in a no-frills dining room. If you’re heading up to Richmond Hill, this spot earns its Thai SELECT badge—and your dinner budget.

There are several other local Thai SELECT certified restaurants to visit this summer, including:

Patchmon’s Thai Desserts and More

Cuisine: Authentic Thai desserts and daily food specials
Location: 283 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON (downtown)
Hours: Saturday 12:00 PM–5:00 PM, closed Monday–Friday and Sunday
Price Point: $ – packaged desserts $6, auspicious desserts for special occasions $15
Menu Highlights:
- Luk Choup, Curry Puffs, Mango Sticky Rice, Tagoe
- Kanom Chan (layered coconut dessert)
- Traditional Thai desserts made with rice and tapioca flour
- Daily food specials
Takeout & Delivery: Available through UberEats and DoorDash
Special Notes: Family-run shop, first authentic Thai dessert shop in Toronto

Chaiyo Thai Market by Pai

Cuisine: Thai market-style cuisine from the Pai restaurant group
Location: 81 Bay St, Toronto, ON (downtown food court)
Hours: Daily operation (check for specific hours)
Price Point: $$ – most items $12–$18
Menu Highlights:
- Market-style Thai dishes
- Rotating hot table selections
- Street food inspired items
- Authentic Thai flavors
Takeout & Delivery: Available through SkipTheDishes
Special Notes: Part of the Pai/Sukhothai restaurant group

Nimman Thai Cuisine

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Cuisine: Traditional Thai cuisine
Location: 2451 Lake Shore Blvd W, Toronto, ON (West Toronto/Mimico)
Hours: Check current hours (delivery available)
Price Point: $$ – Pad Thai for $9.95 with any entree
Menu Highlights:
- Pad Thai (featured specialty)
- Traditional Thai curries
- Stir-fries and noodle dishes
- Appetizers and soups
Takeout & Delivery: Available through SkipTheDishes
Special Notes: Ranked #515 among Toronto restaurants on TripAdvisor with 73 reviews

Jatujak Thai Street Style Food Steeles

Cuisine: Thai street food inspired by Bangkok’s famous Chatuchak Market
Location: 5651 Steeles Ave E, Scarborough, ON
Hours: Check current hours
Price Point: $ – typical street food pricing $8–$15
Menu Highlights:
- Street-style Thai dishes
- Market-inspired flavors
- Rotating fresh options
- Authentic Bangkok street food experience
Takeout & Delivery: Available (check for current options)
Special Notes: Always fresh and always have something new to try

Each restaurant is held to high standards that reflect the culinary heritage of Thailand. You can learn more about the Thai SELECT program here.

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