Thai Basil

The other night I had the opportunity to go out and eat at Thai Basil.  This restaurant is located in the heart of Richmond Hill.  We entered the restaurant around 6:00 p.m. and it was somewhat full as there was a constant stream of people coming and going.  Our friends had arrived ahead of us and decided to order for us.  As we sat down the food was already arriving at the table.  I have to admit I was pretty hungry that night and seeing the food fly out of the restaurant was definitely a welcome sight. A couple of friends also ordered a couple of coconut milks.  They carve the coconuts for you and from the looks of my friends' faces it certainly looked like it was worth the money.

One of the first dishes that arrived was the Baked Fried Rice in Coconut. Appearance wise the dish was well presented.  When first tasting the rice, I have to admit it wasn't too "fried'.  If anything it was lightly fried which is okay since I tend not to like my rice too fried. You can actually taste some of the coconut milk that I am sure was used to make this rice.  There were extra pieces of chicken as well although the chicken itself was not as tasty.

Pumpkin Seafood mix

Baked Fried Rice in Coconut

That Basil Chili Noodle

Red Thai Curry with Tiger Prawns

Tung Choi

Since Thai is known for its curry, our friends ordered a few dishes of curry mixed with meat or seafood.  One of them was the Thai Green Curry with Pork.  The pork was delicious and although the curry was spicy it was not too hot.  Personally, I have never find Thai curry to ever be too spicy.  The smell of coconut curry will always make me salivate and wanting for more.  Served with white rice, it certainly makes it a more complete meal.  The pork was tender, not too chewy and certainly blended well with the curry.  We also had a Tung Choi which was an enriching experience.   The vegetables were served I believe to be on black bean sauce. It can be served with garlic or with shrimp paste sauce. Sticking with the curry theme of the night, we also ordered a Red Thai Curry with Tiger Prawns.  The shrimp were nicely pealed and were quick tender.  The only problem with so much curry and spicy foods at once is that sometimes one does not fully appreciate the taste of each of the curry dishes because after a while everything somewhat blends in with one another and tastes the same.  To me, the red curry was spicier than the green curry however I am sure that others tell you the other way around.

Thai Green Curry with Pork

We also had a Pumpkin Seafood mix.  I apologize as I don't really know the official name of this wonderful dish.  Served in an actual pumpkin, this dish comes in a curry sauce mixed with a variety of seafood.  The last thing that arrived was the That Basil Chili Noodle.  Deliciously made, the noodles were mixed with red and green peppers, basil leaves, baby corn, chili and onions.  A little spicy but nonetheless very, very tasty.  All 6 plates arrived within 15 minutes of one another.

Mango Sticky Rice

Before we left we had to try the Mango Sticky Rice.  We ate this everyday and every moment that we could when we were in Thailand and when you are in Thai restaurant, it is definitely a must have.  As it arrived, it was beautifully shaped in the shape of a heart.  However upon eating the dessert one can tell this was certainly not from Thailand.  The mango was not as sweet and the black and white sticky rice just didn't stick very well.  I was a little disappointed but it certainly didn't ruin the night.

Overall, we were pretty content with the food.  Our friends ordered a variety of curries mixed with meat and seafood.  The only complaint I had with the food was the proportion sizes were quite small.  Great for two people, terrible for five.  It seemed everyone could only take 2-3 bites each.  The total price was about 120 dollars for all the dishes.  Service was great and there was plenty of free parking.  Certainly a place to go again.  I give it a 4 out of 5.