Tha Phae Tavern is Nuit and Jeff Regular's latest love letter from Thailand to Toronto. 

The duo behind the Michelin-recommended PAI is serving up the same fresh, zesty, and bold Thai flavours Torontonians know and love, only this time through snackable late-night street food fare.

Inspired by one of Chiang Mai's most iconic landmarks, Tha Phae Gate, the menu features everything from crispy fried chicken with sweet and spicy sauce to garlicky, chili-laced stir-fried noodles. Beyond the food, there are private karaoke rooms, claw machines, and a photo booth.

"The idea for Tha Phae Tavern came together very fast," shared Executive Chef and Co-Owner Nuit with blogTO. "We wanted to show the other side of Thailand with the nightlife, snack bar, and international Thai-inspired flavours." 

Inspired by their backpacking days, the couple wanted to create a space that emulated the community and excitement that often comes with travel. 

"You go to a bar, you talk to the people sitting beside you, enjoy the conversation, food, drinks - that's the feeling we want to serve," said Nuit. "I serve the food, and Jeff serves the ambiance."

The Chaati No. 9 ($15) is a mix of spiced rum, pandan liqueur, coconut milk, strawberry yogurt, guava purée, salak syrup, and Thai mint. Rich and creamy with the sweet taste of a tropical fruit salad, it's served icy cold in an adorable cat cup. The cocktail takes its name from the Thai word for life and playfully nods to the nine lives of furry felines. 

A riff on a margherita, the Margaricha ($15) features a house-made Thai tea syrup, along with the usual suspects of tequila, triple sec, and lime juice. 

My favourite beverage was the Mamuang Slush ($10). Made with mango purée, pandan, cinnamon, and coconut-sticky rice horchata, it's refreshing and pleasantly sweet. For an extra $5, you can turn it into an adult slushy with a shot of spiced rum. 

For food, most dishes are served tapas-style with stir-frys, salads, grilled plates, and deep-fried bar bites made to be shared. Every item on the menu is deeply personal for Executive Chef Nuit, who worked closely with her team to create offerings that celebrate Thai cuisine and incorporate international flavours.

"I like to cook what I like to eat, and that's what goes on the menu," she laughed.

One of Nuit's current favourites (though she admits it's hard to choose!) is the Yum Pak Boong Krob Moo Sup or Crispy Morning Glory Salad with Minced Pork ($16). Layered with texture and flavour, it's the best kind of salad, one where the greens are deep-fried and every bite has savoury minced pork. It's all tossed together in a spicy, punchy lime and fish sauce dressing. 

Twelve years in the making, the Gai Tod Tha Phae or Tha Phae Fried Chicken ($14) is another top contender. Marinated with herbs and plenty of spices, the chicken thigh is tender and juicy with a crispy, golden crust. On the side is a sweet and spicy chili sauce paired with a spicy sour sauce. 

The Sandwich Massaman Nuea Toon or Braised Massaman Beef Sandwich ($17) fuses Thai and Vietnamese. Braised beef brisket slathered in a mildly spiced Massaman curry sauce comes together with pickled vegetables and fresh cilantro in a soft, airy bánh mì bun. 

"It's everything that I wanted in a sandwich," shared Jeff. 

The Tum Pu Pla Ra ($12) is a papaya salad with salted crab, yard long beans, and tomato in a spicy lime fermented fish sauce. Crunchy and light with layers of umami, it's a bold, funky testament to the vibrant flavours of Northeastern Thailand.

Not to be missed is Tha Phae Tavern's secret (well, not-so-secret) menu. On it is one of my favourite dishes, the Mama Pad Kee Mao or Stir-Fried Drunken Instant Noodles ($18). 

Unlike what you might have whipped up in your university dorm, these umami-packed noodles are tossed with garlic, chili, basil and crisp veggies like snap peas. Topped with sliced chili and whole peppercorns, they pack a punch and win my pick for the tastiest instant noodles around. 

Just steps away from its sister restaurant, Tha Phae Tavern is the perfect spot to start or end the night. Whether grabbing a quick snack and drink while waiting for a table at PAI, or capping things off with a round of karaoke, the fun and colourful 150-seat space has room for everyone. 

And be sure to check out the monthly full moon party. A celebratory night with music, LED shows, and glow-in-the-dark body paint, it's something worth experiencing.

Tha Phae Tavern is located at 221 Richmond St W.