Chao Lay

What is Chao Lay? Located at 809 St Clair Avenue West between Christie and Arlington in the Wychwood corridor, Chao Lay brings Chef Tophy Sutthirom's soulful Thai cooking from ghost-kitchen cult status into a warm, wood-accented brick-and-mortar storefront. Named after Thailand's coastal seafaring communities, the dining room is intimate and inviting, outfitted with warm lanterns, closely spaced wooden tables, and a sidewalk patio during the summer months.

Chao Lay Menu & What to Order The kitchen excels at high-heat wok char and complex, herb-forward curries, distinguished by specialties like the creamy truffle pad see ew topped with seared wild scallops and a punchy pad gra pao crowned with a crispy fried egg. Seafood shines through the panang salmon and clay-pot-style goong ob woonsen, while the Chiang Mai khao soi delivers deep coconut richness and aromatic spice over tender noodles. Balance the fiery heat with an order of house mango salad, sip on an iced Thai milk tea, and finish with fresh mango sticky rice, noting that several noodle and stir-fry dishes can be tailored vegan upon request.

Know Before You Go With limited seating inside, dinner service packs out quickly with neighbourhood regulars on weekends, making early reservations advisable although walk-ins are accommodated when space permits. Transit riders can take the 512 St Clair streetcar to Christie or Arlington, while drivers will need to rely on Green P street parking along the avenue. The restaurant is closed Mondays, opens for late-afternoon dinner Tuesday through Friday and Sunday, and runs lunch into late evening on Saturdays.