Koh Lipe

What is Koh Lipe? Occupying a narrow, multi-level brownstone at 33–35 Baldwin Street, Koh Lipe brings unapologetic Southern Thai cooking to the pedestrian-heavy bustle of Baldwin Village. Founded by restaurateur Phanom “Patrick” Suksaen and Gotch Klangtongduang, the room is dressed down and colorful, accented by vibrant murals, playful sea decor, and a sunny street-facing patio for warmer months. It has earned Michelin Bib Gourmand honors for delivering punchy, herb-packed regional staples that break far beyond generic takeout fare.

Koh Lipe Menu & What to Order While standard pad thai and rich massaman curries cater to mild appetites, the kitchen shines brightest when cooking deep into Southern Thailand's coastal pantry. Start with Goong Moun—seasoned shrimp rolled in feather-crisp bean curd sheets—or peek gai dusted with dry tom yum spice. For mains, order the coconut beef curry loaded with bitter stink beans (sator) or the Pad Sam Mhen, which tosses glass noodles in pungent garlic and shrimp paste for unmatched savory funk. Cool off the searing bird's-eye chili heat with an iced Thai green tea or durian mille-feuille.

Know Before You Go Koh Lipe uses an iPad-based virtual queue at the door during peak dinner rushes, making wait times manageable even on busy weekends. Tables turn briskly, but large groups should aim for off-peak hours in the late afternoon. Street parking on Baldwin and adjacent residential streets is scarce, so taking the TTC to St. Patrick or Queen's Park Station is your smoothest route.