Koh Lipe Thai Kitchen

What is Koh Lipe Thai Kitchen? Set along the pedestrian-friendly stretch of Baldwin Street in Baldwin Village, Koh Lipe Thai Kitchen is restaurateur Phanom "Patrick" Suksaen's homage to the fiery, coastal cooking of southern Thailand. Named after the sun-drenched Andaman Sea island, the dining room pairs bright hand-painted murals with woven bamboo lights and an energetic, unpretentious vibe. Seating spreads across two compact indoor floors alongside a leafy streetfront patio that stays packed during patio season.

Koh Lipe Thai Kitchen Menu & What to Order While the kitchen turns out capable versions of pad see ew and khao soi, the menu truly excels when it leans into regional southern recipes heavy on turmeric, dried chilies, shrimp paste, and pungent petai (stink beans). Start with the peek gai tom yum—crisp-fried chicken wings dusted in a punchy, citrus-forward dry rub—alongside the goong moun, featuring shrimp wrapped in deep-fried tofu skin. The slow-simmered massaman curry is rich, nutty, and best scooped up with flaky roti, while adventurous eaters should zero in on the pad sam mhen for a smoky glass noodle stir-fry loaded with bitter beans and garlic. Round out the meal with a classic sweet Thai iced tea or sticky rice with ripe mango.

Know Before You Go The cozy room fills up fast with neighborhood locals, students, and spice enthusiasts, meaning prime dinner slots routinely see sidewalk waits. Reservations can be booked ahead online or by phone, but small walk-in parties can often grab tables during late afternoon and early weekday services. Street parking on Baldwin is virtually non-existent; take the TTC to St. Patrick or Queen's Park station and take the five-minute stroll west.