The food I ate in Thailand remains as one of my all-time favourite life experiences. Perhaps because Toronto does not have a big Thai expat population to serve, I find that most Thai food here is but a pale memory of the amazing flavours, colours and textures of the real deal. Tonight I’ll do my best to re-create a bit of that Thai street food magic.

Pad Thai, the iconic Thai noodle dish features stir-fried rice noodles in a tangy & sweet, salty & spicy, tamarind-spiked sauce with shrimp, tofu, scallions, egg, veggies, basil, coriander, topped with crushed peanuts and lime. $12

I can easily make a vegetarian version (no shrimp and/or egg) – though it will have Thai fish sauce. I’ll try and make a batch of serviceable vegan sauce as well. $10

(Veg’n-friendly & gluten free)