CHAI-YO delivers a strictly plant-based exploration of authentic Thai culinary traditions within a contemporary setting. The menu centers on traditional aromatic herbs, house-made curry pastes, and fresh seasonal vegetables to replicate the complex flavor profiles found in Southeast Asian street food. Diners encounter a focused selection of noodle dishes, fragrant soups, and spicy stir-fries crafted entirely without animal products. Every preparation emphasizes the balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy notes characteristic of the region. The interior environment prioritizes a clean, minimalist aesthetic that allows the vibrant colors of the ingredients to serve as the primary visual focus. This establishment operates with a commitment to sustainable, plant-forward cooking techniques while maintaining high standards for ingredient sourcing and preparation consistency throughout its rotating seasonal menu offerings.
CHAI-YO is widely celebrated as one of the best vegan restaurants in Montreal, offering an authentic and flavourful Thai dining experience that impresses both vegans and non-vegans alike. Visitors consistently praise the bold, fresh, and creative dishes, with particular highlights including the crispy seitan duck, various curries, papaya salad, and the unique peanut sauce dumplings. The atmosphere is frequently described as cozy, warm, and relaxing, often complemented by attentive and welcoming service. While a small number of guests noted that some portions feel small for the price, the vast majority of diners find the quality and preparation of the food to be exceptional, making it a highly recommended destination for anyone seeking high-quality plant-based cuisine.
Highly attentive staff despite being the only person managing all customers. Although it was a week day & a bit late for lunch. The food was very tasty & felt authentic. Decided to get their lunch combo specials. One was Kai Kra Pao & the other was Pad See Ew. Both were super tasty. The server was kind to customize it. Also got a lemon cake for dessert & it was absolutely amazing. Highly recommend visiting this place if you are in Montreal.
Une cuisine qui réchauffe le coeur dans un joli cadre intimiste, en face d'un petit parc. La serveuse est très douce & souriante, & m'a aidé à choisir mon plat, qui était absolument divin. Je n'avais pas mangé quelque chose qui ait autant plu à mes papilles depuis longtemps.
On ressent l'élaboration des plats à chaque bouchée, que la cuisine met vraiment du coeur dans ses plats, & c'est très réconfortant & rassasiant.
Les prix des plats sont vraiment raisonnables, & ça fait du bien de pouvoir si bien manger végé dans un restaurant. Le seitan croustillant convaincra le plus fervent viandard à coup sûr.
Le tout dans une ambiance parfaite, avec une belle sélection de musique qui n'est pas diffusée trop fort.
Je recommande vivement ce restaurant & j'espère y retourner avant mon départ de Mtl.
Nous avions pris un Pad thaï Tao-hu, très bon, & un Ped Yang Panang absolument délicieux. Nous avons aussi pris une boisson chacun & un dessert pour deux tellement nous avions bien mangé.
Merci beaucoup 🫶
Oct 23, 2025
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INSANEEEE Thai Food. Every dish was packed with flavor & I was blown away by the texture & flavor of the duck. The peanut sauce in the dumplings was so good, we were scraping the sides to finish it. Would HIGHLY recommend. Dare I say, the best Thai Food I've ever had (aside from Thailand).
Honnêtement la cuisine végétarienne est excellente ,je m'y attendais pas de déguster à un menu sans viande, alors là je fus surprise par la qualité,j'ai commandé le cari vert,c'est une pépite. La serveuse était parfaitement aimable & accueillante par son 😃. Je recommande ,vous ne serez pas déçu.
I was very impressed with the food. Amazing vegan Thai restaurant. Everything was excellent. I really don't like the name'crispy duck' but don't let that animal name turn you off - it's basically crispy vegan seitan & I highly recommend you order anything with it. We had the soup with crispy duck & the red curry with crispy duck & they were amazing! The peanut butter dumplings were another favorite. They have the best vegan Thai iced tea! Most Thai iced teas are cloyingly sweet but this had the perfect level of sweetness- not very sweet & exactly how I like it. Next time we are in Montreal, we will definitely be coming back here. They also own another vegan Thai restaurant called chu chai which I haven't tried yet.
My partner & I have been ordering from this place many times already, & everything we've both tasted from Chai-Yo has been absolutely delicious.
The dishes are cooked to perfection, they're flavor bombs, with a great balance of textures as well, plus there are some truly spicy options on the menu! I love the heat in these dishes but it can be a bit much if you're not usually into spicy foods.
I especially like the flavours of Tao-hu Sam Rod (crispy tofu in three-flavoured tamarind sauce), Kao Kra Pao (stir-fried TVP with basil & chili) & Khiao Wan Tao-hu (green curry with eggplants), though everything else I've tried so far was equally amazing.
The portions are generous, the dishes always taste very fresh, & everything is vegan to boot.
Highly recommended :)
Loved my first experience there! Everything tasted delicious. My drink tasted amazing but came in the smallest glass I've ever seen. Would have liked & was expecting more. I recommend this place & will definitely go there again
Excellent vegan Thai food, the dumplings (Kiao Satay) are amazing, also tried Pad Thai Tao-Hu, Kao Man Gai, both delicious. The owner is the daughter of the original ChuChai restaurant owners & she has her mom's talents & cooking skills. Highly recommended.
