ChuChai specializes in sophisticated Thai cuisine rendered entirely plant-based through the creative use of soy, seitan, and fresh vegetables. The menu replicates traditional meat-based textures and flavors, offering items such as crispy mock duck, aromatic red curry, and savory stir-fries infused with authentic spices. This establishment maintains a commitment to replicating iconic dishes while strictly adhering to a vegan philosophy. Diners encounter a variety of plates featuring fresh herbs, coconut milk, and bold chili heat that defines classic regional Thai profiles. The interior provides a relaxed atmosphere suitable for exploring plant-based interpretations of Southeast Asian staples. Every dish demonstrates meticulous preparation, ensuring that each component contributes to a balanced and flavorful experience that challenges conventional perceptions of meat-free eating while delivering substantial, satisfying portions that honor the culinary traditions of Thailand.
ChuChai is widely celebrated as one of the best vegan destinations in Montreal, consistently impressing both long-time vegans and self-described meat lovers alike. The restaurant is renowned for its sophisticated, authentic Thai flavours and highly convincing meat substitutes, with the crispy duck emerging as a standout favorite among many diners. Guests frequently highlight the extensive, creative menu, the welcoming and attentive service, and the pleasant atmosphere as key reasons for their repeat visits. While experiences with service consistency vary occasionally, the overwhelming majority of visitors find the culinary quality and presentation to be outstanding, making it a highly recommended must-visit spot for anyone looking for a unique and delicious dining experience.
Food was amazing! Our fav was the peanut chickn skewers. However, some of the dishes were on the greaser side & service was spotty. Atmosphere was very chic, modern, & clean. They have outdoor seating which was lovely. We will definitely go back again!
Got a table on the patio for dinner on Saturday night. It was busy - without a reservation there were no tables inside. I can see why, this place was delicious. We started with tom kha soup, duck larb, & fresh rolls. Classic pad thai for the main. Everything was delicious. Will definitely return.
Venue il y a 2 mois avec mon amie. Nous nous sommes absolument RÉGALÉES. De plus le serveur qui nous faisait le service avait été d'une extrême gentillesse & nous avait énormément aidé à choisir dans ce menus dont beaucoup de choses nous donnaient envie. Si je repasse sur Montréal je reviendrai pour sûr ! Ps : leur sauce cacahouète mon dieuuuuu quelle est divine !!
Tasting menu was a little bit more expensive for what it was, but we still enjoyed everything. Vegan duck with green beans & vegan chicken with veggies, the tasting platter, chocolate cake, cheesecake, & tea. Our entrees were delicious. For two people, $110 total. In all, the servers were nice & the food is nice. Notes: The chocolate cake!! That stuff is so good.
10/10 across the board! We got the Kiao Satay (dumplings in peanut sauce), Waan Krob (crispy seaweed), Poe Pia Tod (Fried Imperial Rolls), Ped Palo (Crispy duck), & Neua Sam Rod (crispy beef). The peanut sauce was so delicious we could've drank it. The crispy seaweed was perfection. The crispy duck is something I thought I would never find but they have absolutely gotten it right, I'd say better than the real thing. & the beef was the favorite of the table, even better as leftovers the next day. The service was wonderful, & bonus points for mocktail options on their drinks. We're only visiting for a week but will surely be back at ChuChai!
Si tu est vegan cet resto est pour toi!! Terrace cozy disponible 💖. On a mangé les dumplings en sauce de peanut, le Pad Thai & du faux canard. 10/10, le service est excellent & tres rapide ✨🌱 options GF disponibles.
I was a bit hesitant to try ChuChai, as what I really wanted was some Thai food with a lot of vegetables. I even considered going to an omnivorous Thai restaurant. But, I felt I could trust this restaurant, & hoped I'd be pleasantly surprised. Pleasant doesn't begin to describe my experience. It was a lovely warm, August evening, so I sat outside, on the cute-as deck. Gabriel was my primary server & was so friendly, helpful & accommodating! I ordered the Thai basil noodles with vegan duck. I also ordered a papaya salad. Because of some weird health issues, I'm avoiding coconut oil. I confirmed with Gabriel that there was no coconut oil in these noodles. Within minutes, Rachel dropped by my table. She said that she knew I'd ordered these noodles, & she knew there was a coconut oil issue. She wanted to let me know that the same pan is used for coconut dishes as for this one & there was a chance of cross-contamination. Was that okay? (It was & is. I just can't eat it in significant quantity.) I was blown away by that attention to detail. The papaya salad was loaded with enough green papaya & veggies to satisfy my needs & was fresh & delicious. Then, the noodles came... I used to eat duck. I kinda remember the texture... This was probably the most accurate vegan meat I've eaten outside of Boca Burgers! &, it was delicious. The entree was rich, but not overpowered by the vegan duck. There was just enough to get some in every bite, but not be overwhelmed. &, my water glass was never allowed to go empty. I think there was only one member of floor staff with whom I did not interact. This is such a cohesive, well-run team! & they still manage to provide just the kind of atmosphere you'd want, be it in solitude--like me-- or with a group. Even a date! I saw all of the above at other tables. I've already given a personal recommendation to strangers who are vegan & were headed up to Montreal. Yum. Yum. Yum. UPDATE: I was meeting up with friends in Montreal, early in April. I had already mentioned ChuChai. Why would I not? But, on Friday, they mentioned they'd not had "a fabulous meal, yet." So, I recommended ChuChai, again. We were one veganish, one veg, one pescatarian & one omnivore. Gabriel seated us 30 minutes before our reservation--& REMEMBERED ME--& we sat! We ordered a lot of food & Gabriel was in charge of our wine guidance. Success! We all moaned in ecstasy, with every bite. Once again, casually & effortlessly, every server took care of us in some way. On the way out, my friend decided she wanted a t-shirt. I was directed to Emily--the owner--who ALSO remembered me. I got a little bit of history about the place, & introduced to her mother, who was sitting at the bar. My friend got chatting with mom so intently, we missed our Uber! Well worth it. This place slays me! & how lovely to find that 8 months' was like 8 seconds in the fluid consistency. Can't wait to try the new, sister restaurant. Next time!
