A Taste of [Downtown] St. Thomas – Le Café Siam

Green Curry

with Sarah from the  Elgin/St. Thomas Small Business Enterprise Centre 
On Instagram @SBECinnovation #TasteofStThomas
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I love small business, but I may love food-based enterprises most of all. Food has always been at the centre of everything for me. Whether it was afternoons in the kitchen with my mom, days spent entertaining at home, or menu selection for special events throughout my career: food has been woven into my life as I am sure it has been in yours. And in a time when we can't necessarily sit down together to share a meal, I am excited to have the opportunity to share a meal with you in this way - through words; another thing I love.

Beef and Mushrooms in Oyster Sauce

Our first stop on this Downtown St. Thomas dining adventure is Le Cafe Siam. This family-owned and operated restaurant is a jewel in the west end of downtown St. Thomas featuring an extensive menu of authentic Thai options.  Dishes range from widely available, like Pad Thai, to more uncommonly seen on Thai restaurant offerings like Tom Kha and Panang Curry. 

Orders are always started fresh using authentic, high-quality ingredients - as if the dishes are for their own family. If you have never stepped into the world of flavour that Thai cooking has to offer - Le Cafe Siam is an incredible start to that journey.

Spring Rolls

​As part of this adventure, I opted to let James choose my order asking him what some of his favourite dishes on the menu are. I took the opportunity to try some new to me dishes as my standard order usually includes the Pineapple Curry or the Cashew Chicken.

​James' recommendations included Green Curry because "you know a good Thai restaurant by their Green Curry" and their Beef and Mushrooms in Oyster Sauce. The Beef and Mushroom dish is close to the family's heart because it is a favourite dish prepared by their father, who is still in Thailand, when they were young.

The biggest takeaway of my Thai takeaway from Le Cafe Siam is just how fresh and high-quality everything is. The vegetables were fresh and tender-crisp. Even the beef, which I usually steer clear of anywhere but a steakhouse, was tender and juicy. Having had Thai all over the province, I feel very fortunate to have such a great option right at home. The Green Curry with chicken was warming with its punch of heat and the Beef and Mushrooms in Oyster sauce was well balanced with the salty oyster sauce lending itself well to the earthy umami of the mushroom - I see why these two dishes are family favourites!

Currently, patrons can enjoy ordering for take-out and delivery Tuesday - Saturday for lunch and dinner and if you are interested in placing an order call 519.637.2287 during business hours. The menu and updated business hours are available on the restaurant's Facebook page at Le Cafe Siam: Thai Cuisine.
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Be prepared to wait a bit for your food remembering that dish preparation begins when you order. These unique recipes take time to ensure that you taste the quality and care that goes into each one.

Le Cafe Siam is located at 392 Talbot St. in St. Thomas.

Pineapple Curry with Coconut Rice

This post originally appeared in the Downtown Vibe magazine.