Royal Thai Government introduces Canada-wide certification program to recognize restaurants that honour the Southeast Asian country’s authentic cuisine
Sala Thai, Maenam, and Bob Likes Thai Food among the Vancouver establishments to be certified by Thai SELECT
Photo via Thai SELECT.
A NEW RESTAURANT-certification program is now up and running across Canada to shine a light on Thai dining establishments that honour the Southeast Asian country’s authentic cuisine.
Toronto’s Thai Trade Centre and the Royal Thai Government’s Ministry of Commerce announced on July 8 that the Thai SELECT seals of approval are intended to help people discover Thailand’s traditional flavours and to encourage chefs and restaurateurs to strive for the highest quality in food, ingredients, and service.
To ensure certain standards are maintained, restaurants have to reapply for certification every three years.
“Awarded restaurants focus on upholding traditional Thai methods of cooking and aim to include authentic Thai ingredients throughout their menus,” according to a release. “Where ingredients from Thailand cannot be sourced, Thai SELECT restaurants substitute with local options that allow the flavours of Thailand to be honoured.”
Thai SELECT Cookbook features recipes for dishes like Pad Thai Goong Sod—Thai fried noodles with shrimp.
There are three certification levels based on the quality of food, design, and décor; price point; and level of service.
Thai SELECT Signature is the highest level of accreditation, given to restaurants that exceed all of the criteria. “Restaurants awarded this certification personify authentic Thai characteristics, serve Thai food made with quality ingredients, offer an elevated setting, and provide outstanding service,” the release said. Two B.C. restaurants to date have achieved this level: Langley’s Ban Chok Dee Thai and Sala Thai in Vancouver.
Thai SELECT Classic goes to those establishments where the menu items embody authentic Thai cuisine and that provide excellent quality “with considerably good service along with great value”. In Vancouver, Bai Bua Thai Cuisine, Bob Likes Thai Food, Jitlada Thai Restaurant, Kin Kao, Maenam Thai Restaurant, Sawasdee Thai Restaurant, and Thai Basil are among the several places that boast the award.
Thai restaurants awarded the Thai SELECT Casual certification offer authentic Thai foods but have limited services available and are geared to consumers on the go. Three local restaurants have received this ranking so far: Sen Pad Thai, Thai Box on Truck, and Ruan Thai.
The Thai Select website has a full listing of accredited restaurants across Canada as well as places to purchase imported products, information about Thai ingredients, and a link to a cookbook that’s available for free download.
More information is at Thai SELECT.
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