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This relatively new Monkland restaurant has gathered quite a loyal following. Located at 5645 Monkland in N.D.G., Bangkok Express offers a variety of mouth-watering Thai dishes. While minimally decorated and not very sizable, it is always full and has seating outside for those warm summer nights and crisp fall afternoons. Due to its low-key atmosphere and small size, it is both the perfect place for an intimate date, or for a supper out with friends.

After my friend and I placed our orders, we quickly worked up an appetite smelling the amazing aromas in the air. In addition to its chicken, beef and seafood options, the menu offers many veggie-only dishes, and as a vegetarian, I had no trouble selecting an entrée: the yellow curry with tofu. My friend, the omnivore, chose chicken in peanut sauce with crispy spinach. To compliment my meal, I ordered a Chinese beer, Tsingtao.  

While waiting, a constant trickle of people entered the restaurant to pick up meals to go, something the restaurant offers, in lieu of delivery service. As a customer sitting down for my meal, however, I felt this slowed down the kitchen. Nonetheless, I didn’t care because as soon as I put one spoonful of curry in my mouth it was all worth it. The curry  was a concoction of tofu, green peppers, fried potatoes and onions, and the side of steamed rice was just asking to be dipped into the yellow sauce. As I ate, that perfect Thai flavour enveloped every bite. We both ate in silence for the first 10 minutes—too focused on eating—which you know is a good sign. My only complaint is that, despite feeling stuffed, there wasn’t enough. I wanted more.

Not only was the food amazing and the beer cold, but the prices were affordable. For two plates, two sides of steamed rice and the one drink, the total came out to $30 plus tip.

Leaving the restaurant with our bellies full, conversation quickly turned to what we would order next time. Just thinking of the food now whets my appetite, so I know I must return. To find this gem from McGill, hop on the 24 bus and ride it to Villa Maria metro and then simply walk down Monkland. The affordable prices and the unbeatable food are worth making the trip from downtown.