Authentic Taste of Thailand in the Heart of Montreal at Siam

Imagine being transported to the vibrant streets of Thailand without leaving Montreal. Thanks to Siam, you can embark on a culinary journey that will delight your taste buds and immerse you in the rich and exotic flavors of Thai cuisine. I visited the Centre Ville location this November, on a busy Saturday night for the first time – here is my full review and guide to Siam!

Authenticity from the Heart of Thailand

Siam was founded in 2003 by owners Ladi Cheng and Thyda Ouy with an aim to prioritize authenticity in every aspect. To ensure this authentic experience, the duo enlisted a renowned chef from Thailand, Chef Panithit, to spearhead the restaurant’s startup and menu development. Chef Panithit’s famous crispy chicken (or tofu), inspired by his grandmother’s secret recipe, stands as a symbol of the restaurant’s dedication to genuine Thai flavors. This commitment is underscored by the prestigious Thai Select Premium certification from the Ministry of Commerce of Thailand, validating Siam’s efforts to preserve the unique techniques and ingredients integral to Thai cuisine. As part of the Satori Group, Siam has grown into a culinary empire since its inception, with four restaurants, boasting over 250 employees and a continued commitment to delivering an authentic taste of Thailand in Montreal! 

Ambiance & Decor

I dined at the Centre Ville location at 1325 René-Lévesque Blvd W on a Saturday night. The restaurant features an expansive two-story open plan and we were seated upstairs, where the atmosphere filled with lively chatter & music that resonated through the bustling restaurant. The restaurant is adorned with contemporary Thai decor, lush foliage and subtle ambient lighting which added to the warm & inviting atmosphere. A grand and elegant bar adorned the first level, and the lively chatter from downstairs echoed its way upstairs, contributing to the energetic ambiance. We were seated at a cozy two-top table, which offered a panoramic view of the upstairs dining expanse and the floor-to-ceiling windows that framed the outside world. This inviting ambiance masterfully set the tone for the extraordinary gastronomic journey that awaited us! Please note that while I visited in November, there is also a terrace available to enjoy during the summer months, which would be the perfect setting to enjoy one of their signature cocktails and a few appetizers! 

The Menu 

Siam is celebrated for its original and delicate Thai ingredients such as curry, mint, lemongrass, coriander, kaffir lime, and red basil. The fragrant aromas and spectacular presentations will transport you to the heart of Thailand, though brace yourself for the spiciness that characterizes this renowned cuisine! Siam artfully reinvents iconic Thai classics, such as pad thai, massaman curry & papaya salad, in a contemporary and innovative manner, inviting patrons to embrace the tradition of sharing, a hallmark of Southeast Asian dining.

The menu offers an array of delights, from crisp salads and enticing starters to aromatic curries, sizzling stir-fried wok dishes, and signature noodle and rice creations – all underpinned by the prestigious “Thai Select Premium” certification. Many of the rice & noodle dishes offer the option to choose your protein, from chicken, shrimp, tofu and even lobster. End your meal with irresistible homemade desserts, including the renowned sticky mango rice. 

You can cap off your experience with Siam’s exceptional cocktails, designed by mixologist Laurence Picard. The unique blend of flavors, including lemongrass, coconut, mango, chili, and lychee creates an exotic and refreshing symphony of flavors, the perfect conclusion to your unforgettable journey. 

Vegetarian & Vegan Options

Thai cuisine is renowned for having fantastic vegetarian and vegan options and Siam honors this with several vegan appetizers & mains to choose from! To start you can order Curry Puffs, Spring Rolls, Papaya/ Mango Salad and more. For mains, you choose from vegan Pad Thai, Massaman Curry, Sweet and Sour Tofu and more. I highly recommend the Vegetarian Dumplings, which are a delicious seamed blend of vegetables, chive, chili oil, fried basil, sesame and served with a zesty peanut sauce.

My Dining Experience

On my visit, we ordered the Duck Wontons & Vegetarian Dumplings with Satay Sauce to start. The wontons were a standout item, featuring confit duck, mushrooms and green onions, deep-fried to perfection and paired with a delicious plum sauce to add a sweet touch to the dish! For the main course, we shared the Green Curry with Chicken & Pad See Ew with Filet Mignon. The green curry sauce was incredibly flavorful and fragrant with tender chicken & fresh beans, pepper, thai basil & bamboo shoot while the Pad See Ew noodles were bursting with flavor. We concluded our meal with the delectable White Chocolate and Coconut Lava Cake which was accompanied with Coconut Ice Cream. To accompany the meal, I enjoyed the Tom Yiam Siam with white rum, Malibu, lychee juice, lemongrass, lime juice, chili water and ginger beer which had a unique, spicy kick. Overall, the dining experience at Siam was sensational, with my personal favorite being the Duck Wontons & Green Curry. I’m already excited for my next visit to explore more tempting options on the menu!

Price Point 

Expect to pay $14-$20 for an appetizer, $25-$30 for a main and $15 for a cocktail at Siam.

Reservations & Opening Hours

Siam Montreal is open Monday to Friday, serving from lunch until 10 PM. You can conveniently secure your table online through their reservation platform here. While walk-ins are welcomed, a reservation is advised for a seamless dining experience. 

Location & Getting There

Siam Montreal (Centre Ville) is conveniently situated at 1325 René-Lévesque Blvd W, in the heart of downtown. Its prime location just a few steps away from the Bell Centre makes it an ideal choice for a pre or post-concert/game dining experience. 

For those using public transportation, Siam is easily accessible with Bonaventure Metro Station, Lucien-L’Allier Metro Station, Gare Centrale, and Gare Lucien-L’Allier stops all within a 12-minute walking distance. Plan your trip by public transport here. 

If you prefer to drive, there’s ample paid parking available nearby, such as the parking lot at 1074 Rue De La at Rue De La Montagne (M168 Novotel Hotel). Plan your paid parking trip here. 

For inspiration for activities to do in downtown Montreal, please click here. 

Siam at Home

All 3 Siam locations are also available for take out; either through phone or their delivery partner Uber Eats. Find out more here: https://restaurantsiam.com/en/

In conclusion, Siam stands as more than just a restaurant; it is a gateway to the vibrant and authentic taste of Thailand in Montreal. Whether you’re indulging in the rich flavors of our iconic classics, exploring the diverse vegetarian and vegan options, or sipping on refreshing cocktails, Siam promises an exquisite culinary journey. The sensational food is complemented with the stunning contemporary decor of the restaurant and the friendly & attentive hospitality. I highly recommend Siam on your next date night or celebration for a fantastic and unique dining experience!

For more dining inspiration in Montreal, please click here to start uncovering Montreal’s hidden gems!