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Cha Baa Thai
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 12:30 pm - 2 pm
Mon-Sun 5 pm - 10 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
31 reviews for Cha Baa Thai
Review Highlights
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"Their red curry has the perfect combination of heat and..." In 3 reviews -
"...had the red curry w/chicken and the spicy noodles w/chicken." In 3 reviews -
"I must say the Pad Thai was a great choice." In 7 reviews
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31 reviews in English
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Review from Chrissy M.
Halifax, NS
1/4/2012
I'm no Thai food afficionada, but I have been here twice and absolutely love it.
Today I went with some girlfriends for lunch and was very happy with the service, speed and the food itself!
I ordered the lunch portion of cashew chicken and it came with rice, dipping sauce and a fried spring roll for only $10. I often spend that much on soup and a sandwich and am disappointed with what I get.
The chicken was tender and flavourful and I didnt get any yucky, rubbery bits, which is often a concern when I'm eating chicken that is chopped up. The cashews were slightly tender and added a great crunch. The spring roll was crispy and delicious, and I could have eaten a tonne of those for a meal and walked away happy :)
I find the resto clean and bright and comfy. I can't ask for much else.
Our server was attentive and kind, although the place was too busy to build any kind of rapport with her, I didnt feel ignored or that we needed to flag her down at any point.
In other word, I love it and will definitely be going back! -
Review from Allison T.
South End, NS
5/24/2012
I love Cha Baa Thai.
Whenever I am in an adventurous mood I usually opt for this place. Last time I went to Cha Baa Thai I shared the coconut soup, pad thai with mussels, and a classic red curry. Everything was delicious and flavorful. I usually eat so much that when there server asks if I want take the leftovers home I say no. But come lunch time the next day I am kicking myself for not keeping that delicious.
If you are sensitive to spicy food I recommend telling your server. I forgot and ordered something so spicy I was in tears for the rest of the night. The first date I was on looked more like a break-up scene.
Speaking of dates, fellas if you want to impress a lady with a fancy spread this is an excellent choice. -
Review from Audrey L.
Toronto, ON
4/28/2012
I chose to eat here based on a combination of good reviews & proximity to my hotel. I also really love Thai food. Cha Baa is hidden on a small street just off the main road (but not too far off).
Service was average--polite, but not exceptional. I ordered a Thai Iced Tea and, my usual Thai go-to: Panang Curry Beef. To my slight surprise, rice was an additional cost ($3 for an individual serving).
The Thai Iced Tea was different from any that I've ever had, and will likely not be ordering it again. When the Panang Curry Beef arrived, I was slightly disappointed as I'm used to curries with lots of sauce and this had fairly little. Also, instead of the typical peppers/bean sprouts/potatoes that I'm used to, it was served with Chinese green beans and cabbage. However, looks can be deceiving: this was one of the best Thai curries I've ever had; I ate every last bit. It was just the right amount of spice, the beans and cabbage gave the dish a great crunch and the peanut flavour was so evident. It was delicious!
I look forward to returning and trying out some of the other dishes that got such rave reviews. -
Review from Jade B.
Halifax County, NS
5/22/2012
DEEEEELISH!
This was the first time I had been to this establishment, the atmosphere was lovely, I absolutely adored that there were sliding doors for the windows, there was a nice breeze coming in on a hot afternoon.
The smell in there is absolutely intoxicating.
Every time a waitress brought out a dish for another table you couldn't help but sniff the delicious smells.
We ordered a few dishes and shared them.
We ordered the chicken pad Thai and beef panang.
oh wow were they ever good, full of wonderful ethnic flavours!
Cooked to perfection, The tofu in the chicken pad Thai was nice and crispy
wonderful experience.
My only downfall was maybe my own fault, but I assumed a stir fry type of meal couldn't be to bad on the waistline. But oh my I googled it when I got home, and this meal is not for the calorie counters!
Other than that, WONDERFUL! I will defiantly be back! -
Review from Ashley L.
3/30/2012
I love the food here - in my opinion, it's the best in the city. I love the freshness of their vegetables, the spice in their sauces and the price is great for what you get - compared to other places in the city, this place is a steal!
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Review from Bryn J.
Dartmouth, NS
12/28/2011
In early December, my fiance and I went out for dinner with six other family members. His sister had made reservations, when we arrived there was no issues. We were seated at our table promptly, and the server was quick to take drink orders. The server we had for the evening was excellent. She answered any questions we had, and was very attentive to our table.
The food we ordered was amazing. Everything from the appetizers to the mains was cooked properly, seasoned well and full of flavour. The portions were very good, and the prices were good too for an upscale casual restaurant. For the main, I have a seafood curry dish. It had squid in it, now squid is a tough protein to not over cook. However, in this dish it was cooked perfectly. It was not rubbery at all. My fiance had pad thai with chicken. This dish as well was very well executed. The seasoning and flavour was bag on.
I was also equally impressed with the high level of santation throughout the whole restaurant. It was obvious cleanliness was as important here as the quality of the food--even the bathroom was clean and tidy. I would high recomnend this restaurant to anyone, it is a hidden little gem! -
Review from Vanessa J.
Halifax, NS
Alright, Cha Baa Thai, you've been upgraded to 5 stars. Why? Because of your delivery skills! Yes, you charge $5, but as I found out last night, it was so worth it.
From the time I picked up the phone, until the time the bag of yummy foods was sitting on my counter was 18 minutes! Most times, my food sitting down at restaurants doesn't come that fast. The best part of the speedy delivery (besides the fact that I was super hungry) was that the quality of the food didn't diminish. The red curry chicken and cashew vegetables were pipping hot and full of hot spicy flavour. And the spring rolls, oh man the spring rolls. Generally I skip spring rolls in Asian restaurants because I find them bland and too filling. But these ones are amazing, full of textures and flavours, I could have made a meal on these alone. The fast delivery meant they were still crispy, not soggy like a typical take out roll.Listed in: 30 Day Challenge Lists
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/23/2011
I visited Cha Baa for the first time on Saturday with my mom. It was her first time ever having Thai… Read more »
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Review from Jamie E.
Yarmouth, NS
3/20/2012
Always a good meal here. Can be a little pricey for what you get.
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Review from Asheley R.
Halifax, NS
11/23/2011
I can't correctly say their name because my boyfriend persistently calls Cha Baa Thai, Chubby Thai. I must admit that I have only ever been here once but it was a fabulous once.
He's been there numerous times and knew I would like due to my extreme fond love of pad Thai. They make one mean dish of pad Thai. Nice and spicy with egg, peanuts, chillies, and bean sprouts. You get a hefty size plate as well. We split the spring rolls (which were omnomnomigon) and the pad Thai and it was enough for the both of us.
According to The Coast, it seems as though Talay Thai and Cha Baa Thai have been neck and neck the last couple years for the Best Thai in Halifax crown. Cha Baa Thai won in 2010 and Talay Thai has one this year with Cha Baa being the first runner up.
You should probably just go and check it out for yourself. The inside is disgustingly amazingly looking. Lime green and uber pleasing to the eye. Crisp in a Thai sort of way if you will.
And the candies afterwards? Bomb.
I'm looking forward in going back and trying some of their soups! -
Review from Hilary G.
3/21/2012
I have tried their spicy noodles for take out and dine in and they are excellent-plenty of big chunks of eggplant and green beans. I actually preferred the take out spicy noodles because they were spicier and had more basil. The take out containers are quality plastic ones that you can re-use which is a nice touch and the portions are generous. I found the decor to be a little too utilitarian for my taste and I think I would stick to take out next time.
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Review from Rosalyn A.
Halifax, NS
Ok ok ok, let me start by saying...I LOVE Thai food. I have had my fair share of Thai food, both in thailand and all over. Now that being said, I have had some good Thai and more then enough bad!
But what a breath of fresh air when I heard about Cha Baa Thai.
Tonight I had the Chicken Pad Thai, always a classic never a failure. And Cha Baa's is one of the BEST!! Nom Nom Nom Nom. Both my boyfriend and I didn't even speak while eating, unless it was to discuss the the deliciousness before us. I was going to take a photo of it, but was too caught up in eating and enjoying...that should be a big enough clue...THAT YOU SHOULD GO!!!!
PS. their take out containers are awesome, no leaking or cracking! yay for restaurants that care enough that the plastic bag isn't soaked with sauce!
Please go and enjoy!Listed in: FAVORITE PLACES TO EAT
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Review from Meghan W.
2/18/2012
I eat Thai a lot, it's one of my favorite things. Mainly I eat at their sister restaurant Talay Thai cause it's around the corner but today I needed the lunch special and Talay Thai isn't open for lunch on the weekend...why god? I've eaten here before but today I noticed that their food is better; the duck sauce is thicker, the food is spicier, the plates are modern and garnished with carrot sculptures. While the decor, like Talay Thai, is not chic it's a big space with lots of natural light and the servers are friendly. Thanks for lunch!
Listed in: People in Your Neighborhood…
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Review from Aaron J.
Halifax, NS
11/27/2011
This was soo good... And i have eaten thai food from one coast to the other and this place was excellent. I had the red curry w/chicken and the spicy noodles w/chicken.
highly recommended ! -
Review from Kimberley M.
Halifax, NS
2/3/2012
Take out from here rocks. The packaging is great (yeah, it matters, okay?), and the prices for the lunch combos are just right. The quality never disappoints, and the selection is great.
Listed in: Ethnic Eats
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Review from Lori M.
11/4/2011
Went to Cha Baa Thai last evening with two friends. Restaurant was tidy and has an elevator for people who require it. Promptly seated and left to peruse the menu. One note, we had questions on the curries (how hot/spicy) and unfortunately the server did not seem to be able to answer the question. She spoke of soupy vs stirfry as opposed to heat. Even after more specific questions, we were no closer to knowing the difference in the curries. Oh well - we took chances.
Apps:
We split the veggie spring rolls and skewers of chicken. The 2 Spring Rolls were each cut in half, and honestly they were plenty large with lots of crisp veggies inside. The sauce was very good as well (tamarind sauce). Chicken skewers were also nice with 2 nice sauces as well. Plenty of apps for 3 people with some to spare.
Main Dishes:
Ordered a Masaman Curry , beef with LemonGrass and a pad thai with Prawns. The Masaman Curry was tasty but really not a significant amount of heat; the beef with LemonGrass was tasty but the beef was a bit tough (sliced thinly so not too bad), and the pad thai was pretty tasty.
Ordered coffees to end the meal. We were not rushed at all. As a whole the meal was good, but I think there some room for education of the staff on the items they offer. -
Review from Tiffany T.
Halifax, NS
11/10/2011
I wish , I wish I could have rated Cha Baa higher, really I do.
I am a bit of an amateur in the Thai food world, that being said I ordered Pad Thai with Prawns. My dinner partner ordered the Garlic Beef, we split the Spring Rolls for an app(there were 4, and they were not cut in 2's ). We loved our meals. I must say the Pad Thai was a great choice. The right amount of sweet and spice, a good portion of prawns and veggies; it was fantastic. The plates were presented fantastically as well, and the garnishes were very well thought out.
Th dinning room has lovely decor, and the tables were big. I like big tables, I like having room to move things around without worrying if I would knock something over. And, it wasn't too dark which I feel is a problem in Halifax.
So why not a 4 or 5 star experience?
- We felt rushed. As soon as we finished our meals we were brought the bills. No mention of coffee/tea or dessert; which we planned on having. We got our bills and went to Starbucks.
- No chopsticks. I saw other tables with chopsticks, should I have asked? I am getting relatively good at using them.
On the plus side, Cha Baa is accessible which is awesome to see. Even a small lift for those in wheelchairs. Well done on that note.
It wasn't an expensive meal out, even after splitting a 1/2 L of wine.
So I am willing to try again, the food is great. -
Review from Axel S.
Halifax, NS
2/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
Food was excellent and prompt. I'm no Thai expert, but it was on par with or better than most other places I've tried in the area.
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Review from Tarah F.
12/14/2011 ROTD 12/21/2011
I visited Cha Baa Thai in Halifax for the first time with a group of 8 family members last Friday evening and it certainly lived up to my expectations!
I called ahead of time to make the reservation and when we arrived we were seated in the back area separated from the rest of the restaurant with a divider. We were promptly given water and asked if we would like other drinks. My boyfriend ordered tea and was thrilled when it came in a fancy elephant teapot. He also asked if he could sample the sweet and sour sauce because he is picky about that. The waitress checked with the kitchen and they gladly provided a small tasting of it. We all ordered appetizers, the Spring Rolls. They were delicious, and would have loved more but the price for the 4 of them ($6.95) was reasonable. When ordering I asked the waitress how spicy the Pad Thai was and she was very kind in stating that it was medium, but it also depends on a persons taste buds. I then asked about the Pad See Eew and was told it was mild, so I ordered that. Three people at the table were ordering meals that would go with rice, so she suggested getting a large Jasmin rice and sharing it, which we did. We did not wait long for appetizers or the main meal. We were given chopsticks with our main meals and more water. Our server checked on us routinely to make sure nothing else was needed. My meal was delicious and not spicy at all, which was fine. My Boyfriend (who was iffy about the whole Thai food thing initially) enjoyed his Cashew Chicken immensely, but wished that there was more.
Everyone enjoyed their meals and the overall dining experience. When it was time to pay the waitress confirmed the number of bills and gave us our bills, and directed how to pay. We stayed for at least 30min after paying and we did not feel rushed at all to leave. My boyfriend and I will definitely be coming back to this restaurant, and we will be trying the Dartmouth location this weekend. I highly recommend this restaurant, but be sure to call for a reservation if you plan on going in a group.Listed in: Nova Scotia Gem's - Must Try…
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Review from Ben B.
5/17/2011
So so so so so so good. Cha Baa Thai is definitely what made me go from liking Thai food to craving it.
Yes, I was that guy who when asked, "Do you like Thai food?" would say yes but really only mean Pad Thai. After a few visits to Cha Baa with friends who knew to steer me in the right direction, I flourished into the man I am today who I'm pretty sure could swallow all of Thailand whole.
That got weird.
Their appetizers shouldn't be overlooked since there are some great little gems tucked away in there (although the fresh spring rolls often come with far too much cilantro), the massaman curry is an absolute stand-out, and I even love the little fruit candies they give you at the end.
Downsides? There are but a few. It's pretty noisy in there and the room really lacks a lot of character. It feels more industrial than I really like but it shouldn't be enough to deter you away from the great food. I definitely recommend making reservations too because when it gets busy, it gets busy and there's nothing crueler than having to awkwardly stand by those stairs, smelling everyone else's food for half an hour.Listed in: Worldly Treats, Vegetarian Bliss, Terrific Thai
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Review from Nick B.
Halifax, NS
11/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
If our server had kept an eye on my ice water glass (which was necessary with my awesome yellow curry!) I'd probably give them the fifth star. Lunch rush needs a little bit quicker service, but the food - the food! I'll be back just on the basis of one lunch special - good, tasty, as best as I can tell authentic Thai goodies. The layout's really nice, bright and comfortable.
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Review from Melanie M.
Dartmouth, NS
2/26/2011 1 photo
I heart Thai food. And Cha Baa Thai does it well.
It is conveniently located just off Spring Garden Road, in a fairly roomy, airy space. I've always had attentive and friendly service here. Though on a couple of occasions I've dined solo here, and this did seem to throw them off slightly.
Red Curry is my favourite, and Cha Baa does not disappoint. Their red curry has the perfect combination of heat and flavour. I've also tried a few other dishes including Cashew Chicken and Pad Thai. Delish. And IMO Cha Baa has the best spring rolls in the city - so crispy and tasty.
Portion sizes are perfect for sharing, or for doggy bagging if you'd rather not share!Listed in: Ethnic Delights, Asian Cuisine
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Review from Rhia P.
4/13/2011
Ummmm. Delicious.
Attentive, friendly service in a bright sunny room. The food is impeccable, whether eat-in or take out. Most recently had the Mango Salad and Hot and Sour Soup with prawns. A generous helping of both arrived, with several fat shrimp nestled in the bottom of the soup bowl.
I was eating by myself and staff were friendly and welcoming without interrupting my study session.
One of Halifax's best. -
Review from Leslie F.
8/5/2011
I have seen the light, and it looks like a $10 plate of delicious thai food. When you can get a fabulous, fresh, and filling lunch at Groupon-like prices any day of the week, something is going very very right. Cha Baa Thai's lunch specials give you 9 or 10 options of a main dish (curries, stir fries, etc.), that all come with rice and a spring roll. Torn between all of the tasty-sounding lunch deals, I eventually settled on the Masaman Curry Beef and I was not disappointed. With so much flavour packed in to just the right amount of food for lunch time, you really can't lose with a mid-day jaunt to this restaurant.
Listed in: Along the Garden Route
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Review from Ang M.
Halifax, NS
10/13/2009
I like Thai food, but I'm not super-crazy about the Thai food at this spot. Everything seems cooked to a mushy melange of one-ness, and many of the dishes taste alike.
Despite that, the place is always packed on weekend nights, and it's hard to get a table if you haven't made a reservation.
But my biggest complaint about this restaurant is the noise factor. It's like having dinner inside an airplane hangar, or maybe a giant locker room - the large space full of sharp angles and little or nothing to absorb sound means that it's almost impossible to have a normal conversation with those at your own table. That. combined with the always-harried waitstaff who tend to promise you things and not bring them, means that dining here is an exercise in frustration from beginning to end. -
Review from Lacey H.
2/22/2010 1 photo
Chabaa Thai is one of Halifax's best Thai restaurants - and that's the darn truth.
I've been in on quite a few occasions, with large groups, a few other friends and with one other dining companion. Every time, I've had great food - lots of variety and of course, flavor for days.
The service can be a little slack, not always attentive right off the bat. But I'm willing to forgive this for a lifetime supply of Masaman Curry - a creamy, sweet dish with a little spice! Yum-galore!
It's a great place to go with a large group, as there's tons of room. The atmosphere is fine, not the most intimate setting, but you can sit by the window and watch the Queen Street traffic pass you by while you indulge your taste buds. I say: this restaurant is a must for all the Thai food lovers out there! -
Review from Amy W.
1/25/2011
If you're looking for a great lunch spot in downtown Halifax this is the place to go. For around $10 you can get a fantastic lunch combo that's filling and delicious. They have lots of vegetarian options. I suggest the green curry!
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Review from Adam B.
Halifax, NS
1/19/2010 1 photo
Spicy! That's the best way to some up my experience at Chabaa Thai. We went here on a whim a few Saturdays ago and I have to say I was pretty happy with the experience.
This was one of those situations where I had no idea what to order. I was not especially familiar with the menu items, so I asked the waitress what I should get. I told her what I liked and she recommended a chicken dish. Since I had no idea I was happy to have it. I was even happier to say it was really tasty! I'm not a guy who likes a lot of spice, but this was one of those rare exceptions!
Overall I was pleased with this experience. The staff was friendly and helpful, the food was good and the atmosphere was really nice. It wasn't especially busy so our food was served very quickly. Our food was very flavorful, so those of you who enjoy spices and flavor explosions should definitely check this place out! -
Review from Shawna D.
Chester, NS
5/28/2010
Chabaa Thai - Spicy is Great.
We went here to try something different. Curry and spices are our favourite and here they do not disappoint. We tried the chicken and the curried noodles. I wish there was more of us so we could have ordered other dishes.
We will go back again to try other options, I am sure they will be great.
Allow yourself some extra time if going out for supper, you might have a bit of a wait, but worth it. -
Review from Ruth D.
Halifax, NS
12/3/2009 1 photo
The best thing about Chabaa Thai is that the dishes really are unique - meaning that they all taste different. My very favorite being Massaman Beef Curry. I could lick the plate clean (if I was alone that is).
Lunch specials come with rice and a crispy spring roll and make a perfect quick lunch that won't break the bank. That said, I prefer to go with others, order lots of dishes and share them all.
The place is huge and although I've heard that it's packed at times, we've never had to wait...guess it pays to be hungry early! -
Review from R N.
Halifax, NS
Updated - 1/25/2010
Have been going back again and again for the Tom Kha, the spicy noodles and the massaman curry. Best Thai in Halifax!
Listed in: Exploring Halifax
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/14/2009 First to Review
Had a good meal here on a Friday night, which would have been great if they had not been overwhelmed… Read more »
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Review from Anna H.
Halifax, NS
1/6/2010
Our first stop after getting off the plane in Halifax, Chabaa warmed our bellies and soothed our anxious minds. I didn't need anything amazing, just some good, warm and spicy food, and Chabaa delivered. We were the only people in the restaurant for most of our dinner, but that wasn't surprising as we arrived late on a Tuesday night. Our meal was totally satisfactory - nothing mind blowing, but I left full of happy. Flavours were sweet and spicy, nothing overpowering, but well dressed. I was worried at first to see white girls waiting at a Thai restaurant (a first for me), but it didn't correlate to bad food. Turns out, that is what happens when you leave the Asian haven of the west coast.
I'd happily go back to Chabaa again. In fact I am considering it right now after writing this review and feeling the chill of the snow outside...
