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Gingergrass Thai & Vietnamese Restaurant
Categories: Restaurants Thai Restaurants Vietnamese Thai, Vietnamese [Edit]
1284 Barrington StHalifax, NS B3J 1Y5
(902) 425-8555
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11:30 am - 9 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
26 reviews for Gingergrass Thai & Vietnamese Restaurant
Review Highlights
"...delicious, filling, and finance-friendly lunch specials."
(in 4 reviews)
"...an aromatic and spicy green curry, and a colorful basil..."
(in 4 reviews)
"...with tofu, tom yum soup and fresh rolls in rice paper wraps."
(in 3 reviews)
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26 reviews in English
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Review from Todd O.
Calgary, AB
2/22/2012
So as not to be bogged down by reviews here in Calgary, thought I would weigh in on some favourite eats across the country...well at least a throw-back to the East Coast. Especially since the culture for Thai food is yet to be found here. No offence. We have tried many spots. Thai Chili Club is the running leader so far.
But that being said, looking for authentic Thai in Halifax? Head down Barrington, away from all the shops and the closed-up buildings. Yeah that way. Toward the water. Follow the graveyard and make sure it is on your right. Now stop at the traffic lights. Look to your right across the street. There it is: Gingergrass.
Love. Love. Love this place. Loves it as we say in Newfoundland. Loves the owner. Loves the location. Don't loves...love the small eating quarters. But loves everything else. Best pad Thai I have ever had - not including the time I had it @ Wreck Beach in Vancouver. Served by a Thai in nothing but a fanny pack. Hygiene aside that was the best Thai food ever.
But Gingergrass is sick. In a good way. Owner talks to you. Takes your order. Serves it. Want some Thai? Get it. Got it? Good. -
Review from Charles T.
Halifax, NS
2/19/2012
I love the idea of Pho, but my introduction to it around the Maritimes has been less then stellar. Someone had mentioned Gingergrass to me and one day as I was driving around I saw it and decided to stop in for some lunch.
It was early and the place was pretty empty, but I enjoy that. I had a book with me and was looking forward to just sitting down, doing some reading and hopefully enjoying some food.
I was planning on just getting Pho but when I saw the crab rangoon which is a deep fried Thai pastry filled with crab meat, green onion and cream cheese, served with Thai sweet chili sauce. It just sounded too good to resist so had to order them. I could have ate a dozen orders, they were phenomenal.
I then had the beef pho and it was delicious. I have no idea how it compares to great phos from other places, but having tried it at several places in Halifax and a place in Moncton, this was the first time I got why people are so in love with it. I would have been happy with just the broth it was so tasty.
The overall experience was wonderful, the waitress was wonderful and seems to be on par cost wise with other places I have been.
All in all a wonderful Pho experience and one I look forward to having again. The only problem with that is I enjoyed the Pho and Crab Rangoon so much I would be hard pressed to go and order anything else. -
Review from Tracy R.
Halifax, NS
12/30/2011
Again, not sure why I am only writing this now as Gingergrass has always been one of my fav lunch spots. Pardon me! Anyway...I just love this place. I used to go there when it was King Spring Roll and then Kinh Doh (sp?). While they have retained some of the signature dishes I loved (e.g. the vermicelli with spring rolls), the restaurant was taken over by a new proprietor a few years back and it's so much better now.
I'm ashamed not to know her name (the proprietor), but we definitely know each other as I am a regular. Not only is she delightful, friendly, and always able to stop for a quick chat despite how busy they are, but she really knows what she is doing. She gets what is important at the heart of it all: Great food. Quality. Consistency. Cleanliness. Good service.
I love the food, but will admit that I haven't tried 90% of their menu items because I am so fixated on the two things I love the most: The Red Curry Chicken (so delish and perfect amount of flavour and heat) and "L4" (the vermicelli and spring rolls I mentioned earlier, which I think is better now than it ever was back in the day).
The atmosphere isn't fancy, but it's clean, pleasant, and simple.
Oh...and they serve Bubble Tea. How delightful is that! And it's good bubble tea, as in the tapioca balls aren't mushy and rancid tasting like the kind they serve at another establishment whose name I won't mention. (Not George's Bubble Tea though...his is also awesome.)
Check out Gingergrass for lunch or dinner. If you like Thai and/or Vietnamese, I can't imagine you'll be disappointed. -
Review from Ellen B.
12/22/2011
I am not a fan of Asian food in general (outside of egg rolls, so long as they aren't mostly cabbage). I do enjoy stir-frys, however, so when I saw stir-fry-type items on their online menu, I agreed to accompany my friend there.
Gingergrass is very small, clean and tidy. I had a good experience during both visits, with generous portions and reasonable prices. I had the chicken lemongrass on both visits and my friends had various curry dishes. All were happy with our meals.
The only downside: mega-long waits for taking our plates and giving us the bill. My first visit the place was quite busy so I tried to understand when the server we flagged down said we'd have to go to the counter for our bill. (O rly?) The second visit, there was exactly one other couple in the restaurant. It still took the server an unusually long time to clear our plates and present us with the bill. If they cut down on the wait times this would be a four-star rating rather than three. -
Review from Jim C.
Stopped by here on recommendation from the missus since the spot seemed to be a work favourite for lunch.
Too bad the daily special are not on during the weekend.
I walked into the door and expected the usual scenery, small space but tables were well spaced apart, it doesn't allow for more than 24 people (unless there were hidden areas that I didn't see). Very clean.
We got a table for 2 at the window overlooking Barrington st. We opted for the Crab Rangoon since it seemed to be a popular appetizer on four square. Then I ordered a combo plate (#8, curry chicken with veggies. rice & spring roll).
Staff very pleasant and food came well present and ready to eat - and delicious. The bill came up to 42$ for 2 combos, 1 appetizer & 1 beer. About average for us.Listed in: Small Spots, Great Food
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Review from Jill M.
8/2/2011
There are a lot of reasons to visit Gingergrass, but only one matters to me: Crab Rangoon.
Crab Rangoon is an appetizer served at Gingergrass that is described as "Deep fried Thai pastry filled with crab meat, green onion and cream cheese in Thai style, served with Thai sweet chili sauce."
After trying Crab Rangoon for the first time, my mouth watered just thinking about it for a week afterward. So I went back and got it again, obvs.
Other favorites at Gingergrass include the Mango Chicken and the Peanut Curry. The Cashew Chicken is OK, but I've had better in Halifax. Overall, though, Gingergrass is a great little spot in a convenient location.Listed in: South End Favorites, Barrington Bliss
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Review from Vanessa J.
Halifax, NS
8/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
When I lived in the South End I used to eat here often. The staff are very friendly, and I've never had to wait for a spot. There is minimal decor, but that's ok because the food is fresh and flavorful.
The menu is a selection of Vietnamese and Thai food, there are all the usual favourites such as Pad Thai and curries. While a lot of Asian foods are meant for sharing, I enjoy that Gingergrass have a decent selection of combos, really handy for take-out for one. The take-out service can be really fast, one time I was incredibly hungry, and had to be at my home in less than 10 minutes to be picked up for a four hour drive, I popped in on the chance they could whip up something for me fast, and in 5 minutes I was out of there with a tasty mixed chicken and vegetable combo, healthy, yummier and faster than if I had gone to through a fast food window.
The portions here are reasonable, not huge but they will fill you up, and the prices are great. -
Review from Ben B.
5/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
"Incredible Thai and Vietnamese food all under one roof."
I could probably stop my review right there but I won't.
Gingergrass is this little beacon of hope that Halifax may some day offer incredible worldly cuisine at prices that aren't grossly inflated as if they fly in every ingredient in first-class. Their lunch specials make Thai and Vietnamese food much more accessible for students and budget-diners without skimping on quantity, quality or service.
And yes, it's one of the few places where you actually can get in, eat, and get back to work without having to worry about the ole time card.
Having had a selection from both Thai and Vietnamese menus, I've never left hungry nor too full nor dissatisfied. I'm a huge fan of their vermicelli dishes that come topped with chopped spring rolls for a nice light lunch that'll get you through the afternoon without a food coma or gnarly breath. That might sound silly but when you're looking for a good pre-afternoon-of-meetings meal, you'll thank me...
The only reason they lose a star for me is because the interior and seating isn't anything to get excited about. The chairs can be a little uncomfortable. There. I said it. Keep in mind though, that's their ONLY flaw. -
Review from Kent P.
1/23/2011
This is a cute spot.
Definitely my go-to Viet/Thai place in HFX.
As Joseph H. mentions, they've got some good lunch specials - different colors on different days. Usually they come with a spring roll, some jasmine rice, and a cucumber salad.
The lady who owns it is always there and very friendly - I've been checking in since they first opened a few years back and have always had prompt, smiling service.
Recently, I've gone outside of the green curry standard and tried some of the vermicelli with grilled pork. It was passable - but the pork was a little too greasy and the spring roll was a little too not greasy enough. It was good though- I'll just be sticking with the thai thai thai stuff.
The summer is especially nice @ Gingergrass - the manager lady makes a fake patio with a bunch of plants as a wall on the sidewalk. Smells great.
Much better value proposition than Talay Thai up the street.
Four pats.
patpatpatpat
ttyn,
-PATListed in: Halifax
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Review from Kirby G.
Caraquet, NB
1/13/2011
I used to go here sometimes with some pals on Fridays for the peanut curry lunch special. The food is fantastic and very reasonably priced.
Definitely one of the best spots overall to eat in Halifax. -
Review from Rhia P.
3/7/2011
A quick and tasty place to get a Vietnamese or Thai fix. The staff is always prompt and friendly, and the presentation of the food is lovely.
They have great lunch specials and a weekly draw for a gift card - a great way to ensure repeat business.
It's not my favourite place for either cuisine, but it's entirely respectable and in a very handy location to the office.
They have a really interesting spiced Thai tea drink that is worth trying at least once.Listed in: East of East Coast
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Review from Hilary G.
9/8/2011
I came here for dinner and tried the peanut curry combo which came with a small cucumber salad and a spring roll. The peanut curry was very good and spicy, but the portion was pretty tiny. $14 for a small cup of curry? Seriously overpriced. Maybe I am spoiled from DC thai restaurants but when you order curry there, it doesn't come as an appetizer portion. I am a huge fan of Vietnamese iced coffee but Gingergrass uses normal milk and not condensed milk; thus, it's false advertising! Yes, the quality of food is good here but I find it to be overpriced for what it is. I prefer Talay Thai and the service is quicker as well.
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Review from Sara M.
Williamswood, NS
9/9/2011
Had a delicious lunch here last week. Good service, nice tableware, yummy pho and spring roll/noodle dish. Will be back.
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Review from Leslie F.
5/3/2011
Nothing satisfies quite like Thai food, and Gingergrass serves up some pretty great plates. With helpful servers and the sweetest owner you ever did meet, Gingergrass sets an excellent example of how customer service should be. Whether you dine in or take out, you're sure to find something on the menu that tickles your fancy (unless you're a strict meat & potatoes person, in which case - what are you doing reading Thai restaurant reviews?). Top recommendations: Nothern Thai Fresh Rolls, Cashew Chicken, and Sauteed Vegetables with Tofu in Yellow Curry. Best of all (especially for those of us on a budget) - Gingergrass is easy on the wallet. For really great deals check out their delicious, filling, and finance-friendly lunch specials.
Listed in: South End Eats
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Review from Orla M.
Halifax, NS
11/10/2010
Gingergrass is a great place to go for an inexpensive and delicious lunch or dinner. The service is always friendly, and the owner often comes by your table to check on how you are doing.
The menu is quite extensive and can be a bit overwhelming at first glance, but it is a place where asking for recommendations would definitely be welcome. My current fave dish is the beef pho, a soup with veggies, noodles, beef, and my favourite, cilantro. It's a great way to fill up and warm up on a cold day.
They take a lot of pride in their food and service, to the point where once I got takeout and they called about an hour later to see if the soup was as good as usual, as they hadn't been able to get one of the broth ingredients from their usual supplier.Listed in: Best Places to Eat in Halifax
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Review from Dr. H.
Halifax, NS
7/18/2011
This is my fav Thai restaurant in Nova Scotia. I eat at Gingergrass whenever I have an excuse to go out. The owner is friendly and the food is UNREAL. Try the crab rangoon, Chicken Satay, Red Curry or the Northern Thai Style curry for an amazing meal.oh and the spring rolls are killer also!
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Review from Emily W.
Halifax, NS
11/14/2010
This was a great restaurant, the staff was friendly and the food was delicious!
I ordered (and shared) Combo #2, which included 2 spring rolls, 2 bowls of your choice of soup (I had sweet and sour) and yellow curry chicken and shrimp sauce, with chicken vermacilli stirfry. After finishing the entree you get to chose a flavor of ice cream for dessert, all in all it was enough to fill both of us and take home leftovers for lunch the next day. The total was only $46.00 for all that! Also when you get your bill they also give each person a ballot to win a $30 giftcard, which they draw for once a week.
There weren't many people eating in the resaurant with us, but there were a lot of takeout orders going out while we were there. Overall this was a great experience and we will definitely be going back soon! -
Review from Laura P.
Toronto, ON
4/4/2010
This spot is a little slice of heaven and Thai / Vietnamese food in its most elegant form. In passing, I've always noticed the constant crowd at Gingergrass, but it wasn't until this weekend that I took our relationship to the next level.
Its a pleasant spot to dine with attention to good flow. Our server was exceptional and attentive, going the extra mile in the duration of our visit.
The food was tasteful and thoughtfully done. I noticed menu options were reasonably priced, mostly within the $10-30 price range. And having ordered the green curry, I was quite happy with my choice. Nice and spicy! Yum.
I'll be interested in going back again the next time I'm the market for some Thai food. Its clean, crisp and flavorful food without the post feeling of regret. (For those of us with sensitive tums!) Gingergrass has been my best experience of the cuisine in Halifax thus far. -
Review from Greg H.
Belleville, ON
11/19/2008
I travel half the month and love Vietnamese so have a fairly substantial 'Vietnamese portfolio' under my belt (pun intended).
I arrived at the Gingergrass just in time for the lunch special cutoff (runs til 2 PM, can't recall when it starts) and ordered the Spring Roll Vermicelli and a salad roll. The Vermicelli was the lunch special and 6.49$. Pretty decent price although I've been in some spots where that is the everyday price and you get a lot more (more on that below).
It arrived and was ... small, with very few veggies buried under a small pile of vermicelli. It came with 2 small cut spring rolls on top. The spring rolls were average in flavor. The dish itself, once covered with sauce had an oily aftertaste that was quite unpleasant. The veggies, which are normally a treat in most Vietnamese restaurants were not terribly flesh nor plentiful.
The salad rolls were very very bland and lacked any veggies aside from a few less than fresh sprouts. All in all I actually left not completely full.. first time ever in a Vietnamese restaurant...
I guess the old adage may hold true in that 'you get what you pay for'. I'm just not sure it would be any different when paying full price (9.99) outside the lunch hour.
The servers were quite friendly but not terribly attentive and strangely there was absolutely nothing on the table as far as additional sauces go (cardinal sin in a Vietnamese joint, in my opinion).
Total price after tax, no drink 13$ -
Review from Shawna D.
Chester, NS
4/7/2010 1 photo
Thai Restaurant - I finally was able to make it there. With all the reviews being so good, I figured I should stop by.
This is a great place to go and have a nice meal. The prices are reasonable. The food was full of flavour, spice and hit the spot.
The Green Curry!
The staff here are one of the better ones, they give that extra attention that is lacking in some other establishments.
This is a great restaurant and I would return again. -
Review from ness y.
Toronto, ON
1/19/2010
A friend and I ordered takeout from Gingergrass Thai & Vietnamese Restaurant for what we thought would be, "enough for tomorrow's lunches". Our bill came to $48 and change, sans table service. There were no leftovers, at all.
Therein lies the problem: not enough good food
Granted we both have healthy appetites to begin with and had just gone for a run (literally). However, it still seemed a bit steep to still feel hungry afterwards. I'd be a bit embarrassed to say that I, personally had to spend $30 to fill myself on Thai food...
But I might, especially if I'm craving it while in Halifax. And why not?The mango salad is seasoned well, the fresh rolls are fresh, and the pad thai made it home without turning into an indistinguishable blob of hot mess. Take-out service (by the owner) is honest and friendly.
Just don't order the cucumber salad. Actually, I think it's only available to let the mango salad outshine it. To prove it, the owner recommended that I should opt for the mango salad because it's much better (yes it is), and then threw in a free cucumber salad (eww, it is not).
Bottom line: Gingergrass serves tasty Thai takeout. The prices are reasonable for Halifax. If you're famished, order an extra mango salad. Oh - and the signage may be difficult to decipher if t's your first time going, especially at night. ready yourself by checking out the posted photos. -
Review from Lyn M.
Elderbank, NS
1/4/2011
I have been going to this restaurant for many years. It has changed hands a few times but is always consistent in taste and quality. A great place for lunch on a budget and I've never left unsatisfied. I find the taste clean and fresh and leaves you feeling good about being full.
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Review from Lindsay K.
Halifax, NS
Updated - 2/6/2010
A word of advice if you're getting take-out from here: don't expect that since you called ahead you're food will be ready when you go for pick-up.
I called and place an order with Gingergrass for take-out and was told it would be about 20 minutes. I headed over there after 15, but had to wait in line for 10 minutes while the cashier rang everyone through. She moved like a slug and barely the line moving.
When I finally made it up to pay, they didn't even have my food ready. In fact, two other people who ordered take-out after me (right there in the restaurant) received their food ahead of me. I was not pleased since I waited in the place for almost 15 minutes for my food to be brought out to me.
I'll give it to them that the food was delicious, although the portions were smaller than if we'd dined in. I've learned my lesson... no more take-out from Gingergrass. It's almost a waste of time.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/23/2010
This was a pretty nice meal, I would have to say. I really enjoyed the feel of the place and felt… Read more »
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Review from Anna H.
Halifax, NS
12/24/2009 1 photo
To date I have only eaten a bowl of veggie-laden Tom Kha soup, but I can attest that it was delicious, warming and filling. Just what I needed on a cold December afternoon. When it arrived at my table I thought at first it was small for the price, but my hunger was totally satisfied by the time I reached the bottom of the bowl.
What I really loved was the service I witnessed the owner giving to another group of diners. She hung around their table for at least five minutes, talking about vacation plans and travel agents. It was clear they were not old friends, but she seemed unrushed and happy to chat with her customers as they finished their meal. Very nice to see!Listed in: Vegomatic!
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Review from Honey B.
Halifax, NS
6/19/2010
Very lovely restaurant with fresh, clean decor and friendly staff. We had some classic yellow curry with tofu, tom yum soup and fresh rolls in rice paper wraps. Though the rolls could have been wrapped tighter and the tofu in them cut smaller, the flavor was great! Their tom yum was zesty and hot, nicely done. The yellow curry was as expected and made just to taste. (I ordered it "somewhere between mild and medium," which was exactly what I got.) Lots of vegetarian variations available on the menu. Overall a wonderful experience. We will be eating here again really soon.
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Review from Lacey H.
2/17/2010
Mmmm-mm. This little Thai spot is simply wonderful. I went to Gingergrass recently with my mother on her birthday and had a charming time. Upon arrival, both our server and a woman, who I believe to be the owner, greeted us with warm smiles. We were sat at a table of our choice by the window and brought water promptly. We ordered a large pot of green tea to share and had some fresh spring rolls to start. The rolls were good, although I could have used a bit less vermicelli and a few more veggies, but I'm not complaining. Our main course consisted of a small bowl of steaming jasmine rice, an aromatic and spicy green curry, and a colorful basil-tofu dish. All of the items were delightfully fresh, with crisp vegetables and loads of flavor. We chatted and laughed and enjoyed our meal, and our smiley server remained attentive throughout. For dessert, our "piece de resistance" was the deep fried bananas with vanilla ice cream - a scrumptious treat. The prices were good, and of course, my company was top-notch! I say: Go to Gingergrass! Great food, friendly service and a sweet atmosphere to boot!
