Pookie's Thai image

Pookie's Thai

Restaurant Thai restaurant

Snug spot tucked away in a strip mall features a big selection of spiced-to-order Thai dishes. People often mention Thai, curry, restaurant, dishes, delicious, chicken, Pookie, Ottawa, great, good,


Address

2280 Carling Ave Unit 7, Ottawa, ON K2B 7G1, Canada

Website

www.pookiesthai.com

Contact

+1 613-321-1733

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (316 reviews)

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Working Hours

  • .: Hide open hours for the week

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: Thai (35) curry (13) restaurant (12) dishes (11) delicious (11) chicken (10) Pookie (8) Ottawa (8) great (8) good (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 1/5 Ashley 1 year ago on Google • 218 reviews
    SOOOOOO disappointed! The portion of the dishes were TINY. The curry was almost $19 after tax and the noodles were $17 after tax. The curry was appetizer size and the beef was dry. The curry itself was very tasty but definitely not worth $19. 😭😭 I was still hungry after eating this and had to get more takeout. The pad thai didn't have any bean sprout and was only half the container. It barely had any sauce and was very mushy. The flavor was also too sour. The pad kee mao didn't have any flavour and was also only half a container. I was debating on whether to give 1 star or 2 because the curry was tasty that said it really didn't fill me up at all.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Ohm K. 1 year ago on Google
    I am not one to write negative reviews, but my recent experience at Pookie Thai has compelled me to share my honest opinion. Unfortunately, this Thai restaurant in Ottawa left me and my family incredibly disappointed. We ordered a variety of dishes for a takeout dinner to celebrate my mom's belated birthday. The dishes we chose were Geang Kiaw Wen, Nua Ta Krai, Pad Si Ew, Geang Phen Ped Yang, and Pad Kee Mao. To say the food was terrible would be an understatement; it was hands down the worst Thai dining experience we've ever had in Ottawa. The curries were a major letdown, as they were (VERY) watery, and the meat was both sparse and of poor quality. It was rubbery and seemed quite old, which is not something anyone wants to encounter in a meal. To add insult to injury, all the dishes somehow managed to taste the same, yet entirely flavorless at the same time. If there was any coconut milk in any of the curries, I sure didn't taste it. Our dinner was so dreadful that we ended up throwing out the curries after only a few bites. While the noodles were at least edible, they too were subpar and far from what you'd expect from a decent Thai restaurant. It's never a pleasant experience to have a family celebration marred by such an awful dining experience. We all unanimously agreed that it was the worst Thai food we've ever had. I would strongly advise anyone with a discerning palate or a love for authentic Thai cuisine to avoid Pookie Thai at all costs. Your taste buds and your wallet will thank you.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Blaine L. 7 months ago on Google • 179 reviews
    Excellent little spot for Thai food. Was recommended to try it by a friend and was not disappointed. The pad thai was great and very flavorful. Could've used a bit more bean sprouts for my liking but otherwise it was really good. The spice level was perfect too. I choose a 3, and was not disappointed with the level of heat. Would definitely order from here again.

  • 5/5 Priyanka Ramanand P. 4 years ago on Google
    Absolutely satisfying. I can see this place expanding into a much bigger and popular establishment, given their quality of food and service. The interior is overly simple yet classy and traditional. The coconut shrimp soup is a must-try! Their curries are unbelievably well-made, too. The hint of spices in each dish is remarkable, and you're left feeling overwhelmed with joy when you have finished your meal. If you're in the mood for Thai in Ottawa, this place is a must on your list.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Christina N. 1 year ago on Google • 77 reviews
    Thank you so much to the gracious owners as well as their amazing chefs and kitchen staff for such a wonderful dinner last night. I took my mother out for an early Mother's Day dinner. The restaurant is is nicely decorated and very welcoming. Mom mentioned she had not been there in a couple of years but she had great memories of the food in previous visits. We enjoyed very much the Spring rolls (#1) and the pork filled, flavourful crispy appetizer (#6) appeared to look like little money bags and clearly a lot of work had been put into the presentation. Here you truly eat with your eyes 1st. We had a wonderful mango salad and a tasty papaya salad which were just delicious and Tom Kha soup Which had beautiful creamy coconut flavor and succulent shrimp. We enjoyed the green curry with chicken and a red curry with vegetables and another tasty dish shown in the photos here. Service was very friendly and attentive both from Pookie and from Blair. Blair thoughtfully included a container of rice with the leftovers we took home which was very kind. Even though one of the dishes we brought home was mostly broth it was delicious served over rice today. I could not just leave it there, it was that good. They could just serve it in a mug! Mom and I definitely will be going back and we look forward to it.. Thank you again for a great meal. I highly recommend this cozy restaurant which is tucked away in a small non descript mall near Carling and Woodroffe but it is worth looking for.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Voula D. 5 years ago on Google • 56 reviews
    The best Thai food I’ve ever had! Food is fresh, full of flavour and high quality! Highly recommend this restaurant. It is truly a hidden gem in Ottawa that I was lucky to stumble on during a recent business trip. The owners are a couple. The wife cooks and everything is made from scratch. She was a chef in Thailand which definitely comes through from her food. I wish this was closer to home as I would be a regular!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amber S. 8 months ago on Google • 5 reviews
    This is the best hidden gem, Thai restaurant in Ottawa. Can't say enough good about Pookie's. Their yellow chicken curry is the epitome of comfort food. A lovely little spot for dine in or quick and delicious take out. The food is serious, authentic Thai - be careful with the spice level if you aren't used to Thai heat. They also offer great take home jarred sauces. A staple in our cupboard.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 SYRO 6 months ago on Google • 5 reviews
    I’m not joking when I say I’ve eaten from Pookie’s Thai at LEAST once a week for the last 1.5 years. My wife and I are huge fans. Everything we’ve tried on the menu is delicious. The food is made quickly and never takes more than 20 minutes from the time we order to the time we pick it up (they also have Uber Eats delivery). One note- they spice their food well. I love spicy food and sometimes ask for higher levels of spice depending on the dish- and they deliver! Their prices are very fair and reasonable. My top 5 dishes: Tom Kha soup, Satay Gai skewers, Yellow Curry with chicken & potatoes, Pad Si Ew (beef), and the spicy noodles!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Carlo S. 1 year ago on Google • 3 reviews
    This is THE best Thai restaurant in Ottawa. Pookie is one of the kindest, sweetest, beautiful-est souls I've ever met. The food is absolutely incredible and she makes you feel like you're a part of her family when she's serving you. I cannot say enough good things about this place. One of those restaurant experiences that stick with you forever. I cannot wait to be back and tell everyone and anyone to make a visit to Pookie's.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 D N. 1 year ago on Google • 3 reviews
    What a wonderful hidden gem! The food was delicious, the service was amazing. Pookie is so kind, we felt like we were her guests in her home. Our first time there and it won’t be our last! For Stittsville dwellers, keep your eyes open for Pookie’s food truck on Main!!! You won’t be disappointed!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Claudia C. 2 years ago on Google
    It is definitely over-rated. The curry dishes (green and red) are awfully similar except for the color. Taste very blank and not rich. Its very disappointing. I would not order food here again nor recommend to anyone. I really miss Nokham! 😢
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Andreea T. 1 year ago on Google
    This is literally the worst Thai food I’ve ever had in my entire life and my husband is Thai. We ordered two different dishes and they both looks and tasted the exact same. If you are any kind of Asian do not go here because you will 100 percent be disappointed. Horrible.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lexx W. 1 year ago on Google
    Spectacular food, as authentic as Thai gets in Ottawa. Outstanding flavor profiles and great value for money. Go, eat, you won't be disappointed.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tatcha P. 6 months ago on Google • 54 reviews
    The best Thai food in the area! Their vegetable spring rolls were fantastic. I love their Pad Thai. The owner is lovely and sweet. They sell pre-made food at the farmer's market as well! Highly recommended!!!

  • 5/5 KikiSpaghetti 1 year ago on Google
    Just a wonderful, authentic Thai culinary experience. Everything is just delicious and consistently good. Show them some love!

  • 5/5 Debbie N. 10 months ago on Google
    Our neighborhood go to Thai restaurant - always delicious, consistent and friendly service. I love their pad thai, Penang, and lemongrass tea. Highly recommend a stop here for lunch or dinner. Intimate setting.

  • 5/5 Alexandre F. 11 months ago on Google
    Best Thai food I've ever had. Quality hasn't changed either since i started eating here in 2020. I Highly recommend this place. Great curry and friendly staff/atmosphere.

  • 5/5 Eva K. 1 year ago on Google
    Yummy food, super friendly staff, and cute restaurant! Their spring rolls (veggie or pork) are delicious and the pad Thai is spot on. Craving Thai food? This is the place to go!

  • 5/5 Elise L. 1 year ago on Google
    Delightful! A small cozy place. We were a party of 3 on a Tuesday night, we each ordered something different, and it was all good. Attentive server and well presented dishes.

  • 3/5 Sameer M. 1 year ago on Google
    Pookie Thai was OK. I enjoyed a medley of different curries green and red and also some cashew nut chicken. The service was really fast and friendly. However, I thought the red curry wasn’t as flavourful and I thought the cashew nut chicken could’ve used a little bit more spice. However, I would recommend this to anyone who wants Thai food in ottawa, but there are other places that are just as good in Toronto.

  • 5/5 Christine A. 1 year ago on Google
    Just moved to Ottawa from the GTA and I miss the food. Then I found this Gem. The Green Curry and Pad Thai were EXCELLENT, authentic, fresh, flavourful and so delicious. I'm so grateful my hairstylist Sophie (Salon My Place) recommended this place. If you like Thai, you will LOVE this place. I did takeout, but loved the cute little dining area with about 8 tables. Well worth every penny.

  • 5/5 Lisa 2 years ago on Google
    One of my favorite Thai spots in the city, love their food and amazing sauces!!

  • 5/5 Anna X. 1 year ago on Google
    We had a lovely dinner there last night. The hot and sour soup was superb, but be warned there is heat. The coconut soup with shrimp was mild but very flavourful. We had a chicken stir fry with cashews and a coconut based chicken curry. The rice, a must to soak up all that flavour in the juices. The Thai beer was very nice too. Don't let the dusty parking lot fool you, this is a gem of a restaurant with great service and great ambiance inside. Cloth napkins and all. We will definitely return.

  • 5/5 Tayler E. 2 years ago on Google
    Just tried Pookie's for the first time--by far the best Thai food we have ever had. Extremely delicious and fresh tasting. Will definitely be ordering again.

  • 4/5 Jordan L. 2 years ago on Google
    Food was good. Spice was nice. But next time I’d go a bit hotter. If you’re looking for 100% vegan please note that they do use a little fish oil in the preparation of their food.

  • 4/5 Basel N. 7 years ago on Google
    - This place is perfect for a friends/romantic atmosphere. - the food menu contains pad Thai, curry, and soups / salads. My favourite is the coconut soup. Make sure to order it with chicken and mushrooms and rice on the side. - beware if mixing different plates as the flavour is really distinct and not necessarily complimentary although each delicious on their own -the entrance from Carling is tricky and you need to slow down before taking a right Edit: the place is a little expensive for Thai food (also rice is not included in the dishes orders)

  • 5/5 James F. 2 years ago on Google
    We don't drive all over the city to sample Thai food, but when you've found Pookie's, why bother? She is wonderful and friendly, and the food is great. Had Tom Kha soup tonight, a 3 on a scale of 5 for spice and found it to be just right. Also added a stir fry, chock full of vegetables and her green curry with tender pieces of eggplant. Lips are burning slightly, but those lips are smiling. You can also take away her sauces, and make your own dishes at home. That's available at the restaurant, or at the Kanata Farmers Market, Saturday mornings. Highly recommend!

  • 2/5 Wayne 7 months ago on Google • 2 reviews
    Ordering through Uber Eats for 3, is going to cost you $80+ after tip. The servings are small, and the quality is unremarkable. They even skimped on the chicken in my pad thai-- after a small handful of chicken pieces I was eating chickenless pad thai for the majority of my meal. I almost forgot the few pieces of green onion stem and a piping hot lime. It was clear they just scooped our meals out of vats and hastily added some garnish. Again, this was $80+. 2 stars because it was edible.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍


Call +1 613-321-1733 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free parking lot
    • ✓️ Plenty of parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Late-night food
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Catering
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Takeaway
  • From the business
    • ✓️ Identifies as women-owned

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