“Toronto has become a magnet for top chefs and food lovers, alike. The city’s diverse markets and suppliers make it easy to bring bold, authentic flavours to life,” says Chatsuda Drouin, a.k.a. Chef Ko, the executive chef behind Isaan Der’s succulent Thai food. “As a chef, having quality local and imported ingredients at my fingertips is a dream. I love pushing boundaries and experimenting with new techniques and tastes, and it’s a great feeling to know that customers are open and willing to embrace new flavours.” She and her husband, Donald Droin, co-own the three-restaurant chain; celebrating its eighth anniversary this month, they focus on delicious dishes from the northeastern Isaan region of Thailand.
Isaan Der is proudly Thai-owned, and Drouin loves sharing stories of her upbringing in Thailand over dishes inspired by the vibrant Isaan street food culture. “Our food is known for being bold, spicy, and herbaceous. Think sticky rice, aromatic farm herbs, fresh vegetables and the deep, complex flavour of pla ra, or fermented fish sauce. Isaan cuisine is shaped by the rich flavours and traditions of Thailand, Laos and Vietnam, all linked by the Mekong River,” she says. “It’s a beautiful blend of traditions, resulting in a vibrant and deeply flavourful cuisine.”
Here, Drouin shares some of the spots in Toronto to experience more fabulous flavours.
