The story
The name Kiin means “to eat” in Thai, and this Toronto restaurant invites diners to do just that in an intimate, elegant setting. Located in the Entertainment District, Kiin offers a tasting menu built on Royal Thai cuisine—a rare culinary art form that first appeared in the ancient Ayutthaya court. The kitchen balances the five core Thai flavours—salty, sweet, spicy, sour, and bitter—with a nuanced touch that avoids overwhelming any single note.
Executive Chef and co-owner Nuit Regular leads the kitchen. She grew up in the jungles of Northern Thailand, far from the royal palaces, but she developed a fascination with the refined side of Thai cooking. Her menu reimagines childhood dishes to meet Royal Thai standards, using both premium Thai ingredients and seasonal regional Canadian produce. Chef Nuit is also behind Toronto Thai institutions PAI and Sukhothai, and her debut cookbook, Kiin: Recipes and Stories from Northern Thailand, won an IACP Cookbook Award and a Taste Canada Gold Award.
The restaurant’s recognition by the MICHELIN Guide speaks to the quality of its Northern Thai and Thai cuisine. The multi-course Chef’s Tasting Menu changes with the seasons, showcasing Chef Nuit’s creativity as she interprets classic and less-familiar Thai dishes. A vegan tasting menu is also available, and beverage pairings include wine, sake, and tea. The bar serves a small à la carte menu of snacks and sharing plates for walk-ins.
The dining room is designed to feel like a haven from city life, with warm hospitality from a knowledgeable staff. It’s a place for a thoughtful exploration of Thai flavours—one that pays homage to centuries-old techniques while embracing the best of what Canada has to offer.
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