It has been a long journey from Thailand to Long Branch for Suriya Chitchulanon, the owner of Ranu Thai Cuisine, a local favourite for ‘back-home taste’ at affordable prices.

Highly rated on social media, the small takeout at 3308 Lake Shore Blvd. W., is a busy restaurant that is a favourite of college students due to its prices and honest food.

“People love our food for the freshness,” Chitchulanon says. “We are known for the quality of our ingredients. For us it is the quality of the food not the quantity.”

The restaurant has been in operation since 2013 and has many loyal customers who faithfully return. “They like our food and they come back for more,” he says. “We offer a contemporary flavour to reflect the preferences of our Long Branch, Lake Shore, and Etobicoke patrons.”

He started the business after arriving in Canada from the U.S., where he lived for a number of years after leaving his home in Thailand.

Their classic meals include; pad Thai, curries, fried rice and the ‘house specialties which you might today buy on the streets of Bangkok.’

“We have many years of experience in Thai cooking environment,” Chitchulanon says. “We want to give people the best dining experience.”

He swears customers love his style of pad Thai and return for more. We tried the red curry and pad Thai and it was excellent.

“Once people taste our dishes, they always come back,” he insists. “Our ingredients are fresh as what they have back at home.”

One of their most popular dishes is Pineapple Red Curry, which is a classic Thai red curry, simmered in coconut milk, fresh basil, pineapple chunks, bell peppers and broccoli. Served with jasmine rice.

They are active on social media, where it seems the positive reviews are endless.

“Will have to order again sooon. Yummmmmy!” wrote Sarah Giles.

” I wish we were in the hood for lunch,” said Becca Gordon.

“Wowo. Good food,” wrote Phuc Trinh.

Ranu Thai Cuisine can be reached by phone at 416-255-3830 or you can order online at www.ranuthai.ca.