4 minute read
PINK ELEPHANT CAFE & URBAN THAI BISTRO
Whether you are looking to kick start your day with a freshly roasted coffee and pastry, drop in for a meal to go, or wish to have a sit-down meal to explore the flavourful tastes of Thailand, Pink Elephant Cafe and Urban Thai Bistro are restaurants to check out.
Three years ago, restaurant owner Desmond Chen made the astute decision to open Pink Elephant and Urban Thai Bistro when he saw potential in the rapidly changing south end of Dunbar Street. He knew there was a restaurant shortage in the area and introduced Thai cuisine to the neighbourhood. A former restaurant was converted into two spaces with a shared kitchen.
Pink Elephant Cafe is a cheerful space with blush pink and grey décor. It is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and is a great spot to catch up with friends over a coffee.
The cafe is known for its memorable java, smoothies, baked goods (including cookies, croissants, muffins, sausage rolls), desserts, soups, and salads. Mango sticky rice is a top choice when it is in season, as is the deepfried banana with ice cream.
During the summer, a variety of tempting iced drinks are added to the menu.
Kids love the iced strawberry milk. Thai iced tea, iced strawberry matcha, and iced chocolate are also among the top sellers.
The popular morning combo features coffee and a croissant or a sausage roll for $6.50.
Desmond mentions, “We have a large loyal customer base from neighbouring businesses, residents, and UBC students who frequently have their morning coffee before work and then return for lunch at Urban Thai Bistro the very same day. We also have customers who come for coffee in the morning and return to pick up takeout dinner after work.”
He adds, “It was difficult to operate during the pandemic, yet through the community’s strong support, we managed to survive and build the business even stronger by attracting more new regular customers from the Kerrisdale neighbourhood to UBC students making the 15-minute commute by bus.”
Urban Thai Bistro’s décor fuses traditional Thai with modern, resulting in an exotic interior with teal walls and punches of gold and black. It is a cozy spot to gather with family and friends for a meal and drinks.
Urban Thai Bistro offers a selection of traditional authentic Thai dishes along with their signature creations.
Variety is the spice of life, and Urban Thai Bistro offers plenty of variety.
The restaurant’s signature dishes include three-flavoured black cod, jumbo-size tiger prawns in a garlic sauce, and Matsaman curry rack of lamb, which Desmond says is sensational. Other popular picks include Pad Thai and appetizers such as prawn ceviche, pork cheeks and Thai chicken wings. Salads include Som Tom papaya, Thai prawn salad, and mango salad. Duck noodle soup made with a house-made broth will warm you up on cool-weather days, as will the flavourful Thai curries.
“Urban Thai’s Pad Thai is prepared authentically with fresh tamarind sauce. Our curries are made from scratch every morning.”
Desmond mentions, “We’ve added party platters to accommodate birthday parties and other celebrations for larger groups, making it easier for the hosts!”
Urban Thai is open for lunch, dinner, takeout, or delivery.
The bistro doubles as a wine bar, offering many Asian-inspired cocktails and martinis.
Both restaurants offer takeout and delivery options through Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Skip the Dishes. They also have an online ordering app available at the Apple and Android stores.
“We would like to thank the Dunbar community and residents for their support. Also, we extend a big thank you to the Dunbar Business Improvement Association for helping promote all of the small businesses in the Dunbar area,” Desmond says.
You can follow both Pink Elephant Cafe and Urban Thai Bistro on Instagram @pinkecafe and @urbanthaibistro.
Pink Elephant Cafe
5601 Dunbar Street, Vancouver BC V6N 1W5
Phone 604-566-3533
Thai Urban Bistro
5607 Dunbar Street, Vancouver, BC V6N 1W5
Phone 604-566-3903
Story by Sarah Gordon (May 2024). PALLA MEDIA
