Chang Noi's brings Authentic Thai to Niagara
Tucked away in a small commercial plaza located on a busy St. Catharines thoroughfare lies a gem of a restaurant just waiting to be discovered. The atmosphere at Chang Noi is one of calm, casual elegance with splashes of red and gold to contrast the warm wood tones. Chang Noi's signature elephant motif, complete with chef headgear, emblazons the menu and elephant figurines are proudly displayed around the restaurant. There is also a classy, intimate dining room, separated by sliding glass doors, that is suitable for small groups. We get off to a fine start with “Chang Noi’s Jan Yai.” This platter of appetizers ($12.95) includes fresh, minty garden salad rolls stuffed with fresh vegetables, moist and tender chicken satay, light and springy golden–fried tofu, crunchy spring rolls, and wide rings of calamari that have been coated in a delicate tempura–like batter and flash fried to perfection. Chang Noi’s spice–o–meter consists of five levels of heat ranging from mild to “Passport to Thailand.” Dessert comes in the form of creamy, rich coconut ice cream ($3.50) and banana fritters with ice cream ($4.95). I recommend the fritters for the thin, crispy exterior that encases warm bananas and a sweet honey glaze. By Mike Lowe, Pulse Niagara