Chix Shack Thai Chicken

A friend and I dropped in for lunch during the workday. We ordered at the counter and the server/cashier was very friendly. I chose the green papaya salad and pad Thai. Their portion sizes are generous (think leftovers) and the flavours were delicious and authentic. I hesitated to compare this more fast-food style establishment with the more popular and well known Thai restaurants in town, but ChixShack has got it going on! Authentic flavours, a good mix of ‘safe’ and more interesting menu items all at a reasonable price.

So many new Asian places opening up, its impressive. ChixShack, sister restaurant to Sawaddee Thai Cuisine in Sherwood Park, specializes in Thai style chicken. It’s located right beside CoCo. Honestly, I never even knew Thai chicken was a thing. Don’t recall seeing that during my Thailand travels.

Chix Shack is maintaining its popularity among Edmonton's downtown crowd with quick service and exceptional Thai cuisine. This is a long-overdue review of Chix Shack, but it’s one I need to finally cross off my extensive to-do list. Located beneath the condo units of the Capital Centre, this cozy eatery is a sister restaurant to Sawaddee Thai in Sherwood Park. With owners hailing from Bangkok, I have no doubt about the glowing reviews for Sawaddee’s food, and I was eager for Chix Shack to open last fall. Now, nearly a year later, I can confidently say that Chix Shack has done an impressive job of refining their menu to cater to the tastes of the downtown crowd.

We also ordered a half chicken with papaya salad and sticky rice. The chicken was incredibly moist and tender, and I particularly enjoyed the dipping sauce. The waitress/cashier was very personable and frequently checked on us, even though it’s a casual dining spot. The portion sizes are perfect for two people. I would definitely return, but I do wish the dishes included rice by default; $3 for a single serving of coconut rice feels a bit pricey.

This restaurant serves top-notch Thai street food. While I haven't been to Thailand (just Kuala Lumpur and Singapore in Southeast Asia), I can confidently say that the food here closely resembles what I imagine Thai street food to be like. My friends who have visited Thailand agree with me. The portion sizes are smaller than what you might find at other Asian eateries, but the prices reflect that as well. I recommend ordering 1-2 dishes if you want to feel truly satisfied; just ordering one might only fill you about 80%, which is great if you're watching your diet. Sharing dishes with friends or coworkers is the perfect way to enjoy the meal. The chicken here is not fried, like many other places in town; it’s roasted or braised, making it juicier and more flavorful. You’ll find a variety of dried spices and sauces to enhance your meal, adding to its authenticity. Just be cautious with the condiments, as some can be quite spicy. Overall, it’s a great spot to hang out after a few drinks.