Laughing Monk Cafe

“One of my favorite places in Mission Hill! It’s a great spot when you can’t decide between Thai or Japanese food because they have both 🍣🍜 This restaurant is also very vegan-friendly, which my boyfriend really appreciates. My all-time favorite combo is the moo ping, tom yum coconut soup, and panang curry with beef 🥩 So flavorful and comforting every time. The cocktails are good too 🍹 Sadly, I rarely have photos of the Thai food because I always start craving it and eat right away 😋🤤 The service is always good, and the other side of the restaurant has an amazing atmosphere too (if it’s open)!”

“Laughing Monk Cafe is one of those places that works well when you're in the mood for both Thai and Japanese food and don't want to choose between the two. The space feels modern and comfortable without being overly formal, making it equally suited for a casual lunch, dinner with friends, or a relaxed date night. The menu is extensive, covering everything from sushi and sashimi to curries, noodle dishes, and Thai appetizers, giving the restaurant a broader appeal than a typical single-cuisine spot. The Thai dishes were the highlight of my visit, particularly the Pad Thai and Pad See Ew. Both arrived with generous portions and strong flavors that felt satisfying without being overly heavy. The Pad Thai balanced sweetness, tanginess, and savory notes well, while the Pad See Ew stood out for its chewy noodles, rich sauce, and subtle wok-char flavor. The portions were large enough to feel like a complete meal, and both dishes delivered the kind of comforting flavors you expect when craving classic Thai noodles. Beyond the noodle dishes, Laughing Monk has built a reputation around its sushi program, curries, and broader selection of Thai favorites. The menu gives plenty of options whether you're looking for something lighter like sushi and sashimi or heartier dishes such as curries, fried rice, and noodle plates. The variety makes it an easy choice for groups with different preferences. Overall, Laughing Monk Cafe is a reliable neighborhood spot that offers a little bit of everything. While the sushi and specialty dishes attract plenty of attention, the Pad Thai and Pad See Ew were both solid choices that delivered on flavor, portion size, and comfort, making it a place I'd happily return to when I'm in the area.”

“Close to 4 stars. Sushi roll was good, curry excellent, vegetarian dumplings also very good. Not impressed with the Pad see, and scallion pancake had no scallions.”

“We had a great experience here. The food was delicious. Highlights included the scallion pancakes, chicken skewers, and drunken noodles. The curry with crispy chicken added a good touch and was super nice. We shared several appetizers and entrées, and everything was yummy and well prepared. The service was good and the staff was friendly. We sat outside, which made for a really cool vibe, although you are seating on a fairly main road (if that bothers you) the atmosphere was still great. Highly recommend if you’re looking for good food and a chill setting.”

“The rice is HARD. Not sure if it’s the chef’s preference but it feels like it’s been left to dry out, like third day. The sushi cuts’ quality is pretty good. But the pork cutlet is from frozen and bought, there is that thaw taste to it. Customer service is also no frills, no hey.”