Whether you’re a born-and-bred Torontonian or an adoptee, chances are you have some fond memories of Salad King. For many of us, a bite of pad thai conjures up images of affordable student dinners — a veritable night on the town. When the original location went up in flames back in 2010, hearts were crushed, but the institution returned bigger and better and is now casually ringing in its 25th year.  

The ever-busy space has a menu that's loaded with Thai faves, reaching from starters like tom hai gai soup (chicken with coconut) to golden curry (yellow curry with tamarind and veg) to chicken ball fried rice. Our pick, however, isn't actually listed on the menu — though it's a longtime favourite for regulars. The Islamic noodles are a marriage between the Bangkok stir fry and the Panang curry, resulting in scads of veg — broc, carrots, bell peppers, bean sprouts — being smothered in a rich, coconutty sauce with hits of lime. Add chicken, shrimp or keep it veggie; regardless, you’ll have leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch. 

Those who can’t skip over to the King during their lunch break, best keep your eyes peeled for a Salad King food truck, which is roaming the streets of the Six until Sept. 18. 

Salad King, 340 Yonge St., 416-593-0333