Sylvan Lake’s Bamboo Hut is a Pad Thai Paradise & You Need To Try It
By Britanny Burr on March 14, 2025.
If you find yourself in Sylvan Lake and haven't tried the legendary pad Thai from The Bamboo Hut, you're seriously missing out. This quaint little eatery dishes out some of the most flavourful, perfectly balanced, and downright addictive noodle bowls in Alberta.
If you're a die-hard pad Thai lover or just in the mood for something delicious, the Bamboo Hut is an absolute must.
Sylvan Lake is one of Alberta’s favourite year-round hotspots. While it gets the most hype in the summer months for its beautiful waterfront and classic beach town vibe, there are also a ton of wonderful things to see and do in the winter. It’s well known for its vibrant energy, outdoor activities, and small-town festivities no matter the season.
If you think the activities are the only reason to visit, think again. Located along Lakeshore Drive, The Bamboo Hut is a culinary treasure that has been serving some of the best pad Thai in the province for years.
This small but mighty spot is famous for its welcoming atmosphere and authentic Southeast Asian cuisine. It’s the perfect place to fuel up after a day of fun and adventure. Each dish is carefully crafted and celebrates the incredible flavours of Southeast Asia. Whether you’re a local, a weekend warrior, or just passing through town, this place always hits the mark.
Let’s get to the goods. The Bamboo Hut’s pad Thai is a culinary masterpiece. It’s tangy and delicious, with just the right sweetness, a little spice (adjustable to your liking), and perfectly stir-fried rice noodles that hold all the zest. Topped with toasted peanuts, fresh scallions, and a squeeze of lime, this dish is the real deal. Add your choice of protein, chicken, shrimp, eggs, and tofu, and you’ve got a meal that’ll keep you coming back for more.
Pro tip: If you like a little kick, ask for it spicy. The heat levels here aren’t messing around, and if you’re a spice lover, you’ll appreciate the extra fire.
While the pad Thai is a must, don’t make the mistake of skipping out on the rest of the menu. The Bamboo Hut serves up a lineup of Thai favourites that are equally memorable. Check out:
Dany's Lakeside Curry: Another fan favourite, inspired by the head chef, features shrimp, sea scallops, and mussels slowly simmered in a coconut lemongrass curry with toasted peanuts.
Golden Chicken Curry: If you’re a curry fan, their golden curry is a fragrant, coconut-y, and spicy dream. It’s loaded with fresh veggies and served with perfectly steamed rice to soak up all that goodness.
Monster Bowl: Grilled to perfection, this slightly sweet, slightly sour dish is served on a bed of vermicelli noodles topped with chicken, beef, and BBQ pork skewers loaded with fresh vegetables. It's perfect if you love a good noodle bowl with a depth of flavour.
Tom Yum Soup: This Thai classic is a flavourful, citrusy, slightly spicy broth packed with shrimp, mushrooms, and fresh herbs. It’s comfort food at its best, especially on a cooler day.
The Bamboo Hut isn’t just a great Thai restaurant, it’s an experience. The cozy, welcoming vibe makes it a perfect spot to unwind, and the food? It’s next-level. Whether you’re looking for a casual lunch, a dinner date spot, or a quick bite after a day of adventure, this place might ruin all other Thai food for you.
Sylvan Lake is already a fantastic destination, and adding a meal at The Bamboo Hut makes it even better. So, next time you’re in town, treat yourself to the delicious flavours of Southeast Asia. You won’t regret it.
Britanny Burr is a freelance writer and a contributor to Great West Media. This content has been republished for the Great West Media & Southern Alberta Newspapers Cool Winter Guide advertising feature. The Cool Winter Guide is a special feature about winter activities, bucket list adventures, winter attractions, events, and road trip-worthy food & beverage destinations across Alberta. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.
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