Ben Thanh - Kitchener

I was extremely disappointed to find out that my meal contained MSG. I had no idea that the restaurant was adding it to all of my dishes. My meal was completely... read more I was extremely disappointed to find out that my meal contained MSG. I had no idea that the restaurant was adding it to all of my dishes. My meal was completely vegetarian, except for the addition of MSG.

I used to love Ben Thanh as one of the top Thai restaurants in KW, but the Pad Thai I had delivered last night was the worst I've ever experienced. The flavor a... read more I used to love Ben Thanh as one of the top Thai restaurants in KW, but the Pad Thai I had delivered last night was the worst I've ever experienced. The flavor and texture were reminiscent of canned pasta and hardly resembled Pad Thai. I was extremely disappointed.

I placed a takeout order and had trouble hearing the girl on the phone. I decided to go in to place the order instead, but she apologized more than actually tak... read more I placed a takeout order and had trouble hearing the girl on the phone. I decided to go in to place the order instead, but she apologized more than actually taking my order. I had to pay multiple times because she didn't enter the whole order at once. My chicken fried rice had squid in it unexpectedly. This restaurant used to be good, but maybe it's only good for dining in.

The ambiance was pleasant, the service was provided by a robot, and the portion sizes were generous. The chicken pad Thai had a unique flavor, distinct from the... read more The ambiance was pleasant, the service was provided by a robot, and the portion sizes were generous. The chicken pad Thai had a unique flavor, distinct from the traditional version with peanuts. The steamed dim sum was also delicious.

Extensive menu with lots of variety, nice decor and good tasting food. However, service efforts can definitely be improved. They are not rude but don’t try to m... read more Extensive menu with lots of variety, nice decor and good tasting food. However, service efforts can definitely be improved. They are not rude but don’t try to make you feel welcome in any way. It’s like you walk in, write what you need, eat and go. We had a few questions for our server but she neither gave any answers or attempted to show that she cared. In the end, we had to decide for ourselves and stick with what we knew. I have heard good about the Waterloo location so will give that a try as well.