Épicerie Pumpui
Épicerie Pumpui opened in late 2017 as a small Thai grocery and snack bar on Rue Saint-Zotique, a few steps from Boulevard Saint-Laurent. Chef Jesse Mulder trained in Thai cooking during a long stay in Thailand, and the kitchen is known for vibrant, properly spiced street-food classics, curries and wok-fried dishes. The name means chubby in Thai.
How to get there
Pumpui is in Little Italy, about a 10-minute walk from Jean-Talon metro station (orange and blue lines) and close to De Castelnau station (blue line). Jean-Talon Market is nearby, making it easy to combine lunch with grocery shopping.
What to order
The pad thai is regularly cited among the best in Montreal. Explore the curries, soups, noodles and stir-fries, and ask the staff how spicy each dish is before ordering. Daily specials rotate, and the grocery shelves stock Thai ingredients if you want to cook at home.
Atmosphere
Pumpui operates as a counter: you order, then grab one of the few seats or take your meal to go. A small terrace adds seating in summer. The mood is casual and busy, with a steady stream of take-out orders.
Plan your visit
Pumpui is mainly a counter, so plan for a casual meal rather than a long dinner. Lunch is popular with people shopping at Jean-Talon Market; arriving just before noon or mid-afternoon helps avoid the rush. Ordering online for pick-up is a good option on busy evenings. After your meal, explore the rest of Little Italy, including Italian cafés along Boulevard Saint-Laurent and the Madonna della Difesa church on Rue Dante.
Good to know
- Address: 83 Rue Saint-Zotique Est, Montréal, QC H2S 1K7
- Phone: 514-379-3024
- Nearest metro: Jean-Talon or De Castelnau
- Neighbourhood: Little Italy (Petite-Italie)
- Cuisine: Thai
- Budget: $ to $$
- Service: Counter service, take-out and delivery; small terrace in season
- Best for: Casual lunches, spice lovers, take-out
- Tip: Seating is limited; the kitchen has closed between lunch and dinner, so check hours before an afternoon visit
Why it is on our list
Pumpui brings real Thai intensity to a small, friendly room and has become one of the city’s most talked-about Thai addresses. Plan your visit with our Little Italy food guide.
Hours, menus and prices change often. Confirm opening hours and reservation policies directly with the restaurant before you go.