Fonda Balam
Where? Fonda Balam (Trinity Bellwoods, Toronto, Canada) Map Menu
When? Tuesday July 18, 2023
Who? Me
Food Style? Mexican
It’s another hot summer day after badminton, and local to the Trinity Bellwoods neighbourhood is Fonda Balam. A trendy establishment serving Mexican fare, the seating layout is the first thing that catches my eye as I enter the restaurant. There’s two large U shaped tables connected by the bar area, allowing patrons to sit on the outside as the wait staff move about the inner space. There’s a quaint outdoor patio with fairy lights to match the ambience, and on a warm night like this, it’s packed.
Mains
Taco de Carnitas: fresh corn tortilla with pork carnitas, escabeche and guacamole/Taco de Lengua: fresh corn tortilla, beef tongue with salsa verde cruda, onions and cilantro
Food arrives quickly, which is good because I’m starving after playing four games in a row. I’ve gone for the pork and the beef tongue. The pork is juicy and not too fatty, the pickled jalapeño, onion and carrot add the perfect texture and balance to the carnitas. The beef tongue is perfectly seasoned, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. There’s a slight spice from the green salsa and that squeeze of fresh lime really brings everything together. I think I want something else. Do I go for dessert or have another taco?
Dessert
Postre del dia: raspberry tres leches cake
Today's dessert is a take on the famous Latin American tres leches cake - literally "three milks", refering to the evaporated milk, condensed milk and whole milk used to make the cake. When it comes out - oh my goodness. This is phenomenal. It’s so soft and moist with a strong raspberry flavour. The pistachios add a great crunch and the balance of tartness from the raspberry and sweetness from the milk is perfect. Seriously considering licking the plate clean on this one, but I’m in full view of half the restaurant because of the seating arrangement. I cannot contain my excitement and I break my introverted personality and blurt out compliments about the dessert to the waiter. That was the perfect ending to the meal, and I look forward to coming back here after badminton more often.
Posted by Jeremy at 5:20pm on Tuesday March 5, 2024 :: 0 comments :: 
Sarang Kitchen
Where? Sarang Kitchen (Dovercourt Village, Toronto, Canada) Map Menu
When? Sunday July 2, 2023
Who? Me
Food Style? Korean Fried Chicken
A newcomer to the area, Sarang Kitchen is a small restaurant at Havelock and Bloor specialising in the superior KFC - Korean Fried Chicken. In addition to their delicious foods, there is an inherent level of detail on mindfulness and inclusion, with a sensory room and sensory friendly hours for those who may feel overwhelmed by the busyness of the city life. Service is also automatically included but the thing that surprises me the most is the list of sauces on the menu with a somewhat familiar slang…
I have to ask, who’s from New Zealand? Turns out the owner spent three years teaching neurodivergent children in Wellington! The dish I’ve ordered is named for one of her students whose portrait hangs on the wall, next to a few others of her class from Tawa. I didn't get the chance to talk to her directly, but I love that Kiwi flair that she's kept in her menu.
Mains
My Number 1: Extra crispy half chicken that is loved by a very special someone, hence the name
I’ve chosen the Ka Pai - Maori for “well done” to accompany the chicken. It's juicy on the inside and crunchy on the outside. This platter is supposedly for one person but there’s no way I can eat all of this and still be mobile for badminton. It’s delicious and hearty and super satisfying, but I really want some more of that citrus-dressed salad and pickle to cut through the oily chicken. The sauce is the perfect balance of umami and sweetness.
Posted by Jeremy at 4:58pm on Tuesday March 5, 2024 :: 0 comments ::
Bowl of Karma
Where? Bowl of Karma (The Beaches, Toronto, Canada) Map Menu
When? Saturday August 27, 2022
Who? Badminton Crew
Food Style? Indian
Summerlicious is upon Toronto after being on hiatus during the pandemic. Similar in execution to Wellington on a Plate, restaurants offer a three course prix fixe menu for two weeks to celebrate the end of summer and go out with a bang. Here on a warm Sunday after badminton, we’re trying some Indian food on the east side of town. There’s a whopping 14 of us at the restaurant and we’re the only ones here, but despite that, one of the appetisers (Aloo tikki chaat) and one of the mains (tandoori wings) is unavailable, and already I’m not impressed - how do you run out of wings?! Ordering is chaotic but it gets done - whether it’s accurate remains to be seen.
I’m pairing with Alfie so we can divide and conquer the menu.
Appetiser #1
Samosa chaat: crushed samosas smothered with chholay (chickpeas) and topped with yogurt, mint chutney, tamarind chutney, onions, and cilantro
Several people have ordered this for their appetiser, so when one plate comes out with no red onion or cilantro, and it's visually very different, we know something's wrong. After a correction, we’re good to go. It actually tastes pretty good, there’s plenty of spice and flavour, and the crispness of the samosa pastry is still there. I’m quite impressed.
Appetiser #2
Vegetable samosa: traditional fried pastries filled with potatoes, green peas & cumin seeds, with tamarind chutney
The samosas are pretty decent as well, hot and fresh out of the fryer. It’s got that lovely balanced spice coming through, and the tamarind chutney helping to add some acidity to the mix. I’m sweating profusely because there’s no AC in the restaurant and the samosas are really hot.
Mains #1
Paneer tikka naan pizza: Bowl of Karma's pizza out of a clay oven, baked with fresh tandoori naan and choice of flavour and toppings
This one is odd. There’s no sauce base, so it’s basically just baked bread and cheese, and it’s very dry. The paneer doesn’t have a strong flavour, so it’s kind of lost in everything else. I would much rather prefer something soft and fluffy like a naan bread filled with cheese, like what I can get from mamak stalls in Malaysia.
Mains #2
Butter chicken bowl: butter chicken served on a base of basmati rice and topped with fresh salad toppings and signature sauces
It’s a bit too sweet for me, but it does have a bit of spice kick. It’s weird that the salad is mixed in that way. There’s not a lot of chicken in there but what’s there disintegrates in an awkward way, like pulled pork. It’s been over cooked.
Dessert
Gulab jamun: Indian doughnuts! Soft melt-in-your-mouth dumplings traditionally made of thickened milk and soaked in rose flavoured sugar syrup
I’ve had this before in New Zealand and it’s extremely sweet, almost to the point of sickness, so I know what to expect. What I got delivered on that exactly, and since there were only two balls of dough, it wasn’t unpleasant at all.
Not a bad way to end the meal, but quite disappointed with the mains. I’m super stuffed. I’ll be taking half the pizza home.
Posted by Jeremy at 4:46am on Sunday January 29, 2023 :: 0 comments ::
Her Chef
Where? Her Chef (Koreatown, Toronto, Canada) Map Menu
When? Saturday August 27, 2022
Who? Me
Food Style? Home-Style Korean Fusion
I’m back at Her Chef, because I’m craving something quick and hearty before Sunday afternoon badminton. I’ve been exercising a ton lately, mostly to get rid of all the excess fat from eating out over summer, so it feels like today should be Cheat Day. I’m here for another of Her Chef’s interesting dishes, the chicken croffle. The crispiness and butteriness of a croissant in waffle form, this is touted by the chef as “brunch perfection”, and I wholeheartedly agree. Even as it’s cooking, I can smell the aroma of cooking butter emanating from the kitchen. I am so looking forward to this.
Mains
Chicken croffle: Buttery croissant in a form of a fluffy waffle, served with crispy chicken and home-made honey mustard sauce
There’s something amazing about the way Koreans fry their chicken. Texturally perfect, crispy on the outside, and juicy and tender on the inside, it’s also full of flavour. The croffle itself is a culinary wonder, and although the combination of chicken, honey mustard and icing sugar looks strange, everything comes together beautifully. Really my only complaint is that I want more croffle, a half is not enough to go with all that chicken.
Posted by Jeremy at 4:38am on Sunday January 29, 2023 :: 0 comments ::
Knockout Chicken
Where? Knockout Chicken (Kensington Market, Toronto, Canada) Map Menu
When? Monday August 22, 2022
Who? Me
Food Style? Fried Chicken
Summer is rapidly approaching its end in Toronto and it’s now dark when Tuesday night badminton finishes. It’s bloody warm though, so I take advantage of the weather and bike to Kensington Market, and today I’m in the mood for some fried chicken.
At Knockout Chicken, the menu is appropriately themed to the boxing ring, with chicken combos named featherweight, welterweight, heavyweight and cruiser weight. They also do chicken sandwiches, popcorn chicken, wings and chicken strips, all in theme as well. Best of all, they’re open until 10pm, so I’m well within time to grab a feed. They’re also halal and they source produce locally where possible.
Mains
Featherweight combo with bone in
Pretty decent sized meal, with fries and coleslaw. The buffalo sauce is the right level of spice for me, and has that nice acidic tanginess. The chicken is juicy and crispy, but doesn’t have a very intense flavour, like what you’d get with Korean fried chicken or even Jollibee. It’s not bad, I’ve just had better. I don’t think I can finish the fries though.
Posted by Jeremy at 4:35am on Sunday January 29, 2023 :: 0 comments ::
Richmond Station
Where? Richmond Station (Financial District, Toronto, Canada) Map Menu
When? Wednesday July 27, 2022
Who? Marc
Food Style? Elevated Canadian
My Catalan friend has been staying with me for the past three weeks and as his time in Canada comes to a close, he’s told me to choose a fancy restaurant and he’ll shout dinner. After pouring over several lists of Toronto’s best restaurants, and cross checking reservations and menus available for tonight, I’ve settled on Richmond Station, right around the corner from Queen Station in the heart of downtown. Most attractive though, is this little blurb on top of their online menu: "We are a Hospitality Included restaurant. The prices you see in this menu include the cost of service. Tipping is discouraged." A growing number of restaurants are beginning to include tips in their prices, and I cannot wait until this dumb practice is completely gone from North American culture and we just pay the staff a proper wage.
Richmond Station is one of those trendy places that’s always got some buzz about it, and today, the restaurant is almost full, even at 8.45pm. We’ve been seated on the long communal table and we’re here for the Chef’s Menu, a six course degustation.
Canapés
Selection of canapés: Salmon tartare; Oysters; Torched scallops; Parmesan foam
I suppose "salmon tartare" is just a fancy way of saying sashimi but there's a nice flavour and savouriness. The oysters were okay, no strong flavour that stood out. These were apparently from New Brunswick, but I couldn't quite catch the variety. The torched scallops had a beautiful, smooth texture and were sweet and tasty, and finally the parmesan foam had a nice tomato base, with a rich, cheese finish on top.
Appetizer #1
Duck liver pâté: sour cherry, chicory, black pepper meringue
Amazing. Fantastically smooth and rich, perfectly paired with that sweet fruit and crispy meringue, great texture, for a well balanced dish. Pâté and fruit, usually as a compôte or chutney, is a very common combination that I've encountered multiple times, and have always enjoyed it.
Appetizer #2
Ontario new potatoes: sea lettuce, trout roe, dashi beurre blanc
Great presentation - lots of colours on the plate. Absolutely fantastic, I’ve never had such luxurious potatoes before. Such an amazing taste, buttery and rich. I would love to lick my plate. Or failing that, at least some bread to soak up that delicious sauce. To be honest, I was kind of skeptical about the dish to start with (come on, it's just potatoes, how good can they be?) but by the end, I was fully on board.
Seafood Mains
Butter-poached pacific halibut: courgette-basil purée, summer squash, fermented jalapeño emulsion
It takes a while to arrive and the waitress is super apologetic so she gets us some bread and olive oil. Eventually, the halibut arrives, and it’s soft and buttery, cooked perfectly. The purée and emulsion are tasty and add to the dish. There's a strong basil flavour, almost like it’s pesto. However, it’s a bit small and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed, especially because it took so long to come.
Meat Mains
Good Family Farms Berkshire pork: charred sweet corn, hakurel turnips, truffle jus
The waitress says it’s the best dish the chef has ever made so expectations are through the roof. It’s 10.15pm and the restaurant is slowly emptying. The pork arrives and smells amazing. It’s cooked perfectly, juicy but a nice crispy crust for texture. The truffle is subtle but enriches the jus and the corn is sweet with a hint of the bitterness from the char. Well balanced and great complimentary flavours. A little disappointed at the portion size though, again.
Dessert
Chocolate crêpe: blackberry and blueberry compôte, milk chocolate, crème de cassis chantilly
Beautiful vanilla aroma, you can see the seeds in the chantilly creme. The crêpe is chocolatey but not too rich, and the compôte is tart to balance it all out. Fantastic end to the night.
Surprise petite fours
Lemon tart: chantilly blackberry and blueberry; Compressed powdered fruit cubes
I thought it was the end of the night but we're given some petite fours. The lemon tart has a wonderful citrus tang, almost effervescent in its taste. The fruit cubes (the waitress couldn't provide a better description) are sweet and floral, packing an intense berry flavour in a small space. A lovely finish to send us off to the night.
All in all, an extremely enjoyable night with some fantastic food boasting great flavours and great emphasis on local food. A bit small in portion though, and I’ll have to grab some extra dessert at home, but a worthwhile visit especially for those who want to experience some of Toronto’s finest dining. The entire experience took 2.5 hours. As Marc pays, our waitress makes some conversation with us and she asks us where we’re from, and when I say New Zealand, she calls over the bar manager, who reveals she lived there for a few years. Ka pai!
Posted by Jeremy at 10:25pm on Saturday January 28, 2023 :: 0 comments ::
Tinuno
Where? Tinuno (St James Town, Toronto, Canada) Map Menu
When? Thursday July 14, 2022
Who? Marc
Food Style? Filipino Kamayan
My friend from Catalonia is here to visit and I’ve taken him to one of Toronto’s most famous Filipino restaurants, Tinuno. A few metres away from Sherbourne station, Tinuno is known for their kamayan, which is Tagalog for eating with the hands, but also refers to a big communal meal splayed out on the table with a myriad of delicious barbequed foods and honestly, one of the most impressive looking meals you’ll ever see in front of you. Kamayan has its origins before the Spanish colonisation of the Philippines, and the particular technique of scooping with your fingers is something I've seen at Indian meals, but never mastered. In typical Asian fashion, food brings people together in Filipino culture, and this meal is designed to be shared with many others.
Mains
Kamayan: milkfish, tilapia, squid, shrimp, mussel, pork belly, pork skewer, okra, eggplant, mango salad and garlic rice
I love this visual. The food smells amazing and that wonderful smoky aroma of the barbecue is evident. I go straight for the pork skewer, because it’s right in front of me. It’s succulent and tasty, the best of the meats on the table. The rice is cooked with garlic and is so delicious. I use the green lipped mussels, obviously from New Zealand, as spoons to scoop up all the food. Everything is incredibly flavoursome and appetising. The banana leaf is important for imparting that extra bit of flavour; it releases a subtle fragrant oil when grilled over an open flame.
Though this does work with only two people, you'll ideally want a group of six or more; my best experience here was with the Ubisoft Toronto Foodies where there were ten of us (and I got to eat more than my share because some people got full really quickly).
Very satisfying and always a good atmosphere here, but make sure you book.
It's a hot summer's day in July, and even though we've stuffed ourselves with a Filipino feast, we're off to Yorkville for ice cream at Summer's and drinks at Hemingways.
Posted by Jeremy at 9:18pm on Saturday January 28, 2023 :: 0 comments ::
sukhoTHAI
Where? sukhoTHAI (West Don Lands, Toronto, Canada) Map Menu
When? Thursday June 23, 2022
Who? Me
Food Style? Thai
My Funemployment days are running out fast and I’m determined to make the most of what’s left. I’ve been biking all the way out east and on my way back I’m passing through Corktown, and I remember there’s a decent Thai place I haven’t tried yet - sukhoTHAI. They also have restaurants at Wellington and Church, and Dundas and Dufferin. The owners have Pai and Sabai Sabai under their umbrella, and they’re both pretty good, so I’m keen to see how this stacks up. They’ve got a nice patio that’s in the shade during a hot summer’s day in Toronto, so I’m sitting outside and waiting for my beef massaman curry.
Mains
Gaeng Masaman: masaman curry with peanuts, shallots and tamarind sauce
Wow that flavour is intense. Perhaps a bit heavy handed with the tamarind, that comes through very strongly, but the onions and fried shallots really help to add that savouriness back into the dish. I’m glad it’s not overly sweet though, but I definitely need more rice to balance out that rich, creamy sauce. The amount of meat they’ve given me is pretty generous, but it’s not the slow cooked beef chunks that I get from Thai Nyyom. I ordered medium spice and I think that was the perfect level for me.
Posted by Jeremy at 11:22pm on Friday January 27, 2023 :: 0 comments ::
Chen Chen's Nashville Hot Chicken
Where? Chen Chen's Nashville Hot Chicken (Beaconsfield Village, Toronto, Canada) Map Menu
When? Monday June 20, 2022
Who? Me
Food Style? Spicy Deep Fried Chicken
It’s a blistering hot summers day in Toronto, with temperatures over 30C. It’s glorious and everything seems great except I’m supposed to be at badminton but they sold out of tickets because people were lining up 90 minutes ago since all the other community centers were closed. In consolation, I’m going to eat my sorrows away with one of Chen Chen’s famous chicken sandwiches, and I’m going to do it on their little outdoor seating area just east of Dufferin and Queen.
Burger
Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich: Nashville Hot Fried Chicken thigh served on a toasted brioche bun, with southern slaw, pickles and homemade aioli
Wow. Fantastic crispy and succulent chicken, perfectly seasoned. Perhaps a bit too mild for a “medium” but there are plenty of higher spice options available. The slaw and pickles provide that much needed acidity and the creamy mayonnaise binds it all together.
Posted by Jeremy at 11:18pm on Friday January 27, 2023 :: 0 comments ::
Lalibela
Where? Lalibela (Christie Pits, Toronto, Canada) Map Menu
When? Monday June 6, 2022
Who? Me
Food Style? Ethiopian
A popular Ethiopian restaurant near Ossington and Bloor, Lalibela is conveniently on my way home from Tuesday night badminton. It’s a cool summer night and the restaurant is almost full, even at 9.30pm. As I look around at neighbouring tables, I spot these massive platters that almost cover the entirety of the table top. Definitely something to try with more people.
I’ve gone for the meat platter. The menu description says it contains a multitude of items but I have no idea what they are, and I’m hoping to be pleasantly surprised with a giant plate full of delicious spiced meat. Unfortunately, I’ve been seated after some big tables, so it’ll likely be a while before I get my food.
Mains
Meat Combination: Combination of alicha wot, kitfo, doro, gomen ayib, salad and dullet
When it arrives though, wow. That is a very large plate. And no cutlery. Sure enough, everyone else is eating with their hands. I’m no master of this particular art, but I give it a go. The pancake at the bottom is a peculiar texture and may trigger people with an aversion to weird patterns - trypophobia, thanks Google - and it’s slightly soggy and sour. Its porous nature soaks up all the sauce from the various curries. The chicken curry is particularly spicy but full of flavour. The beef mince is only okay, but the goat is pretty good. There’s a lot on the plate and it doesn’t really work together, but individually the dishes can be quite nice. I’m not going to lie, I was expecting more meat than that, but at the end, I’m very full and can’t finish all that pancake.
I wish they’d serve a bowl of lemon water to wash my hands afterwards. On the whole, the meal was okay but didn't blow me away. I felt the flavours were a bit muted and didn't have the intensity that I'm used to with Thai, Malay or Indian curries. This might have been more enjoyable in a large group with plenty of dishes to share.
Posted by Jeremy at 2:40am on Wednesday June 22, 2022 :: 0 comments ::
Balam
Where? Balam (Wallace Emerson, Toronto, Canada) Map Menu
When? Thursday May 12, 2022
Who? Me
Food Style? Mexican
A recent addition to the Wallace Emerson neighbourhood, Balam took over the empty space that used to be Fahmee Bakery, purveyor of excellent Caribbean style patties and curries. This location is notorious for a high turnover due to landlord issues, but its proximity to Lansdowne subway station and also en route to Ubisoft’s office will make this popular once people start returning to the studio. The interior has 10 seats, but on this hot spring day, a few people have opted to sit on the brick bench-like structures outside.
Mains
Chorizo Chilaquiles: triangle fried tortilla chips covered in sauce, red onion, cheese, avocado cream and refried beans
What a fantastic array of colours on the plate. It’s spicy and creamy and crunchy. Every mouthful is full of flavour and texture, perfectly balanced in every way. It’s definitely a lot of food, but I’ve just been to the gym so I can afford to eat something of this size. Best eaten immediately after serving so that the tortilla chips still have that wonderful crunch, but it still tastes decent if you have to take it away to eat somewhere else.
Posted by Jeremy at 9:11pm on Tuesday June 21, 2022 :: 0 comments ::
Imm Thai Kitchen
Where? Imm Thai Kitchen (Little Italy, Toronto, Canada) Map Menu
When? Monday May 9, 2022
Who? Me
Food Style? Thai
My favourite Thai place is currently closed as the family that runs it takes a long deserved vacation back to Thailand. In their absence, I’ve decided to try some other Thai places around the city, starting with this restaurant in Little Italy. I’m exhausted from badminton and I’m starving. Let’s see how this place compares to the big Thai restaurants in Toronto: Pai, Khao San Road and Sabai Sabai.
Thai food in Toronto tends to be overly sweet. It dilutes the intensity of the other famous flavours of Thai food: chili, kaffir lime, Thai basil, tamarind, fish sauce, lemongrass. Things must be in balance of course, I just wish these places would stay truer to their roots instead of catering to the Canadians.
Mains
Massaman Curry: Thai Massaman Paste with coconut milk, white onions and potatoes, topped with fried onion and peanuts
Yeeeeah. I can tell from the look it’s not good. It doesn’t have a strong flavour, like there’s too much coconut. They’ve left the galangal in, which is a little unpleasant because of the texture, and I’ve never seen this curry with carrots before. It really just tastes like flavoured coconut milk and sadness. Not even the right kind of peanutty flavour too.
Oh well. Another one to blacklist.
Posted by Jeremy at 9:09pm on Tuesday June 21, 2022 :: 0 comments ::
Lion City
Where? Lion City (Mississauga, Canada) Map Menu
When? Friday May 6, 2022
Who? Nancy, Henry, Carmen, Alfie
Food Style? Malaysian and Singaporean
Hands down the best Singaporean restaurant in the Greater Toronto Area, Lion City is proudly run by two expats serving some authentic, delicious dishes. All the Malaysians and Singaporeans flock here for that taste of home and I am no different. It is a little bit out of the way, being in Mississauga, but since we often go hiking around the Hamilton and Niagara area, we have ample opportunity to visit on the way back to Toronto. The restaurant is in a plaza with lots of other great food, as well as Btrust Supermarket that occasionally stocks some delicious Malaysian goodies. Since there's a few of us, we'll order some dishes to share and some steamed rice on the side to soak up all those lovely sauces.
Dish #1
Char Kway Teow: Dry wok fried flat rice noodles, shrimp, Chinese sausage, egg, fish cake
My favourite noodle dish, this is full of that wonderful smokiness - wok hei - that the wok imparts when frying with a very high heat. I love the Chinese sausage and the crunchiness of the bean sprouts. I usually use this dish to judge whether a Malaysian restaurant has any standard or not, and these guys have done it pretty well.
Dish #2
Tamarind Fish: A saucy sweet and tangy stir fry
Tamarind is a wonderful, unique flavour commonly found in several southeast Asian dishes. It's sweet and tart, and pairs well with seafood. This dish has some kick and the sourness really comes through nicely, and the vegetables that come with it help to mellow out that intensity.
Dish #3
Sambal Chicken
I think this one is my favourite. It’s spicy and slightly sour as well, but super juicy. Okra is not really seen in many dishes outside of Malaysia but the nyonyas love using it, especially in curries. It's delicious with the sauce in this dish.
Dish #4
Kang Kong Belacan
This is hard to find due to its seasonal availability. My mother used to make this for us at home, the hollowness of the kang kong helped the chili and shrimp paste permeate all surfaces of the greens. The intensity of the belacan is just right and the vegetable is still nice and crunchy.
Dish #5
Beef Rendang: aromatic, fragrant slow cooked dry curry
Wow this one is spicy. It's a bit wetter than I would normally make it, and it's missing the secret ingredient that makes this go from a good rendang to a great rendang - toasted coconut. In saying that, the coconut flavour from the coconut milk does comes through sufficiently, but I’m almost tempted to say mine is better since I'm able to adjust the intensity and balance of flavours.
We've opted not to have dessert, but on previous occasions we've enjoyed their ice kacang aka ABC (ais batu campur), a perfect treat for a hot day in Malaysia but not so much for a chilly spring day in Toronto. In any case, I do love coming here and it’s so reassuring to hear that accent, though I can definitely hear my own accent starting to dilute.
Posted by Jeremy at 8:47pm on Tuesday June 21, 2022 :: 0 comments ::
Naan and Chai
Where? Naan and Chai (West Queen West, Toronto, Canada) Map Menu
When? Monday November 1, 2021
Who? Me
Food Style? Stuffed Naans
I’ve finished Tuesday night badminton and I’m super hungry. Naan and Chai have three locations in the GTA and the closest one to me is on Queen West, near Trinity Bellwoods. They’re known for their very photogenic yet delicious stuffed naans, both savoury and sweet. They’re one of the few places open past 9pm on a Tuesday night, so may as well pay them a visit.
Mains
Chicken Malai Boti Naan: Naan stuffed with roasted chicken marinated with cream and mild spices
When it comes out, I’m a bit surprised at the actual bread. It’s not really fluffy or soft like traditional naan, it’s more like a crispy pastry similar to a pie crust. The filling is delicious though, and the mango salsa (which is more like a chutney) balances the saltiness of the marinade with a bit of sweetness. However, the chicken is a tad dry and that texture is slightly unpleasant. Overall, a decent meal if you’re in a rush or want something unpretentious and straightforward.
Posted by Jeremy at 12:42am on Monday January 17, 2022 :: 0 comments ::
Her Chef
Where? Her Chef (Koreatown, Toronto, Canada) Map Menu
When? Saturday October 16, 2021
Who? Me
Food Style? Home-Style Korean Fusion
Her Chef is one of my favourite restaurants in the entire city. It’s a small, cozy place near Bathurst and Bloor run by a Korean chef who started cooking for international students because they missed their mothers’ cooking. The signboard on the restaurant wall talks about how food is his love language, and he brings attention to the “Konglish” names on his menu. This restaurant offers truly some of the best Korean fusion comfort food you’ll find in Toronto. Do take some time to read the signboards, I find his story fascinating and heartwarming.
I’ve tried a lot of the items on the menu here, and I love the chicken mayo (chicken karaage with kewpie mayo), the pig bulgogi (pork with spicy gochujang sauce), the sogogi (sous vide sirloin steak with Kalbi sauce), the kingkatsu (pork tonkatsu) and the chicken croffle (chicken and waffles made with croissant batter!!). There’s no shortage of delicious food but today I’m ordering one of their more unique dishes.
Mains
Sun, Cloud, Rock and Snow (SCRS) Original: Sunny side up cloudy egg, beef + pork + zucchini + carrot + onion burger patty (rock), with Her Chef’s katsu sauce on top of rice (snow)
Called the SCRS, or Sun Cloud Rock Snow, this ingenious dish is a sunny side egg yolk (the sun), with a savoury fluffed egg white (cloud) on top of an onion burger patty (rock) and rice (snow). You can also order a version called the High Mountain Tauren because of the addition of beef bulgogi, and I absolutely love the Warcraft reference here.
The fluffy cloud meringue gives way to the molten egg yolk as it seeps into the rice below, adding that delicious richness to the meat. It’s hearty and rustic, and really does feel like my parents could have cooked this if they were Korean. It’s a well made dish with lots of flavour and interesting textures. It’s the perfect size for lunch before badminton; if you want something a bit more substantial, definitely throw in an appetiser or go for the chicken croffle.
Posted by Jeremy at 12:26am on Monday January 17, 2022 :: 0 comments ::
KL Kitchen
Where? KL Kitchen (Chinatown, Toronto, Canada) Map Menu
When? Thursday September 30, 2021
Who? Me
Food Style? Indo-Malay
It’s been a long time since I got to sit in a restaurant by myself and enjoy writing about food. 18 months of sadness much of which was spent in lockdown really took its toll on my food blog (and my mental health) but with the vaccine rollout largely a success in Ontario, we can finally enjoy dine in again.
I’m in Chinatown to try out an Indo-Malay restaurant called KL Kitchen. There’s a variety of Indonesian, Malay and Thai food available, as well as a Malaysian snack shelf full of delectables like keropok, instant noodles, durian biscuits and Penang white coffee. Most notably missing from the menu is Nasi Lemak, the national dish of Malaysia, but since I’m pretty good at making it myself, I’m not too fussed about its absence. Instead, I’ve ordered something that is difficult to make at home: CKT
Mains
Char Kuay Teow
Char kuay teow is delicious flat rice noodles, bean sprouts, onion, chives, eggs and meat (in my case, beef, but often chicken, Chinese sausage or seafood), fried together in a hot wok to impart that famous and absolutely important smokiness - wok hei. Here, they’ve hit all the notes correctly. It doesn’t sing of my favourite CKT from Penang’s auntie with the red hat, but it is very good and something I would order again.
I think it’s missing a bit of seasoning so I ask for a bit of sambal on the side. The waiter is surprised I know what sambal is and asks me if I’m Malaysian; I smugly grin and explain that I was born there but grew up in NZ. He gives me a knowing nod and fetches the sambal. It hits the spot.
Posted by Jeremy at 12:20am on Monday January 17, 2022 :: 0 comments ::
Rustle and Still
Where? Rustle and Still (Koreatown, Toronto, Canada) Map Menu
When? Saturday January 11, 2020
Who? Me
Food Style? Modern Vietnamese Cafe
It’s a rather wintery day and the ground is icy and slippery. I usually walk to badminton on Sundays, grabbing something quick on the way, but today I don’t want to risk injury so I’ve taken the TTC instead to Bathurst Station. Rustle and Still is a relatively new, trendy cafe with a warm, welcoming interior and lots of plants. It’s bustling with millennials here to enjoy some Vietnamese coffee while Instagramming or Snapchatting their banh mis.
The traditional Vietnamese banh mi showcases some of the French influence on the region - the most obvious being the baguette and the pâté. It can be filled with a variety of ingredients and today I’ve chosen a mixture of pork and chicken with lemongrass, an important herb in Vietnamese cuisine.
Mains
Combination Banh Mi
The baguette is nice and crispy, slightly toasted and warm. The taste of mint is pronounced and goes well with the coriander and lemongrass, which is not as strong as I would like. There is a noticeable hit of chilli with the meat though, just the perfect level for me. The carrot and cucumber have a nice acidity from the pickling and it gives the sandwich a lovely freshness. All in all, a very solid banh mi, though a bit pricey for what it is.
Posted by Jeremy at 10:54pm on Sunday January 16, 2022 :: 0 comments ::
Matahari Grill
Where? Matahari Grill (Baldwin Village, Toronto, Canada) Map
When? Friday June 28, 2019
Who? Me
Food Style? Malaysian
It's a hot summer's day in Toronto and I've stupidly walked 12km around downtown in the pursuit of fictional monsters on my phone. I'm starving. Just to the east of Chinatown is Matahari Grill, a casual, quiet spot for Malaysian fare. The Malaysian council at work (all three of us) are interested in how good it is because there's a lack of good Malaysian flavours in the city, so I've volunteered to try it and will report back next week.
The staples are all here: Nasi lemak, char kuay teow, beef rendang, but I've chosen a nyonya favourite: curry chicken with potatoes. If it's good, I'll stay for dessert, otherwise I'll find some ice cream downtown.
Mains
Matahari curry chicken: nyonya-inspired curry chicken with potatoes
The curry smells appetising and has some great heat to it. I can detect the galangal and ginger, but I think it needs to be more lemak - it's missing the richness that nyonya cooking is so well known for. I do wish that they used the chicken thighs, breast meat dries out too quickly, and I wish there were more potatoes to soak up that delicious gravy. It doesn't transport me back home to my mother's kitchen but it's about halfway there.
I ended up coming back here, just to give them a second chance (because we really are that desperate for Malaysian food) and the second time was even more disappointing than the first, and I vowed to never come back. Not too difficult - a few months ago, we walked past looking for some ice cream and discovered that they had zap lap - closed down. Nothing of value was lost.
Posted by Jeremy at 6:20pm on Thursday January 2, 2020 :: 0 comments ::
Little Sister
Where? Little Sister (Midtown, Toronto, Canada) Map Menu
When? Friday May 24, 2019
Who? Me
Food Style? Indonesian Tapas
I'm a sucker for food that is anywhere in the vicinity of Malaysia, so Indonesian fare is on the menu for tonight. I'm at Little Sister, just south of Yonge and Eglinton, and it's a warm but wet day in May. The restaurant doubles as a bar with exotic cocktails and the bartender explains that the dishes are more tapas style. My heart sinks. These places are usually a waste of time and money but I'm hungry and can't be bothered finding somewhere else, so I've decided to duke it out.
Mains
Ayam Panggang: sweet chili grilled chicken, bean sprouts, green onion, cilantro
Well, it's succulent and fragrant - hints of chili, lemon grass and ginger, and probably some kecap manis. It's tasty, but for $14, it's small and unsatisfying. I'm debating getting more food but it really isn't worth it. However, a torrential downpour has started and the entire outdoor patio has evacuated indoors, and I might just wait out the rain for a bit...
Posted by Jeremy at 4:26pm on Thursday January 2, 2020 :: 0 comments ::
Little DaiLo: Singaporean Hawker Popup
Where? Little DaiLo (Downtown, Toronto, Canada)
When? Wednesday January 16, 2019
Who? Alfia, Chi and Colin
Food Style? Inauthentic Singaporean Hawker
DaiLo (literally "big brother", or in colloquial Cantonese, "big boss") is a restaurant near College and Bathurst. Chef Nick Liu combines Chinese fare with French-inspired cooking to produce elevated dim sum-style dishes to suit the western palate.
That was the first warning sign. I should have done my research before committing to this rather expensive popup event at the Assembly Chef's Hall. I have never been a fan of "Chinese fusion"; it is usually just an excuse to charge five times the price for little or no difference to the taste at all. However, I couldn't pass up an opportunity to get my hands on some Singaporean food, especially given the lack of good Malaysian in Toronto.
The second warning sign was after Chef Liu introduced himself and spoke a little about why he wanted to do a Singaporean hawker-style popup. He spent three weeks in Singapore and was introduced to the unique cuisine, and decided to take it home and share it with Toronto. Three weeks. That is not enough time to understand the complexity of Singaporean cuisine, and this became more and more evident as the night went on.
First Course
Nasi lemak with fried smelt, chicken wings and pork skewers
"Nasi" means rice. "Lemak" means rich, as in the richness of the coconut milk when it is added to rice. Together, this forms the national dish of Malaysia, Nasi lemak, which is traditionally served with a variety of sides, such as sambal, a boiled egg, ikan bilis (fried anchovies), curry chicken, roasted peanuts, cucumber and many more. Imagine my disgust when Chef Liu's interpretation had no rice whatsoever. You can't call a dish Nasi lemak and not serve rice. It is the fundamental ingredient in this dish. If he had called it literally anything else, it might have been okay - the flavours were fine, the wings were crispy, the sambal could have used a little bit more spice, the skewers had a nice coconut fragrance to it - but if there's no nasi in Nasi lemak, then it's not a Nasi lemak. It's like having spaghetti bolognese without the pasta, or escargot without the snail.
Second Course
Hainanese chicken rice
If Nasi lemak is Malaysia's national dish, then Hainanese chicken rice is Singapore's. Can Chef Liu insult two countries with one meal? The chicken is juicy and tender, but it's lacking flavour. It needs to be poached in chicken broth so that the saltiness of the liquid seeps into the meat; instead, this has been sous vide with aromatic spices like ginger, garlic, star anise and scallion. It's not bad, but it's definitely not authentic. The sauces are supposed to make this dish great, but instead I'm staring longingly at the chopped chili at the restaurant next door. Our wine pairing was a Gunderloch Riesling from Germany.
Third Course
Singaporean chili crab
Traditionally served in a massive bowl with tons of delicious sauce that is perfect for soaking up with some fried bread rolls, the chili crab is one of my favourite things about Singaporean cuisine, and the last time I had it was at the No Signboard Seafood Restaurant. This dish is probably the best looking and best tasting of the night. The salad is stunning, great acidity from the pomelo cutting through the salty rich crab sauce. The noodles help absorb the sauce and accentuate the crispiness of the crab batter. The crab is soft and tender, and tastes great, no doubt about it. It’s definitely one of those get-your-hands-dirty meal; if your table is too clean, you haven’t had fun.
Dessert
Banana coconut pancake with white rabbit candy ice cream and coconut caramel
A very sweet dessert to end the meal. Too sweet. I like the toasted coconut but the flavour balance was off. We were supposed to be served something else but there was a last minute change to the menu, and quite frankly, I'm glad the night was over.
All in all, this was an inauthentic experience. I would have been happy if he didn’t call it Singaporean. It was good food, but it fell far short of expectation, and for the price we paid, it was most definitely not worth it. It missed the mark and didn’t understand what makes Singaporean food Singaporean.
Posted by Jeremy at 5:22pm on Wednesday December 25, 2019 :: 0 comments ::
Ryu's Noodle Bar
Where? Ryu's Noodle Bar (Playter Estates, Toronto, Canada) Map Menu
When? Sunday September 30, 2018
Who? Me
Food Style? Japanese Ramen
This small, humble ramen bar skyrocketed to fame after being allowed to open a food stall in the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum in Yokohama, Japan. Only two foreign-owned stores are permitted in this location, which surely speaks volumes for the calibre of food here. It’s a stone’s throw from Broadview Station at the gateway to the Danforth, and in this cold blustery weather, there’s no better meal than a delicious bowl of hot soup with noodles and plenty of pork on the top. What makes this ramen different is that the broth is made with Ontario’s finest chicken, a departure from the traditional pork bone broth. Let’s see how this compares.
My eye is drawn to the Pork Blaster, which has a generous serving of eight slices of pork. Only 10 of these are available each day and there are two left. It’s a done deal!
Mains
Pork Blaster: 8 slices of pork chashu with a flavourful seasoned egg on top of bean sprouts
The bowl arrives and that wonderful full-bodied aroma of ramen soup fills the air around me. The pork is super soft and melts like butter in my mouth. The broth is rich and hearty, and instantly warms me up; it’s sweet and almost has a hint of corn flavour. My only criticism is that the egg is cold, but dunking it in the soup makes everything all good with the world again. At $20.50, this is definitely one of the more expensive ramens I’ve ever had, but I’m full from the immense amount of pork and that beautiful soup.
Posted by Jeremy at 4:15am on Wednesday December 25, 2019 :: 0 comments ::
Aztec's Mine
Where? Aztec's Mine (High Park, Toronto, Canada) Map Menu
When? Saturday September 29, 2018
Who? Me
Food Style? Mexican
Right by High Park is a small Mexican restaurant called Aztec’s Mine. It smells like meat and spices inside, and on a cold autumn day in Toronto, a bit of spice is just what I need. I hope they deliver.
I went for the enchiladas de mole. Mole is not a common sauce you find in New Zealand Mexican establishments; it might be too exotic, but this region of the world is known for their chocolate and it’s no wonder that they’ve made an enchilada sauce out of it.
Mains
Enchiladas de Mole: Corn tortillas with a shredded chicken filling, with a traditional chocolate-mole sauce
It smells interesting. There’s definitely that rich chocolate aroma but it tastes savoury and I’m not convinced it goes that well with the chicken, cheese and onions on the plate. A few more tries and I’m more accustomed to the flavour combination, but I’m not completely sold. I think I prefer the enchiladas rojas or verde. However, the hot sauce packs a punch and sends me straight for my glass of water. Nice!
Posted by Jeremy at 3:33am on Wednesday December 25, 2019 :: 0 comments ::
Sansotei
Where? Sansotei (Downtown, Toronto, Canada) Map Menu
When? Friday September 21, 2018
Who? Me
Food Style? Japanese Ramen
Toronto's favourite ramen place right in the heart of the city is always busy and it’s common to see lines outside this small cosy restaurant near Dundas and University. As summer has officially ended and I have to put a hoodie on when I go outside, it’s finally acceptable to have hot soup and noodles for dinner.
Mains
Shoyu Ramen with egg, bamboo shoot and green onion
I’ve gone for the Shoyu ramen with extra chashu, or pork belly. The broth is rich and meaty, full of umami flavour. It hits the spot on this mild spring day. You can even taste some of the smokiness from the beautifully charred pork. The bamboo adds a nice crunchiness, contrasting with the creamy egg, whose yolk is barely solid - a perfect texture.
That was excellent. Don't forget that it's acceptable, even encouraged, to slurp your noodles!
Posted by Jeremy at 3:07pm on Tuesday December 24, 2019 :: 0 comments ::
Agio
Where? Agio (Corso Italia, Toronto, Canada) Map
When? Monday July 16, 2018
Who? Me
Food Style? Italian
A small unassuming restaurant at the corner of St Clair and Lansdowne, Agio is a classic Italian restaurant run by a masterful Korean chef, which doesn’t exactly scream authenticity, but I’ve been recommended this place by a friend so I’m giving it a go. I feel like these kinds of restaurants are a dying breed, losing to the corporate franchises that are popping up all over the place. Nothing beats well made, home cooked food, especially for cuisines like Italian.
I don’t have much time, so I’ve only ordered the bistecca alla griglia - beef steak medallions with vegetables. This is Corso Italia and I’m keen to get some gelato next door before heading home.
Amuse Bouche
The chef surprises me with an amuse bouche of grilled zucchini with butternut squash and balsamic reduction. I think it needs a touch of salt but the squash is sweet and pairs well with the balsamic. I can’t say this transported me back to Italy, but I’m hungry and it’s pretty nice.
Secondo Piatto
Bistecca Alla Griglia
The steak arrives in a large plate and it smells wonderfully smokey. Everything is well seasoned and tasty, and the steak is juicy and tender. There’s lots of garlic and Italian herbs and those flavours really come through. I think the vegetables could use a bit more cooking but otherwise this hits the spot.
Overall, not bad, not mind blowing or a truly authentic experience, but it does the job.
Posted by Jeremy at 3:28am on Tuesday December 24, 2019 :: 0 comments ::