In Yemen, lunch is considered the most important meal of the day. The Toronto Food Blog has enjoyed a few Yemeni lunches recently at the newly-opened Camel Restaurant (675 Danforth Ave). “About as authentic a dining experience as you’ll find outside of Sana’a,” I’m told by a table full of students eating beside me, as…
Chakula Hut ~ 1871 O’Connor Dr ~ (416) 752-2786
Chakula Hut is an East African mom & pop in the Bermondsey neighbourhood that serves the traditional dishes of Uganda & Tanzania. Chakula means food in Swahili, and I chat with the friendly owner, Muni, as she prepares my lunch. Full of Indian influence, the first dish out of her Ismaili kitchen is a wonderfully…
Chamsine ~ 235 Queen St E ~ (416) 782-0870
Chamsine (235 Queen St E) is a newly-opened Syrian restaurant that brings a culinary respite to one of downtown’s toughest corners. The name of their game is elevated Middle Eastern. The menu is simple and certified Halal. Choose Falafel, Shawarma, Kofta, or Shish Tawook. Your choice comes in a sandwich, atop multiple salads, or as…
Chelsea’s ~ 1027 Pape Avenue ~ (647) 346-3588
The Toronto Food Blog has been on a bit of a Filipino food kick lately. The flavors, marinades and variety of vegetables… I’m lucky to have a really good local spot in downtown East York. Chelsea’s is a Tintinpiye in #papevillage (1027 Pape Ave), with a co-location in St. James Town. Ten bucks gets you…
Simon’s Wok ~ 797 Gerrard St E ~ (416) 778-9836
Simon’s Wok Vegetarian Kitchen is a popular Riverdale hole-in-the-wall that does veggies really, really well. With over 100 items on their menu, Simon can whip-up just about anything you’d find on a typical Chinese food menu. He’s got a knack for texture, using an array of vegetarian ingredients in such a way that you often forget…
Tinuno ~ 31 Howard St ~ (647) 343-9294
In the Philippines, Kamayan means to eat with one’s hands. A military tradition, the mom & pop at Tinuno are bringing the Boodle Fight to a small patio in St. James Town. Come hungry and ready to roll up your sleeves… Banana leaves are used as a place mat and get covered with a layer…
Summer Pop-Up Edition ~ Art of BBQ ~ 320 Queen St E
Happy Canada Day!!! Was walking through Moss Park on my lunch-hour recently. Just west of Parliament, on the north side of Queen, came a across a flurry of homemade signs pointing me to Art of BBQ, a new summer pop-up at the back of an empty lot. I was equally hungry and intrigued. Spoiler alert……
Animal Liberation Kitchen ~ 717 1/2 Queen St E ~ (647) 232-9790
Animal Liberation Kitchen is the newest addition to the Riverside lunch scene. Tanja Spasic and her family have spent years operating as caterers while also selling their plant-based snacks at food festivals, events and farmer’s markets. Their new bricks & mortar spot at Queen & Broadview proves that vegan eats can also be cheap eats…..
Latin World ~ 1229 Bloor St W ~ (416) 603-3311
The Toronto Food Blog has a real soft spot for the west-end neighbourhood of Bloordale Village. My wife and I lived on Lansdowne Avenue back in the day and thoroughly enjoyed all the diversity. One of the ‘hood’s best-kept secrets is Latin World. Half restaurant, half bodega, the name of the game here is cheap-eats. …
Loga’s Corner ~ 216 Close Ave ~ (647) 761-0965
Loga’s Corner is a popular Parkdale Tibetan restaurant & take-away. They draw large crowds, thanks to delicious food and reasonable prices. One of the best finds for cheap eats in the city, their menu is very simple yet kinda complicated. I spent some time chatting with Loga himself during my last visit. He shared with…
Hakka Chopsticks ~ 2940 Danforth Ave ~ (647) 352-4888
Hidden away at the very east end of Danforth, Hakka Chopsticks is a Mom & Pop that does great Chinese food with a distinctly Indian flare. Their menu is extensive, cheap and cheerful. It’s also Halal. Help yourself to hot & sour soup while you wait for your pick-up orders, and be sure to try…
Delina ~ 1891 Queen St E ~ (647) 348-2009
Delina Restaurant is a hidden gem at the west end of the Beach. Owned and operated by a mother & daughter duo, their smorgasbord is full of Mediterranean & Middle-Eastern classics with a distinctly East-African twist. I love hitting-up Delina for lunch, in large part due to the salad bar. Tabule, Coleslaw, Beets, Corn, Lentils,…
