The Hakka people have their own distinct culinary style.  It’s not just about the flavors; it’s about texture. The whole thing is an exercise in contrasts, and the food seems to exist in a state of paradox: It’s spicy, but comforting. It’s simple, yet deeply complex.

The Toronto scene, ever the culinary mash-up, has made this hybrid style its own.  And if you’re talking about the best spot for Indian-Chinese fusion in The 6ix, Chung Moi is probably on your list… even if you haven’t realized it yet.

Located in an old-school strip plaza in Ionview, Chung Moi has been serving up the goods for over 20 years. The décor feels like it’s stuck in a time-warp in a way that’s oddly comforting. It’s as if they didn’t want to change anything because it just works, and because “changing things” seems overrated anyway. It’s exactly the kind of place where you can’t help but imagine the owners are probably more interested in cooking than talking about cooking.

The name Chung Moi is literally the owners’ names. You know, “mom and pop.”  And they’re making some of the most memorable food you can get during #wednesdaysinscarborough… or any day for that matter.

If you haven’t had their Special Hot and Sour Soup, then you’re missing out on something that’s really something.

Best in Toronto.  Hands down!  So good, in fact, that it adorns our desktop wallpaper… reminding us that it’s always time for lunch.

The broth starts sweet… just sweet enough to be like “okay, I can get behind this.”  Then it flips you upside-down with this sourness that’s almost comically aggressive.  And just as you’re thinking you’re safe, it hits you with a spicy punch that makes you search for your beverage.  It’s kind of like emotional whiplash in soup form.

Then there’s the Sung Ko Chicken.  It’s a cacophony of wood ear mushrooms, tofu, snow peas, and some kind of soy-chili concoction that hits that perfect balance of “I don’t really understand how this works, but it does.” It’s not amazing in a traditional sense… it’s more like finding an old mixtape and realizing it’s exactly what you needed to hear in the moment.

But the Dry Chilli Fish?  That’s a sleeper hit.  I mean, the fish is cool and all… but those veggies? They’re like the weird supporting characters in a TV show you didn’t expect to be memorable, but somehow, they steal the entire season.  It’s a gigantic portion, which, in this context, is a good thing because you’re probably going to want more of it.

Speaking of supporting characters… our kiddos love the Chicken and Broccoli, as their palettes can’t yet take the heat.  This bodes well when we raid the fridge for a midnight snack.  Lots of leftovers.

The vibe here is straightforward.  It’s clean, the staff is friendly, and you’ll leave with a food coma that makes you rethink all your life choices (in the best possible way).  The portions are massive, so you’re definitely getting your money’s worth.

 Whether you’re taking it home or sitting down to dine, Chung Moi is a spot that stays true to what it does.  Just don’t go in expecting anything flashy… because the thing that’s most flashy about it is how deceptively simple it all seems.  And that’s why Chung & Moi have been so successful for two decades (and counting)!