647 476 3833  |   $9 Bowls + Extras

It’s noon, your office is freezing, you have a ton of noodle options around, but you want THE bowl of noodles. You turn to a coworker, your go-to-foodie, looking for a nugget of wisdom. She tells you, “if it’s ramen you crave, Sansotei’s the place”. Jovial with this surefire recommendation, you race to the elevator, bust out the doors of your building, and make a beeline to 179 Dundas West.

Your problem? You’re already too late. There’s a huge line, it doesn’t move particularly fast, and you’re going to freeze your ass off outside.

Moral of the story: you can’t just show up here. I know you’ve heard it’s awesome, but so has everyone else, so plan ahead, leave early, and you too can enjoy a bowl of warm goodness.

Food

OK, enough with the narrative, let’s talk food. The menu is very focused on a few key variations of ramen. Wikipedia has a great description of all four: shio (salty), shoya (soy sauce), miso, and tonkotsu (pork bone). With each one of these you can add some extra egg, pork belly, veggies if you want to pack your soup with even more goodies. In addition to ramen, Sansotei also offers some sides like seaweed salad, gyoza, and a couple rice dishes.

I’m a big fan of seaweed salads, so we started with the one above. It should be exactly what you’re looking for: fresh, clean, and a tiny bit chewy for texture.

While Sansotei is known for the Tonkotsu ramen more than any other, I figured I might as well order another kind just for variety. Enter Miso (above).

Miso ramen originated in Hokkaido, Japan (see Bourdain video above for more) and has the familiar taste you’ve come to love, just amped up and combined with complimentary flavours like pork, green onion and corn (generally not found in other ramens). I was a big fan of the bowl myself: noodles had great chewy texture, the broth perfectly salty, and the portion was satisfying. 

I’m no ramen connoisseur, but I very much enjoyed these.

For the hell of it, I also ordered gyoza, and found them to be steaming hot inside their thin crispy noodle exterior and full of pork flavour.

Service and Ambience

Once you step inside the restaurant space, you realize why there’s a line outside: it’s tiny; my best guess is around 20-25 seats max. While a hole in the wall, the interior’s very unique with an intricate rock wall lit from above and a giant rope that looks to have once been used to secure large ships to shore.

From a service perspective, the first thing to know is that you’ll be given a number when standing in line. Servers will pop out from the restaurant and call you in from the cold when it’s your turn for soup. 

Once inside, best to ask your server to help you understand what comes in each ramen, as the menu isn’t very detailed in that regard. Your server may not have an awesome command of the English language, but she’ll do her best with a smile on her face, and you’ll eventually be able to make an informed choice.

The Reco?

I waited in line for about 15 minutes, and thought the meal definitely justified it. The purpose for your visit is straightforward, the menu is good value, and if you’re informed enough to arrive early, I’m certain you’ll have a pleasurable experience. Enjoy!

Other Reviews? 
 Where Jess Ate   |      blogTO

 Posted by: Jacob, Visited Nov 1, 2012

416 979 6763   |   $2-$12 dishes

I eat in the The Village by the Grange at Dundas and McCaul pretty frequently. If you’ve never been, the food court inside this ‘mall’ is full of independent vendors serving mostly ethnic-specific foods and very few chains. What I learned recently is that there’s actually a sit-down Japanese restaurant inside called Manpuku that’s supposed be pretty tasty. So in I went. Here’s a mini-review.

Food

The menu here is separated into noodle dishes, rice dishes and specials. There’s also a separate ‘assorted menu’ for some reason. Not really sure why it’s not part of the main menu…guess they don’t fit nicely into a category? I don’t know.

Since it was lunch and cold, most of us had bowls of udon noodle soup. The niku soup (above) with a good portion of tender sliced beef is tasty and a good deal at $5.99 given the big bowl. The kake udon is an even better deal at $3.99 coming with fishcakes and diced scallops in a slightly smaller bowl. Both good noodle soups.

I ordered the negitama gyudon, a rice dish topped with sliced beef, lots of green onion and an almost barely cooked egg. I was expecting a taste closer to bibimbap but for some reason, the beef seasoning kept bringing me back to shepherd’s pie. It was warm, hearty, and filling. Win.

I also started with some Ohitashi (cold spinach in a light dressing with bonito flakes). It was pretty bitter, chilled, and the bonito flakes added that fishy flavour. I’d classify this as an acquired taste, meaning I didn’t really like it.

We ended with what everyone says to try: Takosen. Apparently this is a popular Japanese street food, whereby Takoyaki balls (octopus dumplings) are squished between two crackers with mayo and a sweet sauce. Texturally, it’s pretty interesting and squishing the dumpling is just plain fun. You also get three of these for $3!

Service and Ambience

When you walk in, it looks kind of like a diner, with a big bar and the kitchen right behind it. Seating is also pretty limited, so get here a bit early during lunch hour. 

One of the great things about our brief drop-in was the service. Our server was really pleasant and attentive throughout and she helped accommodate the four of us during the busy lunch hour despite needing to move around some tables. Much appreciated.

The Reco?

There are two main reasons to drop in here: good value and unique dishes. The menu presents a few choices that appear to be quite authentic and difficult to come by, and you can try a bunch of them on a budget. Enjoy.

Other reviews:
 Where Jess Ate   |    Amy’s Food Adventures

 Posted by: Jacob, Visited Apr 27, 2012

416 977 0056   |    $4.50 empanadas, $8.50 corn pie

I had never heard of this spot in Kensington Market until today…probably because I’ve yet to really wander around here until today (shameful, I know). If you’re looking for a frame of reference, it’s across from Agave y Aguacate supposing you know where that is. We almost went there until a friend of mine suggested Jumbo Empanadas. Why not? Here’s a mini-review.

Photo credit: blogTO

Food

There’s only a few things on the menu: three empanadas (beef chicken, and vegetable), humitas, chilean salad, and corn pie. Of course we all went with empanadas and one lucky soul with the corn pie.

First the golden brown empanadas with salsa. Each one is about the size of small paperback book, stuffed with your choice of beef, chicken or vegetables.

The interesting part starts when you put your fork through the shell (above). The fun surprises were large olives, raisins, and hard-boiled eggs. None were particular sharp in flavour which helped everything meld in with the taste of the spiced beef. Couldn’t tell you what the spices are, but I can tell you it’s pleasant.

While the empanadas are in the restaurant name, the star is the corn pie (above). Sometimes you forget just how appealing sweet corn is - thankfully this dish brought back a rush of wonderful memories. Kind of looks like a small sweet potato pie, but it’s pretty deep and lined on the bottom with beef, chicken, and a lot of the same fillings you find in the empanadas. The meats are all stew-tender, and THE COOOORN is delicious. I will be back to eat this whole thing. Mark my words.

Also, go across the street and grab some chocolate filled churros (4 for $5). Actually some of the better churros I’ve had in a while.

Service and Ambience

From what I can tell all the food prep and service is run by two people and it gets pretty busy during lunch. Kudos to banging all this great stuff out to hungry diners.

It’s too bad the patio wasn’t yet open, but given that the market doesn’t really have that much outdoor seating, I’m sure this is a hit once it get’s hot out. 

The Reco?

If you work remotely close, go for a walk into the market and see what you’re in the mood for. There are some great options (especially across the street), but I’d recommend stepping into Jumbo Empanadas, especially for the corn pie. I think I’ve said enough.

Other reviews:
  blogTO   

 Posted by: Jacob, Visited Apr 16, 2012

info@banhmiboys.com   |    $5 - $8 sandwiches

I’d be surprised if you haven’t heard someone mention Banh Mi Boys over the last month or so. It opened in December 2011, but has been closed for the past couple months for renovations. Post-reopening, lines have characterized the lunch hour here at Spadina and Queen West as people hustle to get their hands on some long-awaited banh mi. 

Food

The menu is composed of ten banh mi (BM) sandwiches, five tacos and five steamed baos (SB). Popular fillings include pork belly (BM/SB), squid (BM/taco), beef cheek(BM/SB) and duck confit (BM only). There’s also kimchi covered fries and and a yummy jicama papaya slaw offered as sides.

As a big fan of baos and banh mi, I decided I’d have one of each. I started with the five spice pork belly bao (above for $3.49). The belly was tender, maybe not quite as fatty as you might expect and the spice didn’t really stand out; nice pickled veggies and a room-temp steamed bun completed the snack. I wouldn’t rave, but I just love open-face baos so much that I’d easily eat this again.

Next I ordered the kalbi beef banh mi ($5.99, zoomed in above). The beef and accompanying sweet sauce had some decent flavour and a bit of a tang. The baguette wasn’t too thick, fluffy soft, and crusty on the outside - all good things. It’s also a nice size overall and would satisfy many people for lunch. 

I’d heard great things about the duck confit ($7.49, picture above), so I recommended it to my vietnamese friend who came along. She claimed it was banh mi ‘done right’. I had a bite too. Sometimes duck confit doesn’t really taste like duck and is kind of dry, but this was both moist and supremely duck-y. The onion chutney added some sweetness to contrast the pickled veggies and bunches of cilantro (in all BMs offered on the menu). 

I didn’t have the kimchi fries, but I’ve heard rave reviews from people I trust so I’d recommend it for sure.

Another side note: apparently banh mi often has pâté in it. I didn’t know this before my friend told me, but I hope that shows up on the menu at some point as an add-on. I’d take them up on it in a second.

Service and Ambience

The redesign has made the restaurant ‘nicer’, but with limited seating and lots of take out orders, it’s not a highlight. I think the real reason this place is popular is the unique concept, good execution and value. The prices are very competitive with a lot of take out options in the area and the food is clearly better quality.

One thing I’ll comment on service-wise is the speed. We showed up 11:45am on a Wednesday and ended up waiting about 20 minutes from lining up through to receiving food. Around 12:15pm, people just saw the line and left because they knew they’d be there forever. It’s worth the wait if you beat most people to the line, but I’m not so sure it’s worth 30+ mins unless you’re REALLY craving it.

The Reco?

As I said, the unique concept and value make this place a success. It’s niche food done pretty well, and there are enough options to keep you coming back without getting bored. It’s like if your favourite shawarma place had 20 legitimately interesting options. You’d go back too. 

Other reviews:
  NOW Toronto    |      blogTO 

 Posted by: Jacob, Visited Apr 4, 2012

416-366-3600    |    $8.49 -$16.99 Mains

I’ve heard a lot of good things about Paramount in the past couple months and hadn’t stopped in until a friend brought me there for lunch today. I’ll say that I didn’t hear anything specific about it, just that it was good. Some things were great, but I admit I’m a bit disappointed.

Video credit: Paramount Website

Food

Assuming you watched video above, your mouth is probably watering. It looks tasty. The menu features a lot of items you’ll recognize, and a few you may not unless you’re familiar with middle eastern cuisine.

We opted to start with falafel (the balls, not the sandwich/wrap) and kebbeh, a bulgar football shaped shell with chopped beef and pine nuts. I’ll say before I comment on these that there are variations on the above and everyone doesn’t make them the same as most cuisines go. I’ve linked them to wikipedia pages in case you’re more interested.

I thought the falafel was well done, fairly large, and had a richness to the inside. I usually like mine with a bit more herb flavour or spice, so it fell a little flat. The kebbeh to me had little to no taste, which I wasn’t happy with. Having had kebbeh made by family, this didn’t compare at all.

Then we tried the hummus and pitas (above). Good redemption here I’d say. The pitas come out freshly made in balloon shapes that you poke to let the steam out. The hummus is also very well done, extra fresh, and quite smooth. 

The main we shared was a mixed grill plate with two skewers of beef kafta, one chicken, and one beef striploin. The kafta was the only good thing on the plate, flavourful, well-seasoned, and tender. Chicken was bland, as was striploin (not to mention is was a bit chewy).

I’ll say that the trays of Lebanese sweets behind us looked really good, but you’ll have to ask someone else or try them for yourself.

Service and Ambience

Nothing to really report as far as service goes. Our server was nice, food came out pretty quickly. That’s about it.

The place is halfway between a food emporium and a restaurant. There’s sitting areas where they’ll take your order, but you can also walk about and grab something to go. The building itself is warm and reasonably well-decorated, and has a buzz about it that you somehow appreciate.

The Reco?

I would come back here to grab some hummus/pita and to try the desserts. However, I must say I wasn’t satisfied with a lot of what I tasted and was hoping for more flavourful dishes that are typical of well-executed Lebanese food. 

Other reviews:
 blogTO |     Eat Drink and Be Mary

 Posted by: Jacob, Visited Dec 5, 2011

647-435-8365    |    $7.99 -$10.99 Soups and Wraps

Been giving a lot of three-star ratings recently, which is a credit to a lot of the food in this city. Who knew an awesome soup and wrap place was literally beside Khao San Road? It doesn’t have a ton of curb appeal as you’re walking by, but you’re missing out if you’ve never walked in. Wasn’t going to review it at first, but then realized it was necessary.

Photo credit: MellyMadeIt.com

Food

The menu has essentially 10 things on it, which is all you’re going to want when deciding. They all sound quite good at first glance, and since you’ve got to order at the door, it’s a good size. The menu has two sections, six soups, four wraps and some specials too. 

After scanning the soup list and wrap list, it was clear I was getting a combo for $10.99 - such a deal. I went for the corn chowder with blue crab and basil coupled with the roasted pork shoulder wrap packed with baby spinach, slaw, edamame, and a nice tamarind ketchup (below).

Photo credit: Casey Cunningham, blogTO

The soup was very balanced, which is what I always look for in soup. Basil flavour compliments the starchy corn and the blue crab adds texture + a nice seafood flavour to the bowl. The grilled wrap was a surprise with flavourful pieces of spiced pork (not ultra-tender, but good) and a lot of vegetable content. This place is more than soups for sure.

Everyone else around the table also enjoyed their pairings. We sampled the porcini wild rice bisque and both the oven-roasted chicken and curried beef wraps. Those are also great choices if they tickle your fancy.

Service and Ambience

The whole process is in a fast-food style, and there isn’t a big space for ordering at the start, so at lunch it gets packed with folks trying to get their order to one person at the cash. That said, it goes pretty quickly and they’ll bring your order to you in the seating area, which is helpful to clear out traffic from the front.

Photo credit: Casey Cunningham, blogTO

In the winter - when soup is king - the patio is closed, but it looks great in pictures so I’m definitely coming back in the summer (and a few times more before in anticipation). On a completely unrelated note, everything that comes out of the kitchen sits on lazy susans, which is just plain cool. All weren’t exactly balanced so your food may move on it’s own. 

The Reco?

I usually don’t love ‘soup places’ but this one works. I’d eat everything on the menu, it’s elevated comfort food, and it’s really good value. I’ll be coming back frequently for lunch and would recommend you do the same. Enjoy.

Other reviews:
 blogTO |     Foodhogger   |  NOW Magazine

 Posted by: Jacob, Visited Dec 2, 2011

647-352-5773    |    $12-16 entrees

I think this an argument (like best pizza in Toronto) that no one really agrees on. I quite enjoyed Salad King, but I’ve been told to come here on more than one occasion. Even the website header proclaims its “the best thai food” in the city. Let’s say I wouldn’t bet against it.

Food

The menu is surprisingly concise, offering a handful of choices in starters, curries, noodles, and specials. My one complaint about mediocre Thai food is I find too many dishes occupy the same flavour profile, which makes a small menu a little risky. Thankfully, this was far from mediocre.

I tasted a lot so I’ll try to be concise.

We started with the summer rolls with chicken sausage and the squash fritters in red curry paste, shrimp paste and lemongrass. First, the garlicky chicken elevated the usual raw vegetable blandness a bit, but I think the rolls could have used even more of that garlic flavour. I have no complaints about the fritters…because they are addictive. The squash is flavourful, perfectly fried. The breading adds a little depth to the squash and you end up wondering if you should get a second order when you’ve cleaned the plate of all the little crispy bits (the answer is yes by the way).

We sampled four mains. Here they are from OK to woah:

- Pad Thai: Should the most well-known be the measuring stick? I don’t think so. We found it to be a little one-note, a tangy-sweetness was the only thing we really got out of this. Good, but not best.

- Gaeng Kaew Wan or Green Curry w/chicken: We ordered this pretty spicy and it delivered. Much brighter flavour than the other orders and very pointed heat that doesn’t creep up on you at all. It was more soupy than others I’ve had, which was good for putting it over rice, got right in there.

- Gaeng Massaman w/chicken: This curry had such a wonderful combination of deep roasted peanut and stewed onion flavour. I haven’t had anything like that before in a curry. I wouldn’t say its like peanut sauce though, it’s heartier than that. In any case, rounded out with tender potatoes and tamarind sauce, this was a winner.

- Khao Soi (above, after a bunch of bites): This is one of those woah-inducing first bites. You feel a responsibility to let everyone know it’s delicious. Rich, spicey coconut enriched curry sauce, tasty egg noodles and melt in your mouth braised beef made this a favourite around the table. I think it could have used a lighter hand with the sauce though as the noodles swim in it once you get halfway through the dish and the richness gets to be a bit much.

Also had their chai nom yen, a traditional iced tea with condensed milk, crushed ice and Thai spices. If you’ve ever had horchata in Spain (a cold drink made with nuts, with a milky, slightly sweet taste), it’s reminiscent of it, but with chai flavour instead of the nuttiness. Liked it.

Service and Ambience

We were here on halloween so the place was decorated as such with servers in full costume. I’m not sure what our server was, but it didn’t matter. Checked back frequently, offered recommendations, easy going, and a nice guy. I liked the decor, was down to earth, little rustic, but tweaked with more modern touches. I thought the place would seat more people but it’s small. Explains the lines I’ve heard about.

Now if you want to avoid lines, you can always call for takeout which also seems popular; there was a pretty steady stream of pick-up orders running through the restaurant all night.

The Reco?

On the merit of great food I ate, I’d tell you to go here soon. I’m certain the rest of the menu holds more treasures, and it offers some serious value. Is it the best Thai in TO to me? So far.

Other reviews:
National Post|   Globe and Mail    |    dine.TO

 Posted by: Jacob, Visited Oct 31st, 2011

416-205-9836   |    $11.95 Lunch, $8-18 Entrees

Been here once for dinner, dropped in for popular lunch buffet. It’s popular for a reason.

Food

The buffet selection from memory:
- spinach and chicken pakora (not a ton of flavour here)
- tandoori chicken (great depth, moist chicken)
- shrimp and chicken curry (just wow)
- beef karahi gosht (favourite, layers of ginger and spices were great)
- palak paneer, aloo gobhi (enjoyed both vegetable dishes)
- butter chicken (little sweet for me, less complex and a little drier than the other chicken preparations)
- pulao and zeera rice
- naan
- a few ice cream flavours

I’m missing a couple tasty vegetable dishes, but that’s the gist of the selection. For lunch, the buffet is your only option, so if you’ve got a special item that isn’t featured, say lamb, you’re out of luck.

That said, it’s $11.95! Amazing value.

Service and Ambience

We weren’t really ‘served’ since it was a buffet, but the water and dish clearing was quick and efficient even at peak lunch hour. The cheque was also delivered quickly upon request. Its clear they can definitely turn tables here, which makes it ideal for a quick (and hearty) lunch.

Ambience isn’t anything special, but it’s clean and looks nice enough. Be honest, you’re not there for the decor.

The Reco?

Really like this place and will continue to point people here for lunch. Most of the food is very well-executed and you’d be hard-pressed to find better for the price.

Other reviews:
Little India’s Little Collection of Raves

Posted by: Jacob, Visited Oct 6, 2011

(this review is from memory, I didn’t just eat here)



416-593-0333   |   $3.25 - $10 / dish

A friend of introduced me to Salad King this summer and now I’m officially an advocate. See below for the review.

Food

I’ll just start by saying this place is phenomenal value. In my two times eating here, not a single dish has been disappointing, and I’ve never paid more than $10 for any of them. The menu is large, but definitely not overwhelming. I usually order a few plates and share them with the table.

A quick note on spice level: they give you the option of selecting how spicy you want most dishes (those marked with chilis on the menu). Both times I went, the 1 chili and 3 chili levels were best. Sufficiently spicy but you can still taste your meal. If you’re an animal, go for more, if you don’t like spice, just stick with the dish as is.

The best things I’ve eaten there are the curries, my favourite being the Golden Curry. Pick any of chicken, beef, or shrimp and enjoy a decently sized portion of this stuff over some rice. Beautiful depth of flavour: sweet notes, the tartness of tamarind comes through, and your protein is definitely going to be tender.

Other favourite of mine is Sea Queen (breaded squid with thyme and chili, honey and lime juice sauce). Squid isn’t rubbery and the combination of spices and ingredients is satisfying and fresh.

Also enjoyed the Satays and Siam Noodles. I’d feel safe in my selection of anything on this menu.

Service and Ambience

Despite the fact that the place is usually packed, I’d say there are enough servers to get your food to you quickly. The water refills are timely and the staff is very friendly and accommodating.

The space itself is beautiful. Very modern and fun. Most of the space is taken up by long metal tables that you share with others, but there are also some private tables that face out onto Yonge if you’re lucky enough to snag one.

Cozy seating, but it works with the hustle and bustle of the place.

The Reco?

The title pretty much says it all. This is one of the highest reviews I’ve given out thus far for the simple reasons that my food tasted great, the service was fast and friendly, and the prices are almost too low. It’s not a fine dining experience with molecular gastronomy or high-priced ingredients, but it’s a damn good Thai restaurant that offers unparalleled value.

Other reviews:
Toronto Life     |      TO Bites

Posted by: Jacob, Visited twice Summer 2011

416-423-7555   |   $10-17 Entress, $7-10 Margaritas

Been here two times before, decided to walk over for a lunch out of the office.

Food

Your first question should be, “how are the margaritas?”. Answer: great. I had Pamelita’s Pick of the Day (mixed berry and chiles today) and it tasted like a berry smoothie with a hint of chile that lingers in your throat. Friend of mine had The Original and also endorsed it. Not super expensive either with the value in the 14 oz cup with 2oz of tequila ($10.95).

The sangria pitcher we ordered was decent, not overly sweet, but a lot of ice diluted the flavor a bit.

The menu is straightforward Mexican cuisine and well priced. Tacos, quesadillas, burritos, enchiladas, and some traditional dishes like chiles rellenos.

We shared Totopo (nachos with the usual fixings). Lots of goat cheese on top which added richness but the excess liquid from the tomato on the bottom of the plate turned most of the surrounding chips to mush.

I ordered mole on chicken enchiladas for my main. It’s rich with a prominent chocolate taste, not much heat or other distinct flavor, but I still enjoyed it. Sides were bland rice and salad.

Friends around me ordered quesadillas and fajitas and didn’t have much to say about them. The fish of the day was tilapia and came battered (surprise to us, waiter didn’t let us know).

Quick notes on what I’ve had there before: chicken con pollo (again mole was chocolaty good, sides were basic), guac (fresh, served in stone mortar for effect), tortilla chips (look like they’re made in-house, enjoyed them).

Service and Ambience

Took at least 30 minutes for mains to come to the four of us which was too long given the number of the patrons in the place. Our plates weren’t cleared very frequently so we used the table beside us as an unloading dock. Lots of wasps out on the patio appreciated it.

Patio itself is quaint but nice. Theres another on the roof of the place as well that gets busy when the after work crowd descends on Baldwin St.

The Reco?

If you’re in the area and want to grab drinks and snacks on the patio it’s definitely a good spot. It can probably satisfy a craving for Mexican food, but don’t expect a ton variety, any real depth of flavour, or stellar service.

Other reviews:
Toronto Life     |      BlogTO

Posted by: Jacob, Visited September 22, 2011