House of Soon Tofu (Toronto)

Once upon a time, I ended up at a place which looked like Korea, felt like Korea and even tasted of Korea. But it was not Korea. Time and time again, I marvel at how the country can contain so many ethnic communities- Greektown, Koreatown, Little Italy, Chinatown etc. There were rows and rows of shops selling Korean stuff and a rather large Korean supermarket.

I went to House of Soon Tofu because reviews stated that it was cheap and delicious. Apparently, there's some kind of rivalry with Buk Chang Dong tofu somewhere nearby.

I went rather early, so there were still plenty of seats. By the time I left, the place was FULL of old korean ladies, catching up on their daily gossip. My indicator of whether a place serves true authentic food is whether people of the nationality go there for the food. If I were in any country and was served substandard Singaporean food, I'd rather not go.

So you get served with dishes of appetiser first. I love kimchi because of the sour taste. The tofu was a little too salty for me, but everything added up to be very appetising, all the gastric juices start to flow!

So here's the highlight of the show. The renowned tofu soup, served with a stone bowl of rice. I actually can't remember the taste now and therefore shall not cook up some review just to hoodwink people. But one thing I do remember, is that after eating it, I felt so warm. Might have been spicy, I can't remember. The rice is multi-grain by the way. Healthy food seems to be the focus here.

After I stepped out of the place, I was rubbing my hands in glee and feeling so good for a good meal. And this place is inexpensive, around 6-8 CAD (can't remember the exact figure) For that amount of food, plus good service plus feel good feeling after having a good meal, it makes me feel like life is complete with a bowl of hot soup in chilly weather!

p.s. Do yourself a favour by hopping over to Hodo Kwaja after that!

House of Soon Tofu

681 Bloor St W
Toronto, ON M6G 4B9

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Pear Tree (Toronto)

I was strolling along Cabbagetown, wondering which restaurant I should step foot into. After a long day trying to explore Toronto, the last thing you want is to eat some crappy food. By the way, you wouldn't really go to Cabbagetown unless you happen to be in that area because it isn't exactly a tourist area.

This place looks almost unaffordable from it's exterior, but it proved otherwise. The prices were well worth it for the quality of food.

The bread was so soft and fluffy. Actually it wasn't really bread. I don't know what you call it. It was almost a mix between a cake and a bread. Anyway, the buttery whiff of it is enough to knock you out. Such a wonderful melt-in-your-mouth bread served before you even embark onto your main course. I actually thought they were scones, but I remember distinctly hearing the word "bread".

Here's what I ordered. In all honesty, I can't remember what this was- I think it was a special menu for different days. And it had very fresh seafood. It was very filling, and was just about around 15 CAD if I'm not wrong. And look at the amount of seafood they include!

This is a gem hidden in cabbagetown. The service is great too! So if you happen to be in Cabbagetown, give this place a visit!

Pear Tree

507 Parliament Street

Toronto, ON

M4X1P3

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King's Noodle (Toronto)

I came here at 2.30 pm after several recommendations. I saw the dough fritters at the front of the store and decided to get one. Besides that, I also ordered the bbq pork noodle (char siew noodle).

The dough fritters were horrible: oil was oozing out of it and it was not crispy at all. it was so bad, i left half the plate alone.

the bbq pork noodle was much better. the meat was just right- not too tough, with some fats but not fatty. the broth was also light, and not oily.

but i had a problem with the service in this restaurant. one particular waitress was really rude. so one of the waitresses placed a tray of three bowls of bbq pork noodle on the table, then rested her arms on the table. i assumed that she wanted me to take it, cos she wasn't taking any action. turns out that she was resting, and pushed my hands away when i tried to take a bowl. seriously??

but for the food, fine!

Rating: 3.8/5

King's Noodle
296 Spadina Ave
Toronto, ON M5T 2E7

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Messini Authentic Gyros (Toronto)

Disclaimer: This is the first time I'm trying Greek food. Therefore, i don't know how AUTHENTIC greek food tastes like. Nonetheless, i loved what i ate today!

The service was bad. It took five minutes before somebody bothered looking in my direction, and it was finally then that I could ask for a menu. I would have expected that the menu would come once I was seated. But from a fastfood style restaurant, I supposed I shouldn't have expected too much anyway.

That aside, I ordered the chicken pita gyros. The meat was done just right, not too dry. I also loved how the tzatziki complemented the meat well. And surprisingly, the fries were a welcome addition as well! The potato taste added to the richness of the gyros. Just that, six hours after eating that and after brushing my teeth, the taste still lingers.

In total, I paid $6 including taxes and tips- a real deal!

Rating: 3.8/5

Messini Authentic Gyros
445 Danforth Ave
Toronto, ON M4K 1P1
Canada

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Hodo Kwaja (Toronto)

I've heard great reviews about the walnut cakes, but seeing is believing, or rather tasting is believing!

ordered 6 walnut cakes (that's the minimum number) for $2. I sat down there, and slowly enjoyed six pieces all by myself, while looking at the guy at the counter make these wonderful tasting walnut cakes.

I ordered the red beans one- the red bean was not too sweet, and the outer "shell" was done at just the right consistency. it was served warm. it was in a walnut shape, plus there were some subtle additions of walnuts in the walnut cake.

mmm, delicious!

Rating: 4.5/5

Hodo Kwaja
656 Bloor St W
Toronto, ON M6G 1K9
Canada

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