Favourite Fifteen - TO food joints I'd go back!

Source: Instagram (photo_sin_the_sis)

I believe food is one of the reflections of the soul of a city. If you truly want to understand the culture of the place you stay, look to the kind of food it offers. It's true that great meals have the power to bring people together, shape the character of a community and show how the diverse influences that created it have blended to form something entirely new.

Until last year, I would have called Delhi a city with great food and innumerable variety. Today, after spending over six months in Toronto, I can gladly say I have very little to complain. Yes, I do crave for the authentic North Indian street food occasionally and my hometown still holds onto that crown. However, I soon realised life is going to be easier only when I understand the importance of Haldiram snacks and embrace frequent visits to the Indian stores.

Toronto and its neighbourhoods are a melting pot - destinations that have attracted travellers from around the world, many of whom have decided to cease their meandering ways and lay down roots here. Just like my husband who is blessed with great bong (bengali) gene aka 'good appetite'. And, of course, a true blue food lover attracts another - thankfully he is surrounded by friends with great penchant for gastronomic escapades. As destiny would have it, I HAD to be here.

Being in a city that is one of the world's food capital, how could I not explore the eclectic restaurants, food joints and cafés in every nook and corner I stepped into? So, like every tourist, I spent half the year visiting every new place with an eagerness to try out the binge worthy delights it had in the offing. All were different - some lived up to the hype, some took us by a pleasant surprise and some were just meh!

Without further ado, I bring to you my top 15 food joints (in no particular order of preference) - the ones that totally deserve an encore. Trust me, it's a tough call!  

Source: Instagram (photo_sin_the_sis)

Pai:  This one's special - the first restaurant that I ever visited in Toronto. On the second day in the city, I was asked by the husband what cuisine would I prefer and I said Thai or Chinese (my all time favorites) in the blink of an eye. The next hour I found myself in this dimly lit space located a few steps below the street level. I must say I was overwhelmed to see how packed it was even on a weekday, mostly with office goers out for a lunch break. The crowd is totally justified. When you have one of the best Thai food joints in the world right next door, who wouldn't want to have a quick bite?

What we loved: Pad Thai, Pad Gra Pao and Thai Iced Tea
Location: 18 Duncan St, Toronto, ON M5H 3G8

Source: Google Images

Maha's: Would you believe if I told you an hour-long queue didn't deter us from experiencing the lip-smacking Egyptian brunch? I believe it has gained a cult status and I now know why. When you have service that is top-notch, fast and friendly staff and most importantly meals that are to die (read wait outside in the cold), you forget all hindrances that came your way from the first bite. A word of advice to fight the cold and boredom while waiting in the queue: Go in a group!

What we love: Maha's Mind Blowing Chicken, Egyptian Falafel, Lentil Soup and Date Sandwitch 
Location: 226 Greenwood Ave, Toronto, ON M4L 2R2

Source: Instagram (photo_sin_the_sis)

Paramount Fine Foods: One of our favourites, the restaurant's claim to fame is its delicious Middle Eastern meals. If you are hungry for a Shawarma wrap or a grilled meat platter, this is the place to be. Apparently, they have flown renowned international chefs who weave magic with their hands and prepare some of the finger-licking dishes - ones that are authentic and transport you to a Middle Eastern country.

What we love: Chicken Shawarma, Falafel, Baba Ganoush
Location: 85 Front St E, Toronto, ON M5E 1B8

Source: Instagram (photo_sin_the_sis)

Oliver & Bonachi Restaurant: This one's going to be etched in my memory forever. On the night of our first anniversary, the husband wanted to take me out for a sophisticated Italian fine dining experience. Dressed up for the occasion and the place, we took a moment to soak in the ambiance and ordered for what looked like art on the plate. Overall, had a good experience - no complaints whatsoever. To be honest, we went to the one in the Blue Mountain. However, there's one on Yonge & Front too.


What we love: Black Tiger Shrimp Tempura, 100Z New York Strp Loin, Classic Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee
Location: 33 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5E 1G4

Source: Google Images

Mother's Dumplings: An all-time favourite with the gang. If you are longing for Chinese comfort food, this place has homemade dumplings, noodles and buns to satiate your hunger pangs. You can even see them making the dumplings in the kitchen, so you know they are fresh. Gets busy, especially on weekends, so be prepared to wait.

What we love: Dumplings, Kimchi, Noodles
Location: 421 Spadina Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2G6

Source: Instagram (Sarbojitpal)

Sneaky Dee's: One of the best brunches I have ever had in Toronto or elsewhere. This spot is famous for its all-day breakfasts, Tex-Mex plates, punk rock shows and graffiti walls. It has a very appealing, colourful vibe - best for an early morning outing on a weekend. The portion size is enough to split between two and one of the rare places that serve good amount of Guacamole.



What we love: Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict, Huevos Rancheros, The Fucked Up Breakfast

Source: Google Images

Location: 431 College St, Toronto, ON M5T 1T

La Carnita: A Mexican joint, the food is hands down one of the best in Toronto. The cherry on the cake is its ambiance, buzzing with people and great music. The staff is great and quite attentive. I still remember, both husband and I went there on my third day in Toronto to meet our friends at 7 and left a bit before midnight.

What we love: In Cod we Trust (Fish Tacos),Pollo Frito (Chicken Taco), Mexican Street Corn, Avacado Mango Salad
Location: 106 John St, Toronto, ON M5H 1X9

Source: Instagram (photo_sin_the_sis)

The Captain's Boil: Be prepared to get your hands dirty when you come here. The Captain's Boil takes the fact of offering 'hands-on' experience quite literally! It's one of its kind that serves food messy and lets the diner enjoy meals in a unique way. Popular among seafood lovers like me. All you have to do is pick are your choice of meat and flavour.


What we love: Shrimp, Clams, Mussels in their special Sauces, especially the Captain Boil's flavour

Location: 226 Queen St W #224, Toronto, ON M5T 1V5, 476 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5G 1G7

Source: Google Images

Chubby's Jamaican Kitchen: Sadly we had to cancel our trip to Jamaica due to the extended emergency in the island. However, Chubby's gave us a reason to go out and enjoy a night of delectable jerk chicken, curries and tropical cocktails. The setup is quite cute and made us feel as if we were in the Caribbean.

What we love: Jerk Chicken, Curry Goat
Location: 104 Portland St, Toronto, ON M5V 2N2

Source: Instagram (photo_sin_the_sis)

Jacob & Company Steakhouse: With a typical fine-dinning interior, the restaurant has a piano bar, house-aged steaks and Caesar salads prepared tableside that is quite entertaining. Service was great from the moment we arrived. The wine list is impressive with something for everyone of discerning taste. The steaks were grilled and seasoned to perfection.

What we love: La Morocha Farms Angus- San Luis, Argentina, Oysters Rockefeller, 



Location: 12 Brant St, Toronto, ON M5V 2M1

Source: Google Images

Barque Butcher Bar: If you love BBQ, this place is your jam. It was a great meal from start to finish. Not a very economical place, we went there to celebrate a friend's birthday and had a great time. They had a wide selection of meats prepared in different styles and tasty platters.

What we love: Smoked Meat platter, Chichen Wings
Location: 287 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto, ON M6R 2M3

Source: Google Images

Himalayan Kitchen: After spending a couple weeks in the city, I started missing my dosage of 'Desi Chinese'. In order to quench my cravings, we headed straight to Himalayan Kitchen where I was taken back in time. I was reminded of those cozy cafes in Manali (India) that served the most delicious meals. That's what I love about restaurants like HK - unpretentious yet tasty.

What we love: Chilli Momo, Hakka Chicken Noodles, Pork Chilli


Location: 1526 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6R 1A4

Salad King: This is our go-to Thai food joint. The food is affordable with no compromise on taste or quality. Definitely not for the food snob as it's a no-frills food joint but has a vibe that is vibrant and full of energy.



What we love: Mango Salad, Pad Thai


Location: 340 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5B 1R8

Source: Google Images

Alexandros: This tiny gem is literally in our backyard - 2 minutes walk from our house. One of the few places open until the wee hours. The food is always bursting with flavours. A great option for lunch or dinner without having to burn a hole in your pocket. The joint is really small with barely room for 4 people to sit. It has a patio but only ideal for summers, so we prefer taking out.

What we love: Gyros in a bowl, tzatziki (the best we have had)


Location: 5 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2H1

Source: Instagram (photo_sin_the_sis)

Curry twist: I am a big lover of coastal cuisine, especially Goan (India). I miss Swagat, Bernado's & Coastal Reef back in Delhi and Gurgaon. And, my last trip to Goa just made it worse for my cravings of Masala King Fish, Butter Garlic Prawns and Crab Curry. The other day I expressed my craving of fish curry and the loving husband drove me to Curry Twist where we were lured to indulging in crispy Samosas for starters. Being in Toronto, I had very little expectations from the Goan fish and prawn curry, however, I must say I was pleasantly surprised. Every flavour was evident. We got a kick from the spices and the slight taste of the coconut milk.

What we love: Fish & Prawn Curry, Samosa

Location: 3034 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6P 1Z3

Those were my top 15. But I have one more to add to the list. I know this post is about 15 of my favourite food joints in Toronto but that's what happens when a foodie who is a writer sits down to jot down her top food places. It's just too hard to stop!

Source: Google Images

Lee Chen Asian Bistro: Last but definitely not the least. I was introduced to one of the best and unique things here, 'Steamed Soup dumplings'. The dumplings have a really thin skin filled with soupy broth and well seasoned meat. Highly recommended for Asian cuisine lovers, this place has a lot more to offer.

What we love: Steamed Soup Dumplings, of course

Location: 1L4, 832 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4W 2H1, 214 King St W, Toronto, ON M5H 3S6


Whether you are new to Toronto or a local, take some time out to explore the culinary treats the city offers. Don't forget to include your recommendations by commenting on this post. It will help me grow my list, as I hope mine helped yours.

When I had to say 'Adios Delhi'

There are only a few moments in your life that are etched in your memory forever. You remember every frame like it's a movie scene. That's how well I recall the night I left for Toronto.

It was just my mother and I. As I left from home, I started looking at everything that came my way that night, as if I was recording that moment in my head. Every shop in our neighborhood market, the streets, people passing by, our childhood park that was primarily famous for hosting one of the biggest Durga Pujas in town and more. The fact that I had a strange feeling was not only because I was leaving Delhi but I was leaving it forever. Yes, that's because my family was leaving for Bangalore in the following week too.

Cut to the scene, sorry, moment where it was time to say goodbye! The piled up immigration related worries, a slightly overweight bag and, of course, having to leave Mom behind - choked me up a little. But I did put up a brave front as opposed to my Mom. She was just being a mother!

Check-in and immigration were cakewalk. In my head I cursed all those who scared me about what a nightmare it could be travelling to Canada. And what followed were mandatory update on Facebook, checking out the stores and comparing the prices and grabbing a drink at the lounge.

And finally, the final moment arrived - takeoff! Everything that happened in between isn't worth mentioning. I still don't know what happened to me. Just when the flight took off, it struck me that "This is it. I am ACTUALLY leaving this country, this city where I was born, grew up and came into my own." And I buried my face in the window and burst into tears like a baby. Call it dramatic, I kept looking behind, as the plane flew out of the city. It seemed all this while I had not given it a thought even OR I was so consumed in the mundanity, to keep myself off from this thought that I never let this particular feeling come out.

The day I got to know that I would be going to Canada, my happiness knew no bounds. I think I had started packing two months earlier. But very soon the first realisation of 'Am I doing the right thing?' hit me when I had to put down my papers at work. That was the first time I felt I would be out of work for a very long time and lose the feeling of having my own money in my account (obviously, because how much of your Rupees can you save when you have to spend in Dollars?) But there was a lot to do in very little time. I got busy in sorting my clothes, documents, etc and helping the family with moving to Bangalore. Even amidst the hustle of packing and moving, I suddenly I had some time to myself, I worked out, made trips to all those places that I loved in Delhi like Hauz Khas, Connaught Place, Lodhi Gardens and more, noted recipes to save me and the husband on a rainy day, met all the friends I could, ate Bhel Puri, Gol Guppas and other street food - thinking if I would ever get to do all this anymore.

But as the day of leaving appeared closer, my heart was divided into two halves - one that was jumping with joy to meet the husband after months of staying apart and the other that was sad to leave my loved ones, the city that I have always called my own, a job that was going pretty well and, most importantly, that comfort that I may or may not get in a new place. I realised though I had been keeping busy, I was just trying to avoid this feeling of sadness that one day I HAD to leave. It was all pent up and was only released when the flight took off.

And as I looked out of the window, I thought - they said it was going to be a long flight. But what they did not say was that it was going to be my longest flight. 

The job offer. So close yet so far?

Source: Google Image

Picture this: Amidst a sluggish job market, when you are struggling to find your next big break – you unexpectedly get a call from one of the Big4s or Fortune 500 companies for an opportunity that could turn your career around. You crack the grinding prelims and finally get a call for the interview you were secretly praying for. Everything goes well during the face-to-face round and you are hopeful of almost making it through.

However, weeks go by and you still haven't heard from the recruiter. 

At moments like these, one thing we often resort to is SELF-DOUBT. What most of us forget is there could be innumerable factors, unknown to us that could have led to what happened with your candidature.

When you don’t hear from the employer, just keep a few things in mind:

Anticipation vs. Anxiety: Heard the famous song by Beetles ‘Let it be’? That’s what you need to do the moment you step out of the interview room. You have given your best shot. Over-analyzing things will not force the universe to conspire in getting you the job. Instead hope for the best and prepare for the worst. Look forward to a call from the company but don’t get too obsessive about it. Still not helping? Give it a couple of days, may be a week and a half and send a short and polite email asking for an update about what's next. DO NOT ask about the status of your profile directly. It may make you look desperate - the last thing you would want. Expect a reply that could be anything, from directions for the way forward or a straight thumbs down but at least your curiosity will be satiated.    

Discreet ways of the recruitment industry: Recruitment consultants and hiring professionals work quietly on a position. They usually have a lot on their plate and are working on several other positions simultaneously. It could also be possible that the company has reprioritized their hiring decisions. There’s always a chance for them to call you later. Perhaps they have saved your resume for a much relevant position in future. But it’s wise for you to move on and not attach all your hopes on one opportunity. If they don’t commit to you, why should you (of course, in your mind)?

Miscellaneous factors: In case you make the cut but other dynamics like company policies such as employment of relatives, age limit and commute time create hindrances in your way, it’s not really your fault. It’s better to think things through from the word go than repent later. 

At least you got close enough: You wouldn't have got a call from the hiring team in the first place hadn't your profile suited the role or you come across a a strong candidate. C’mon, you at least deserve a pat on the back for coming this far. Yes, no organization has the time and recourse to waste on unsuitable profiles.

The next time you face a similar situation, you now know how to deal with it better. Talk it out with your family or friends. It’s good to vent out. Take these experiences with a pinch of salt and look forward to what lies ahead of you – the best!