India: A Taste of India in the Nation’s Capital

Ottawa’s Indian food scene rivals Toronto’s, offering everything from North Indian thalis to Kerala fish curries and inventive spots like Second Wife Indian. At Kalinga, highlights included velvety Lasooni Palak Paneer, tender Chicken Tikka Masala, and a standout Shahi Chicken Biryani layered with peanut, cashew, and tamarind. It’s a delicious first taste of the capital’s rich South Asian flavours, and reason enough to plan a return trip. Continue reading India: A Taste of India in the Nation’s Capital

Indonesia: From Pop-Up to Full-On Heat: Sambal Has Arrived

Sambal has brought Indonesian food front and center on the Danforth, and it’s about time. From fiery sambal dips to melt-in-your-mouth beef rendang and hand-pulled noodles, the menu is small but packed with bold flavours. Go with friends, order as much as you can, and prepare for a spicy, shareable feast. Continue reading Indonesia: From Pop-Up to Full-On Heat: Sambal Has Arrived

Laos: From Toronto to Vientiane: A Culinary Trip at Lao Lao Bar

Lao Lao Bar offers a vibrant taste of Laotian cuisine 🇱🇦 in the heart of Toronto, blending traditional Southeast Asian flavours like lemongrass, tamarind, and chilies 🌶️ with a modern twist. Standout dishes include the spicy green papaya salad 🥗, caramelized pork belly stew 🍖, and Jeow Bong pineapple fried rice 🍍, all served in a warmly decorated space that transports diners straight to Laos 🏮. While the much-anticipated Leap 🥩 never arrived, the overall experience was flavorful, fun, and definitely worth a return visit 🔁✨. Continue reading Laos: From Toronto to Vientiane: A Culinary Trip at Lao Lao Bar

Jamaica: Let’s Get Tropical 

Tropical Joe’s in Gerrard Square is a no-frills, takeout-only Jamaican spot that delivers bold, authentic flavours. The jerk chicken is a standout, tender, boneless, and perfectly spiced, while dishes like jerk pork, oxtail, and chickpea curry round out the compact but delicious menu. Don’t let the food court location fool you, this place is a hidden gem worth the trip. Continue reading Jamaica: Let’s Get Tropical 

Pakistan: It’s All About the Vibe! 

Jamil’s isn’t just another Pakistani restaurant—it’s a vibey hotspot ✨ that blends moody ambiance 💡, elevated cocktails 🍸, and bold, shareable flavours 🍽️. Standout dishes like the Dahi Puri 🥔, Karahi Chicken Bun 🍔, and Lamb Nihari 🍛 bring modern flair to traditional favourites. With its cool crowd 😎 and thoughtful drink menu 🍷, Jamil’s is helping put Pakistani cuisine in the spotlight—and doing it in style. 💃🏽🔥 Continue reading Pakistan: It’s All About the Vibe! 

Ireland: Introducing the Spice Bag 

The West Cork Irish Pub 🍀 brings cozy Irish charm to Queen East with hearty classics like shepherd’s pie 🥧, bangers and mash 🌭🥔, and the standout spice bag served in a paper bag 🛍️. While the atmosphere is warm and inviting—with fireplaces 🔥, darts 🎯, and friendly staff 😊—some traditional touches like Irish music 🎶 were missing. Still, it’s a solid spot for comfort food 🍽️, pints 🍻, and good company 👯‍♀️ any night of the week. Continue reading Ireland: Introducing the Spice Bag 

Thailand: Back to the Islands 

Koh Lipe in Baldwin Village is a warm, welcoming Thai restaurant 🇹🇭 known for its authentic dishes rarely found elsewhere in Toronto, like Goong Moun 🍤 and Guay Tiew Khaek 🍜. With a menu that blends regional Thai flavours and street food staples 🌶️🍛, it’s a nostalgic trip for travellers ✈️ and a bold culinary adventure for newcomers. The friendly staff 😊, cozy vibe 🏠, and standout dishes like Ma Sa Man curry 🍲 and mango sticky rice 🥭 make it a must-visit for any Thai food lover. Continue reading Thailand: Back to the Islands 

India: Seven Courses of India 

Bar Goa Toronto 🇮🇳 offers a modern, Michelin-recognized ⭐ take on Indian cuisine with a curated seven-course omakase menu 🍽️ that showcases flavors from across the country. Dishes range from smoky butter chicken 🍛 to inventive fusion bites like the Chicken Pepper Fry “Kulcha Taco” 🌮, delivering bold flavors and theatrical presentations 🎭. While the set menu lacks traditional Goan seafood curries 🐟, the experience is a fantastic value 💰, with creative cocktails 🍹 adding to the appeal. Continue reading India: Seven Courses of India