One of the very first things I do when I get back to Toronto, is to seek out some favourite spots for a quick, cheap, and delicious lunch. I think I’ll start posting “what’s for lunch” now and again. When I’m at home in the County, I rarely eat out and gather fresh ingredients close to home for cooking up a storm. But here in T.O…there’s an amazing {ethnic} food culture to explore.Both are wonderful and inspiring.
TodayYesterday I had Vietnamese Vermacelli Noodles with Grilled Chicken at one of my current favourite spots for Vietnamese. This place is slightly out of the way, but worth it for great food served in a newly renovated venue (which includes the kitchen). Spotlessly clean, family run, terrific bathrooms even. Next time I go I may try the crisp and savoury Vietnamese Pancake, or some of the dishes that boast “squid sausage”. But meanwhile….it’s my regular choice, again. If you want to know more about Vietnamese food, I’d recommend visiting this blog called Viet World Kitchen, by Andrea Nguyen (or consider any of the books she’s written about Asian food).Her Asian Market Shopper app looks pretty great, too! check ity out here.
On the table, a brimming dish of chili sauce for seasoning as you like, and hot or cold tea.
The food arrives with a bowl of sweetened fish sauce I like adding the chilies to before sprinkling on the food, along with a small plastic cup of fresh minced fresh garlic (not the jarred stuff) and scotch bonnet peppers.
The mixture in the large bowl all gets tossed together, and includes a pile of rice vermacelli noodles, slivered cucumber, pickled carrot, bean sprouts, fresh thai basil, crispy fried shallots, and a mound of grilled dark meat chicken. Price: $8
“Banh Cuon Thanh Truc” is the name of the restaurant
Open 7 days a week 2422 St.Clair Ave W. LCBO tel:416-572-0088