The Bottom Line
Chinese Traditional Buns is one of the best choices for a place to re-fuel on a busy sightseeing day in Toronto. Don't let the name deceive you into thinking only buns are on the menu -- there is a wide variety of typical northeastern Chinese dishes to choose from and luckily, skilled and willing staff to help you choose. Although not necessarily a place to sit and linger, the food is unique and the flavors make your mouth come alive.
Pros
- Flavour, flavour, flavour
- Friendly, personal service, including a personal run-down of menu items by owner / chef
- The price is right: Two can dine for under C$20
Cons
- Cash only
- Bare-bones décor
- No liquor license
- 12 steps to go down at entrance, making access difficult for some.
Description
- Chinese Traditional Buns is at 536 Dundas West at Kensington.
- Phone (416) 299-9011
- Open daily 10 am - 10 pm
Guide Review - Chinese Traditional Buns, Toronto, Ontario
The sparse, fluorescent-lit interior did not discourage my lunch companion and me. Though bare-bones, the place was clean and the friendly greeting by the couple behind the grill immediately put us at ease.
After being seated at one of about 10 plastic-covered tables, we were treated to a pot of tea and a personal rendering of the menu. This was a real advantage in that we got to order items that we might have been reluctant to try otherwise.
For example, the highlight of the meal was the Jellied Bean Curd ($1.80), which is actually listed as a drink, but is more like a soup. The multitude of flavours that mix and mingle in this dish really make you sit up and pay attention: Chili oil, raw garlic, salty dried shrimp, crunchy, pickled vegetable and fresh coriander.
We also ordered Tianjin-style steamed buns (5 for $3.50) stuffed with meat, ginger and green onion and dipped in sweet garlic, chili oil, or vinegar: spectacular.
Another specialty that didn't disappoint were the Chinese hamburgers ($2). Pork, cooked slowly for nine hours and infused with the flavour of no less than twenty sauces, is served in bread that resembles English muffins. Before serving, some of the meat’s simmering sauce is spooned on and then sprinkled with diced green onion.
For a vegetable, we ordered strips of eggplant seeped in sesame-oiled garlic chili.
Lunch for two, including tax and tip came to @C$16. You just can't do better than that in the big city.
After being seated at one of about 10 plastic-covered tables, we were treated to a pot of tea and a personal rendering of the menu. This was a real advantage in that we got to order items that we might have been reluctant to try otherwise.
For example, the highlight of the meal was the Jellied Bean Curd ($1.80), which is actually listed as a drink, but is more like a soup. The multitude of flavours that mix and mingle in this dish really make you sit up and pay attention: Chili oil, raw garlic, salty dried shrimp, crunchy, pickled vegetable and fresh coriander.
We also ordered Tianjin-style steamed buns (5 for $3.50) stuffed with meat, ginger and green onion and dipped in sweet garlic, chili oil, or vinegar: spectacular.
Another specialty that didn't disappoint were the Chinese hamburgers ($2). Pork, cooked slowly for nine hours and infused with the flavour of no less than twenty sauces, is served in bread that resembles English muffins. Before serving, some of the meat’s simmering sauce is spooned on and then sprinkled with diced green onion.
For a vegetable, we ordered strips of eggplant seeped in sesame-oiled garlic chili.
Lunch for two, including tax and tip came to @C$16. You just can't do better than that in the big city.
