Last Updated: Jan 20, 2025.
Toronto is a city rich in culinary diversity, and its vibrant Chinese food scene is a testament to that. From traditional dim sum to sweet bakery treats, the options are endless. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, these hidden gems are sure to satisfy your cravings. In this blog, we’ll take you on a journey through some of the best Chinese food spots in Toronto, each offering unique flavours and experiences. Get ready to explore and indulge in the deliciousness that these beloved eateries have to offer!
Table of Contents: The Best Chinese Food in Toronto
- House of Gourmet – fast, fresh, flavourful
- Mother’s Dumpling – traditional Northern Chinese dumplings
- Mashion Bakery – hidden bakery in Chinatown
- R&D Restaurant – a fusion of modern Canadian and Asian cuisine
- Lee Restaurant – contemporary Asian fusion cuisine
- Mogouyan Hand-pulled Noodles – authentic Lanzhou flavours
- Rol San Restaurant – late-night dim sum delight
House of Gourmet
Fast, fresh, flavourful
484 Dundas St | houseofgourmet.ca
House of Gourmet is a staple in Toronto’s bustling Chinatown. Despite its no-frills setting, this restaurant is renowned for its consistently fresh and flavorful dishes, served quickly and at reasonable prices. Perfect for any time of day, House of Gourmet’s extensive menu features beloved classics like Peking Duck, beef noodle soup, and Young Chow fried rice. Their spicy eggplant with minced pork is a standout, full of rich umami flavour. Don’t miss their surprisingly delicious cold milk tea, sweetened with condensed milk. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, House of Gourmet is a must-visit for authentic, comforting Chinese food.
Local tip: Visit during late hours for a more relaxed dining experience and faster service. Be sure to ask for extra plum sauce with your spring rolls for an added treat.
Mother’s Dumplings
Traditional Northern Chinese dumplings
421 Spadina Ave | mothersdumplings.com
Founded in 2005 by Feng Zhen and her husband from Shenyang, Mother’s Dumplings takes its name from Feng Zhen’s mother, the mastermind behind their dumpling recipes. Listed in the 2022 Michelin Guide, this establishment specializes in handmade dumplings, meticulously crafting thousands daily. Popular choices include cabbage and pork, leek and pork, and mixed seafood varieties, all made with high-quality pork shoulder and without MSG. Special dishes like lamb potstickers and chicken mushroom dumplings highlight the authentic flavours of Northern Chinese cuisine. Visit Mother’s Dumplings and discover the flavours of Northern China.
Local tip: Grab a bag of frozen dumplings on your way out for a convenient take-home option when the craving strikes.
Mashion Bakery
Hidden bakery in Chinatown
Opened in 2011, Mashion Bakery quickly became a local favourite in Toronto’s Chinatown. Despite its unassuming appearance, this bakery stands out for its high-quality baked goods at affordable prices. Located in Chinatown, it’s a perfect stop while sightseeing. Known for their homemade sweet treats, Mashion Bakery offers a delightful array of options, including walnut puffs, egg tarts, and coconut cream buns. Don’t forget to try their beverages like tea, coffee, and bubble tea to complement your treats.
Local tip: Toward the end of the day, you can get a bag of buns for around $2.50.
R&D Restaurant
A fusion of modern Canadian and Asian cuisine
241 Spadina Ave | rdspadina.com
Located in Toronto’s Chinatown, R&D Restaurant is the brainchild of MasterChef Canada winner Eric Chong and Michelin-starred chef Alvin Leung. This innovative eatery offers a fusion of modern Canadian and Asian flavours. Highlights include dim sum with international twists like foie gras parfait sou and kimchi-galbi bao. Signature mains such as butter-poached lobster with dashi, and caramelized carrot purée are also standout offerings. The restaurant’s sophisticated yet welcoming ambiance makes it a must-visit for food enthusiasts seeking a stylish and flavourful dining experience.
Local tip: If you’re craving their famous Peking duck, make sure to call ahead or book online at least 12 hours in advance to reserve it.
Lee Restaurant
Contemporary Asian fusion cuisine
497 Richmond St W | leerestaurant.com
Nestled in Toronto’s culinary hub, Lee Restaurant, led by the acclaimed chef Susur Lee, reimagines Asian cuisine with a modern twist. Indulge in the “LUCKEE” Spicy Shrimp Cheung Fun, a delightful blend of courgette, scallion pesto, and premium soya broth. Another must-try is the French & Chinese Tong Yuen – a chocolate hazelnut-nougat rice dumpling with sesame anglaise and fruit preserves. Lee Restaurant guarantees a memorable dining experience with its inventive menu and upscale ambiance.
Local tip: You must order the Top Chef Curry Roasted Chicken, a dish that scored 19.5/20 in Top Chef history.
Mogouyan Hand-pulled Noodles
Authentic Lanzhou flavours
124 Dundas St W | mogouyannoodles.com
In Lanzhou, savouring an authentic bowl of beef noodles is a must. Mogouyan Beef Noodles has brought this authentic experience to Toronto since 2019. Their signature hand-pulled Lanzhou beef noodles features clear broth, white radish, red chili oil, green cilantro, and bright yellow noodles. The rich beef broth ensures smooth, chewy noodles with a unique flavour. Each bite of beef, soaked in the aromatic broth, releases intense savoury flavours, complemented by garlic sprouts, cilantro, and chili oil. This culinary delight offers a harmonious blend of tastes and textures, spreading satisfaction and happiness from the tip of the tongue.
Local tip: Pair your noodles with a house-crafted cocktail for the best taste experience.
Rol San Restaurant
Late-night Dim Sum delight
Rol San Restaurant is a beloved Cantonese eatery located in the heart of Chinatown. Open since 1994, this family-run restaurant is known for its traditional dim sum and stir-fry dishes. Upon entering, you’ll notice a poster of Stephen Chow’s movie “The God of Cookery,” a charming nod to its Cantonese roots. Popular dim sum items include shrimp dumplings and siu mai, while stir-fried noodles and rice dishes like dry-fried beef ho fun are a hit with both Asian and non-Asian patrons.
Local tip: Open 24/7 every day, a perfect spot for a dim sum feast at any hour of the day or night.
Book a Food Tour to taste the best of Toronto
Want to experience more culinary delights in Toronto? Join Tasty Tours’ Toronto food tours to sample the best foods Toronto has to offer. Our Kensington Market Food Tour is right next to Chinatown, giving you easy access to explore more great Chinese food spots. Don’t miss out on this delicious adventure!
