Together with his friend/business partner David Schwartz, Braden Chong runs three restaurants, including Bib Gourmand Sunnys Chinese and MIMI Chinese. Sunnys is "simple and to the point but impactful," while the food at MIMI is "more elegant, and everything has to be perfect."
Chong, who spent time in Tokyo at MICHELIN-Starred restaurants, is a Toronto native. He finds endless inspiration from the city's diverse and thriving food scene (he and Schwartz even share some of their favorite Chinese restaurants on their website).
Below, we asked him for his top Toronto picks for everything from snacks and drinks to special occasion spots, and where we might find him on a rare day off.
How long have you been in Toronto?
I was born and raised in Toronto and have lived here (almost) my whole life with the exception of spending a year on a working holiday visa in Japan
What's your favorite thing about the city?
There are so many different & unique cultural pockets and neighbourhoods and there is something for literally everyone. Where else can you find the foods from all corners of the globe so easily accessible in one city? Tibetan? We got that. Mexican? Countless places to recommend. Ethiopian? We have places open until the break of dawn. Pakistani? No shortage of great options. Sure, not everything is available in the downtown core, but if you look for it, you will find it and it may just be the best version you've ever had. The diversity is also not just limited to food; architecture, history and green space give the city life and make it special.
What’s been your favorite memory working in the restaurant industry?
This industry comes with many ups and downs and challenging moments, but I would not trade the experience of staging in some of the world's best restaurants for anything. Taking a chance and asking different restaurants across the globe for the opportunity to stage is something so unique to our industry. Meeting and connecting with so many passionate, talented, driven restaurant workers along the way and even staying in touch with some of them even though we are all scattered across different continents around the world. These experiences have such a strong influence on my career but also personal growth and development.
What are your favorite dishes at your restaurant?
Stir-fried cheung fun or the stuffed chicken wing at Mimi. As a cook or chef you often get incredibly tired of eating the food that you cook on a daily basis because it's literally your job to quality check it, but I could eat cheung fun every day for the rest of my life.
At Sunnys Chinese, it's the black pepper lamb or the mapo tofu. Either of those two with a bowl of rice and I'll be happy for the rest of the day.
Who would you invite to eat at one of your restaurants that you think hasn’t dined there yet?
This one may be a bit of a tearjerker, but my grandparents who passed before either of the restaurants opened. I'm genuinely curious what they would think of the food, concept and if they would approve of the dishes we serve. A lot of it is not really the Chinese food that I ate growing up (Cantonese) so I have a feeling that their bias would lean towards disliking it.
As far as celebrities go, they're cool and all, but many of the ones who have actually eaten at our restaurants I don't even know who they are since I'm so bad at following trends and pop culture.
I'd love to cook for chef Kawada from Sazenka (Tokyo). He is the most intense, skilled, focused chef I have ever worked with. There was so much to learn and be inspired by just watching him work with so much intention. A true master of the craft and he had a really big impact on my career even though we didn't speak the same language. I think it would be fun to hear his critical feedback on our food. It may be Chinese food, but it was so very different from his style of kitchen and restaurant. One is not necessarily better or worse than the other, just much different philosophies.
What are some of your favorite restaurants in Toronto?
Mhel. Fat Rabbit. Jamil’s Chaat House. Donna’s
Where would you bring someone for a classic Toronto meal?
Chris Jerk - to me, jerk chicken and shawarma are what a street-dog and a slice of pizza is to New York. It just hits different here. Where would you bring a first timer to Toronto?
Kensington Market for Latin American shopping and eateries, and then Ba Noi for a butter tart.
Where do you go for a big celebration?
Mama Fatma for huge Turkish platters, best enjoyed with a large group.
Where are some good spots for dining alone?
Tondou Ramen - nothing like slamming a bowl of ramen with an oversized Orion beer in solitude with some Japanese City Pop playing in the background. Or go to Vilda’s for a Caesaroni sandwich.
Where do you take the family?
Casa Portuguesa. I was brought there recently for the first time and instantly felt welcomed like it was stepping into their home. It's a family-run restaurant – the son, mother, and father all have their own roles in the business, and it's truly felt when you step into the restaurant and sit down to eat. They just want you to enjoy the food and take care of you.
What's your go-to for comfort food?
I have a few. Dotty’s for cheese and crackers every time, Banh Mi Ba Le 2 has the best bread and pate in the city, and the lengua taco at Tacos El Pastorcito is a must.
Are there any hidden gems?
BlessedLove Caribbean Market. They also sell Michidean brand frozen patties which are incredible. Jamaican patties, if it needs to be said for the non-Toronto readers! I also like Super Bargain for low key, no-frill-drinks and The Little Jerry, a wine bar hangout spot with vinyl DJ sets.Where would we find you on a day off?
You might find me digging in crates for some vinyl records at Invisible City Record Shop, Play De Record, or Cosmos Records for fun!
Hero image: Daniel Neuhaus / Braden Chong
Ad
