If you like intimate family run
restaurants, Garleek Kitchen will definitely provide that cozy experience. The
dining room consists of less than ten tables, and on a weekday visit, the
entire operations was run by a single person - quite a feat to be host, waiter,
and chef. To keep things simple, their menu is displayed on a television and
cutlery & key condiments are found on the table.
Meanwhile, most of the time, the
proprietor is in the kitchen, making everything to order including the momos.
These dumplings are the delicious pouches I remember most from past Tibetan
meals. With the option to steam, pan fry, or deep fry the dumplings, we tried
them two ways – pan-fried and steamed.
The chicken pan-fried momos ($8.99)
definitely hit the spot. The toasted crust adding a nice contrast compared to
the soft top of the dumpling. While the nub in the middle of the dough was a
bit too thick, the white meat chicken filling was juicy and savoury. So good
the spicy dipping sauces weren’t even required.
They were needed for the steam
vegetables momo ($7.99). While the chunky chili sauce added
heat and extra flavour, the dumplings could still use more salt. Nevertheless,
the filling consisted of an interesting combination of vegetables, which
Garleek should consider leaving some less cooked (everything was rather soft)
so the texture will vary.
Nepalese chicken chow mein ($8.50)
is made from thin chewy noodles cooked on a hot flattop so it develops a crust
on some strands. Like Cantonese chow mein, there are the
crispy and soft bits within the plate, but Garleek’s is less oily and isn’t
topped with sauce allowing the noodles to remain crunchy. I loved the
aromatic wok hay of the dish, but the chicken needs less time
on the grill as it was overdone and dry.
Despite running with only one
person, Garleek provides attentive service. Along with the noodles, the chef
brought out a chilled bottle of hot sauce and warned that it was “crazy spicy”
– heed the warning but you’ll want to try some anyways. He also checked on us
at regular intervals and was around when something was required. This warm
intimate experience is what makes dining at small proprietors a great event.
How To Find Them
Location: Toronto, Canada
Address: 1500 Queen Street West
Address: 1500 Queen Street West
Website: https://www.garleekkitchen.com/
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Gastro World's Grading System
- Anything under 5 - I really disliked and will never go back
- 6 - decent restaurant but I likely won't return
- 7 - decent restaurant and I will likely return
- 8 - great restaurant that I'd be happy to recommend
- 9 - fantastic restaurant that I would love to visit regularly and highly recommend
- 10 - absolute perfection!
Is That It? I Want More!
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