By Bryce Esman

Recently I had the pleasure of taking a trip to the city of Toronto, CA. In this quick trip I was sure to try as much local cuisine as possible and experience the iconic things that make the city what it is. The trip only lasted 3 days, but I was able to make the most of it and eat some outstanding dishes ranging from Canadian classics like poutine to exotic Thai dishes.

From the second you enter the city you can feel the life it gives off. Being Canada’s largest city, Toronto is a hotspot for a large blend of cultures within the 6 different municipalities that make up the Grand Toronto Area. After arriving late, the first day we decided to immediately explore the city’s night life. This being said, most restaurants were closed except for the late-night post bar joints, so that was the first real meal of the trip was some classic Canadian poutine. In my opinion, the staples of a city are not the fancy high rated sit-down spots, but rather the late-night greasy indulgences like the coney dog in Detroit. Although not the most iconic spot, the poutine was about as good as it comes. All the makings of a meal to put you directly into a beautiful coma.

The next day we decided to explore the famous Chinatown. Walking through the streets we were immediately transported to central Asia with a hint of maple syrup. Vendors everywhere you look, offering everything from Canadian nick knacks-to old currencies from every corner of the world offered as souvenirs. From there we walked to a highly rated dumpling spot.

Unfortunately, when traveling, one is at the mercy of reviews. We went to Juicy Dumpling, a spot with glowing reviews and a long line to boot. The dumplings had decent flavor, but questionable meat led to a frustrating meal that I wish I could get back for myself and friends. I pride myself on vetting a restaurant, but alas I was wrong. Nonetheless, the loss taken from this spot is nowhere near the win taken from the final notable spot we tried.

Thai Royalty

On the final day of the trip, my wonderful girlfriend agreed split off from the main group in search for a Thai dish recommended by a friend in the states. The restaurant, located near the CN Tower downtown, is called PAI Northern Thai Kitchen and is a Michelin Guide restaurant (recognized and reviewed by Michelin but not having earned a star of its own). After hearing about it from a guest speaker at a finance event I attended, I made it a priority to give it a try before the trip had finished.

Going in I was hungry, but my girlfriend was not, so I did the thing any sensible man would do. I ordered the dish recommended to me from the guest speaker, and had my girlfriend order the dish I wanted to try second best (I was able to have my cake and eat it too). I ordered the Beef Khao Soi and my girlfriend “ordered” the classic Chef’s Chicken Pad Thai. Both tasted incredible, but the Beef Khao Soi was incredible. Personally, I am not the biggest fan of curry in general, but this was a whole different ball game. The curry was perfectly blended with the coconut milk to create a creamy curry flavor I’ve never experienced before. The tender beef soaked up the orange liquid gold and paired perfectly with the fresh egg noodles. To top it off, it wore a crown of fried onions that were so crispy you could dip them in the soup like crunchy pretzels.

Overall, despite its ups and downs, the experience of Toronto is one that I will never forget and hope to feel again soon. Two days isn’t nearly enough to truly feel the life of the city, but it was enough to get a piece of it. I look forward to the day I return, but until then I hope this is enough to make you book your next trip.