Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
NEW TOWN BAKERY & RESTAURANT
CHINESE
$
(
www.newtownbakery.ca
;
148 E Pender St; dishes $5-9; 6:30am-8:30pm; ; 3)
It's the
glass cabinets of baked treats that lure most people through the door here. Even if
you're just passing, pop in for a bargain-priced prawn turnover or barbecued pork
steamed bun to go. If you're looking for more substantial fare, snag a table in the clam-
orous dining area and dive into a round of well-priced dim sum, including ever-popular
shrimp dumplings.
There are several vegetarian steamed bun varieties, and lots of tempting sweet
pastries to turn your head.
GAM GOK YUEN
CHINESE
$
(142 E Pender St; mains $7-14; 10:30am-8pm; 3)
Try to block out the faded 1980s de-
cor in this unassuming Chinatown dining room: the carnivore-pleasing Hong
Kong-style food is what keeps this place humming, especially the barbecued pork and
duck dishes (the front window of roasted meats probably gives the game away). Order
at will, but make sure you include a hearty bowl of noodle soup.
Don't expect any frills here; service can be perfunctory but the dishes are great
value. It's cash only.
HOGAN'S ALLEY CAFE
BREAKFAST, MEXICAN
$
(
www.hogansalleycafe.com
;
789 Gore St; mains $8-10; 6:30am-5pm Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm Sat, to
2pm Sun; 3)
Part of the hipster reinvention of the Union St stretch between Main and
Gore on the edge of Chinatown, this family-run corner nook adds a Mexican twist to its
breakfast-cafe approach. As you tuck into your plate of sauce-smothered divorced eggs,
you'll overhear plenty of debate about the area's gentrification: those beautifully re-
stored, million-dollar heritage houses across the street were being sold for peanuts just
20 years ago.
This is a good spot for a Chinatown pit stop. Grab a latte and a free copy of
Discord-
er
magazine from the rack, and tuck into a cheesy chicken empanada as the sun streams
through the windows. The viaduct across the street is scheduled to be removed or rein-
vented in the next few years, with many calling for a New York High Line-style
garden. Watch this space.
