Poulet Rouge — Restaurant in Markham

First time trying this place. There was a long line up so I thought it would be good. This is a highly customizable meal. You choose a meal type between a bowl (brown rice, quinoa, lettuce) or a poutine (fries base). Next, you choose the chicken flavor, sauce, and up to 7 toppings. You get tzatziki sauce for the chicken too.

I went with lettuce ($1 extra), cilantro lime sauce, Hercules lemon chicken. Toppings were pineapple, cranberries, tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, corn, red onions.

Service was great. Even with the line up, it moved fast since it was assembly line style with a person on the cash, a person with the base, a person on the toppings, and a person with the chicken and final hand off. Staff were all quick, efficient, and friendly. Last guy was especially pleasant given that this is a food court establishment. He asked me how I was doing and how many utensil sets I needed, then he ended with a friendly send off.

Packaging was neat and tidy with a big, reusable paper bag and utensils. The bowl was sealed well enough to contain the juices and sauces. The wooden fork wasn’t usable.

The meal was very tasty. The cilantro lime sauce was tangy and refreshing. The chicken was nicely seasoned and grilled. The only large drawback is the size of the meal. For about $16 the portion was small. If the bowl were any shorter, it would be a plate.

-Edit For the portion, I’m not referring to the chicken. It would be nice if the container were bigger so it can accommodate more base and toppings.

I’m on the fence about going here again. The ingredients were fresh and the meal was delicious. But by the time you got two bites in, the experience is over. Kinda like when you line up for two hours for the roller coaster and the ride is 5...

The Short Answer: Arguably the best possible option at this (or any) mall in terms of quality and freshness for the price. No shortage of flavour and, you’re full at the end.

Full Review: Look, you’re at a mall food so there’s isn’t much to expect, especially from Markville. That said, if you absolutely have to eat at the mall, or you’re actually eating at the mall because you enjoy it, and you want your spending average of about $15-$20 to be worth the spend, well, this Quebec based QSR (quick service restaurant) with a fresh, yet still familiar concept is probably the healthiest and most delicious option at the mall, that isn’t completely boring. (‘Cultures’ much?)

It’s simple, fresh and it works. Choose a base, your chicken amount, your toppings and your sauces. This bowl will fill you.

The unique thing about Poulet Rouge, is its choice to use only the chicken tender, as opposed to offering leg, thigh or breast cuts. This works in favour (and flavour) for the restaurant in terms of logistics & execution, and for the consumer in terms of consistency & quality.

I could go on, but I’ll leave you with this.. The food is great and the people are friendly and generous. I’m a repeat customer and it’s the only place I go to now at Markville. And if you’re local to Markville then you know that food court has been tired for decades, desperate for something new — and actually that unit they are in has been cursed for a while. But I’m glad we finally have something good in that corner.

Bottom line: Yes,...

Poulet Rouge is Amazing... but it took you long enough to finally open at Markville Mall!! LOL. 2 years? I saw your sign one day and I was waiting for you to open! It was worth the wait when you finally did. Here's what I love about you: Your staff are amazing. I can tell, you train them. Speaking of training, your boy, ALEX, is amazing! He is the King of service and is a great Ambassador for your brand! I noticed it from my very first experience. If you're smart, you'll keep that Kid in your organization forever. Memo To Head Office: Don't take this kid for granted! (Kinda like Caitlyn Clark! LOL.) Healthy Options. I try to eat as healthy as I can so I used to eat at your place almost 2 or 3 times a week! I mean Chicken breast over veggies and Quinoa? It's not deep fried, it's not over salted or sugar... you are a great healthy option when I eat at the mall (which is often!). Also, it's great when I want to be bad!! Your French Fry base is great too... just not as healthy... but at least I get to choose. Great Team Work. I see your people smile when I go down the line. It's good to see. They are cheerful for the most part. Keep up the Good work.

EDIT| I just saw the review by PS below and I have to agree: Your wooden Cutlery breaks. Its difficult to use. Can you...