I am not typically one to pen reviews, but after my exceptional dining experience at Ricey Silo, I couldn't resist sharing my delight. Tucked away in a bustling neighborhood, this local Guoqiao Mixian restaurant is a culinary gem that deserves much acclaim. Guoqiao Mixian, also known as crossing the bridge noodles, is a popular Yunnan dish and the star of the show at Ricey Silo.
Firstly, the ambiance at Ricey Silo is inviting and comfortable. The interior manages to combine a rustic charm with a clean, modern aesthetic, complete with tastefully designed wooden silo-shaped interiors, a clever nod to the name. The aroma wafting through the space sets the scene, inviting customers into a comforting, authentic Chinese food experience.
Now onto the food. The Guoqiao Mixian is undoubtedly the standout here. The concept of the dish is simple, yet incredibly charming. The noodles are served alongside a boiling hot broth, with separate plates of ingredients including thinly sliced meats, vegetables, and herbs. You combine everything together, allowing the piping hot soup to cook the accompaniments in a uniquely interactive experience.
Ricey Silo, however, takes it a notch higher. Their noodles are tender yet retain a pleasant chewiness, absorbing the flavorsome broth beautifully. The broth is a work of art - crystal clear yet teeming with layers of flavor. The ingredients are fresh, colorful, and varied, allowing diners to customize their noodles to their preference.
What sets Ricey Silo apart is their attention to detail and commitment to quality. Each ingredient feels thoughtfully curated and prepared, showcasing a range of textures and flavors. From the crisp vegetables, the tender, thinly-sliced meats to the perfectly boiled quail eggs, each bite is a testament to the freshness and quality of the ingredients.
As for the service, it was top-notch. The staff were friendly, attentive, and took the time to explain the tradition behind the Guoqiao Mixian dish. Their warm hospitality made the overall dining experience even more enjoyable.
In conclusion, Ricey Silo is a must-visit for anyone seeking a fantastic Guoqiao Mixian experience. From the quality of their food to their welcoming ambiance and exceptional service, they have set a high bar for others in the same space. I will undoubtedly be returning, not just for the excellent Guoqiao Mixian but also to try more dishes from their enticing menu. A hearty 5 out of 5 stars for Ricey Silo – a tribute to the authenticity, passion, and craftsmanship behind every bowl of...
Read moreI'm a total Yunnan rice noodle fanatic, and guess what? I found this hidden gem in Toronto! It's called Xiaoman Rice Noodles 🤍 The place is super nice, bright, clean and comfy, and the staff are so friendly. It feels just like I'm back in a small Yunnan town, chowing down on some delicious rice noodles.
First up, the Wagyu and Matsutake Mushroom Cross - the - Bridge Rice Noodles 🍄 It's a huge bowl! The soup is so rich that I didn't wanna waste a single drop. The matsutake mushrooms smell amazing, the wagyu slices are thick, and there are tons of toppings. Even at the end, the bowl is still full.
Then there's the Dry - Mixed Minced Meat and Tofu Pudding Rice Noodles 🍜 It's like a tofu pudding version of zhajiangmian! The tofu pudding is so soft it melts in your mouth, the rice noodles are chewy, and the minced meat is savory. Every bite is so satisfying after you mix it up.
The Steam - Pot Black - Boned Chicken 🐓 is a Yunnan specialty! The soup is both fragrant and rich, and the chicken is tender. Having it in winter is like getting a double dose of health and enjoyment.
The Half - Cooked Fried Potatoes 🥔 are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They smell so strongly of potatoes. Sprinkle some chili powder on them, and each bite makes you feel so happy.
The Sour and Spicy Fish Slices 🐟 are incredibly tender. The sour and spicy soup is so appetizing that it goes great with rice noodles. I ended up ordering two more bowls of rice noodles without even realizing it.
The Osmanthus and Lychee Iced Congee 🌸 is cold and refreshing, with the fragrance of osmanthus and the sweetness of lychees. Taking a sip in summer just makes you feel so good.
The Paoluda 🥥 is the star of Yunnan desserts! It's a great combination of coconut flavor, sago, and fruits. It's sweet but not too cloying, perfect for ending a meal.
After the meal, there's a free lucky draw for mushroom fridge magnets! I was so lucky and won three super cute mushroom fridge magnets. They're now the coolest things on my fridge.
Xiaoman Rice Noodles really know how to please my taste buds. They have so many dishes that I can't even try them all! Whether it's soup rice noodles, mixed rice noodles, or all kinds of Yunnan snacks, they're all top - notch. If you're in Toronto and love Yunnan cuisine, you gotta...
Read moreThe food is not bad that’s why although their service was bad we still went there. Today I experienced even worse service and I promised myself I’ll never go again. The environment is well decorated, but even we went there during non rush hours, they didn’t allow us to sit where we wanted. Today was the third time they only allowed us to sit where they arranged, even though half of the restaurant was empty. I was an already a bit upset, guess who else is more upset? The male waiter. I explicitly said that was my food, but he still put my food across the table, and asked us to move around the dish ourselves. I asked for a separate bowl, he gave me a not clean one. Then I said this one wasn’t clean, without any apologies, the waiter changed to another one, without putting on my table, and just pass it to me arrogantly. It feels like that I owe him something because I didn’t initially agree to their seat arrangement. We also had to ask for another set of utensil because they didn’t even provide initially. No water/napkin refills. No asking if we are doing ok. I lowered my tip to only 10% but to be honest I’m still regretting that.
Food: 4 out of 5 stars the food is good for people who cannot eat too spicy Environment: 3 out of 5 stars because it’s decorated well but you cannot choose where to sit, especially if you disagree, 5 waiters will come by and “persuade” you to sit where they arranged Service: 0 out of 5 stars based on my 10+ times there, with family or friends or children Baby/young kids friendly: not really, they need to sit besides the isle where they serve the food, I feel very uncomfortable and insecure since the food is supposed to be at a very high temperature Overall: 2...
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