Bà Nội — Restaurant in Toronto

Banoi 4/5

Cool little walk in and take out bakery based on Bloor between Christie and Ossington stations. I've had a couple of their loaves, their butter tarts, a hot dog bun and their chocolate chip cookie. Their loaves are great imo, crunchy outside with a fluffy inside. I think their prices for their loaves aren't very student friendly. But they sometimes have day old loaves that were priced at 3 dollars, and they are definitely better than every and any other bread you could buy in a supermarket. The price I see for their same day loaves are similar to the price you'll see at any other bakery in the city putting up a similar product. The hot dog bun was great, I am a big fan of woof dawg hotdog and I believe they use their hotdog in the bun. The bread component of the hot dog bun is better than any you'll find in Chinatown. And while it was good, I kinda feel like it was too good for what I want from a hot dog bun. Like I want my hot dog bun a little trashy, but that's probably just me. The chocolate chip cookie I found to be great, big and small pieces of chocolate throughout the cookie. But I think there was a little too much flaky salt on the top of mine. The butter tarts were the best I've ever had, super gooey in the middle and the salt on top of these are necessary I think. The dude who runs the place is cool every time I came through and it's mostly just a go in, get what I want and get out...

Another local pandemic success story in my book. A brilliant pivot because of the pandemic. An Tran had plans to open his café & restaurant. He shifted to a pickup window because of all the COVID restrictions. It’s a mix of his experience and his Vietnamese roots (which resonate very strongly with me). Honestly, everything he makes is fantastic. His sourdough is the very best I’ve had in Toronto so far - it’s bouncy and chewy on the inside, and crispy without being too hard on the outside. It’s a work of art. He really is Toronto’s Bread Whisperer - as The Toronto Star wrote earlier this year.

His butter tarts are next-level (I typically don’t love butter tarts - but his insanely crispy pastry and extremely rich filling with great touches of salt make it next level).

His Vietnamese pâté are both nostalgic and exciting for me - bringing me a taste reminiscent of my childhood. And during the holidays, I was lucky enough to snag one of his artisanal panettone. I didn’t know I could love panettone that much, basically.

He continually adds new/seasonable offerings - like his Cheese Bread and his Breakfast Bread, both of which are outstanding! I highly recommend them both.

And when we’re past this whole pandemic, I have a feeling his future restaurant will easily become one of my faves in the city.

Make sure to follow him on Instagram (@banoi_toronto) to stay updated on...

We were walking along Bloor west when we noticed a long lineup of people at an open storefront window, but, didn't notice what the lineup was for. On our way back there was still a lineup so we decided to ask what the hype was about. I was told that people are waiting for "the world's best sourdough bread". Intrigued, I linedup, also. When someone makes a statement like that, you have to try for yourself. Yup, she was right! I've eaten sourdough bread in many European countries and this was better than any I've ever had; it reminded me a lot of the bread my grandmother used to make, but, better! It has a fantastic crunchy crust with a fluffy but substantial interior. And, the smell of this bread is mouthwatering...OMG, this bread is the stuff that dreams are made of. Hubby also got a couple of tarts that were buttery goodness and oh so sinful, he said. I must add that the owner we met today, An (which I have nicknamed "the bread master"), is a top notch gentleman with impeccable customer care skills; nicest vendor I have ever met! Run to this place on the weekend and try it out before An, sells out...you won't be sorry! Oh, I failed to mention that it is a good idea to place an order beforehand and it will be ready for you to pick up, if you want ensure that you get some goodies! Just...