Lee Chen Asian Bistro — Restaurant in Toronto

Lee Chen Asian Bistro was once my favorite Chinese/Taiwanese restaurant. I gave it 5 stars in heart many years ago. However, after I change from noodle soup into dishes, I met more problem on the food from this restaurant. I compare this restaurant with another nearby Asian restaurant "Springroll" (only cross Bloor street). I really like the taste of food from Lee Chen. It is very authentic Chinese Food. But, I don't know why, the food got me sick (stomach pain, and lazy feeling) many times in the past, at least, 6 visits. But, I had never got sick from Springroll, although, Springroll's food is not real Chinese food (it is just Asian style). I am not someone who likes to go to cheap restaurant. Lee Chen is 15%-25% more costly than Springroll. I thought Lee Chen's quality will be better from the beginning. But, if Lee Chen's food got me sick and sick, again and again. Then, I have to stop going to Lee Chen. Springroll had never got me sick, to be honest. I think, the oil, or sauce, or additive, Lee Chen used in food is the cause of my sickness. It is well known that Chinese restaurants are used to using "whatever" to make the food taste wonderful. The "whatever" is the real problem. It broke the last stalk of trust. Maybe, I should give Lee Chen more chance on noodles. ????? Maybe. I will not go back to Lee Chen, after it makes me sick for sequential 6 times. Unless, Springroll was closed. Springroll is run by an international team. The mutual supervision and monitoring makes the standard of ethics on food a little bit higher, in deed.

The additives in Chinese Food is notorious. Similar to...

The food is just ok. I tried a variety of dishes and found them to be quite one dimensional in flavour and many times more on the oily side. What I appreciated was that the noodles had a good texture to them, quite different from any other Chinese place I've had (more like a ramen or hand-pulled noodle type of elasticity/firmness to them). In particular, the peanut sesame noodles were quite good, but everything else was pretty standard.

If I could, I'd give this place a 7/10, but I've decided to round up because of the great service there. It isn't particularly fancy or over-the-top, but the servers are all quite pleasant and courteous, especially for Chinese restaurant standards. We had someone celebrating their birthday in our group, and they happily accommodated our cake and even presented a complimentary dessert. They were also good with splitting the bill for us.

The decor and vibe of the place are excellent as well. I always appreciate a place with an open kitchen. The food isn't quite to my liking but that's perhaps because it is a different style of Chinese cuisine from what I'm accustomed to. Overall, I'd still say the place is worth checking out if you've never...

Lee Chen at Yonge & Bloor delivers a polished yet comforting Chinese dining experience with genuine attention to flavor and detail. The space is warm and modern—wood tones, soft lighting, and thoughtful seating create an inviting atmosphere in midtown Toronto. 

I started with their renowned xiao long bao—delicate wrappers filled with savory broth that bursts perfectly with each bite. Redditors even call it “the best xiao long bao in the downtown area”   . I also had the Dong Po Rou (crystal pork belly), which was unctuously tender without being greasy—again, praised widely online .

Other standouts included salt & pepper chicken (crispy and juicy), scallion pancake (flaky layers), and hot & sour soup (well-balanced tang and spice) .

Service was friendly and attentive—even at off-peak hours, staff greeted us warmly and guided menu choices  . Portions strike that sweet spot: generous but not overwhelming—great for sharing a variety of dishes. 

If you want flavorful, meticulously prepared Chinese dishes—especially soup dumplings and pork belly—Lee Chen Yonge is a top-tier choice in...