Sugar Marmalade (Downtown Toronto) 糖记甜品 — Restaurant in Toronto

I've been to the Sugar Marmalade location at Midland a few times, and coming to this downtown location was certainly a good time! The space is a bit cramped and all, being a downtown space in the heart of Chinatown - so expect the walkway to be a bit narrow. Despite that, the seating is spacious and comfortable, with enough privacy in each booth. There is also complimentary wifi that you can access by checking out the paper posters they have put up above specific booths.

The way you order is a bit novel for me, but it was doable after some trial and error. You can the QR code, available in your booth, and are subsequently taken to their website where you are able to browse their menu. It is here you can customize your food accordingly with the given options - I chose a Mango Shaved Ice with coconut noodles and mango pieces. If I can recall correctly, I also had to make an account to order - which was a bit tedious, but it was okay.

That being said, at the time we went, the dishwasher was out of service, so my shaved ice was served in a takeout box - which did hinder the visual aesthetic of the dessert, but was neglible to me, as the server had been kind to alert us in advance. The food was delicious, and you very much get a hefty dessert that was very very filling, that I ended up splitting with friends. I would suggest having something else to balance the shaved ice as it can be very cold, and very sweet - and because the portions are so generous, it can be overwhelming. I would suggest getting something savoury, or anything else really, to help.

I would definitely recommend this place, as it is a lovely spot with great portions, great taste, and a nice private booth to speak with friends. Customer service is also great, and with such an expansive menu, you're certain to find something...

The place is narrow and there’s a corridor that runs from inside the mall and also a direct entrance from outside. We were able to find seating on a sunday evening fairly quickly, not a lot of people there.

You have to scan a QR code to browse the menu and place your order. You also for some reason need to put in your cell phone number and some personal details, which in my opinion should never be necessary to order food anywhere in person.

The server brought out water, but aside from running our dishes and cashing us out, not really much interaction there since we order for ourselves. The water bottle they brought over to serve water also had a dirty lid which was a bit unsettling.

I just got a bubble tea pudding and my friend got a black sesame hot soup. I think it took about 20 minutes for the food to come which was a bit frustrating considering what we ordered.

The pudding is fine, but definitely nothing special. The boba tasted not so fresh and had an odd texture - a bit more of a bite to it than i’m used to.

The place also serves savoury dishes like fried chicken, etc. I just find it a bit of a turn off smelling fried foods when you’re eating desserts. Maybe to some people they’re fine with that mix - but when you’re inhaling the air of frying oil and chicken while trying to eat a dessert, it’s not the most appetizing experience.

The place looks run down and it definitely doesn’t give off a vibe of a well-kept, and clean environment. You kind of try to focus on your booth to get over it. Even our table seemed like it wasn’t clean when we sat down. There’s clutter and cleaning chemicals on the same shelves where food is being served.

So, yeah. Not a place I...

I have dined here 2 times during 2 different occasions. First was to try their dessert offerings, and the second one was to sample their savory meal offerings. Both times were good and memorable experiences.

What stands out right away is the look and feel of the place. It is properly furnished and curated. There were enough seating to host the volume of customers. It was also a perfect idea to have a remote button to call the waiter to order, to pay, or for all other service requests since the place's floor plan is long and narrow.

Last couple of things is that the food menu is expertly and professionally crafted, and the actual food you select and order comes out the same way it shows. Food presentation is excellent.

What just puts me off and what I have observed both times I was here was the level of service you receive could be better. The servers were too dependent on the remote button ringing. Even then by beeping them, you do not get a prompt response. Waiting times are longer than acceptable. The servers also do not routinely walk around and see if there is any assistance they can provide or if there are any glass of water that can be refilled.

Lastly, it is inconvenient that they do not have tap and credit card available as modes of payment. It says so in the written sign they have by the counter. That is a case of false...