Today, I am thrilled to talk about DaiLo, a modern, uber flavourful restaurant that cooks French-inspired Chinese food with a nod to the Chef’s Hakka heritage.
But what truly makes DaiLo special? Short answer: It’s owned by one of the most inspirational Chefs in Canada, who has set the Toronto foodie world spinning! He’s been featured in editorials, media stories, and even gave a TED talk!
*Image courtesy of @NinjaChef on Insta, with thanks!
• His name? Nick Liu.
• His passion? Taking traditional Asian dishes that he grew up with and using the best local ingredients to create something new.
• How would he describe his food? New Asian cuisine
• What his food is not: Fusion! (It’s one of Liu’s pet peeves)
• His inspiration? His Auntie Grace, who in 10-minutes was able to create a six-course gourmet meal that could rival any top Chef in the world. His grandmother also inspired him growing up seeing as she taught him to reconnect with his culture through her delicious recipes.
In his early years, Chef Liu, who goes by @ninjachef on Instagram, travelled the world to elevate his culinary skills, and if you ever tasted his dishes, you’ll know that those skills paid off in a big way because Liu is a genius when it comes to his cuisine.
DaiLo was even once named by BlogTO as one of the Best New Restaurants in Toronto, and even made Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants list.
*Image courtesy of BlogTO, with thanks.
Located on the south side of College Street between Markham Street and Palmerston Avenue, a spot that has featured some spectacular dining destinations like Ellipsis and Grace over the years – DaiLo seems understated and unassuming… but once inside, it is anything but! This is an exquisitely crafted space where fun Asian and western forms and styles are blended in a tongue-in-cheek manner, creating a colourful and engaging atmosphere. As a designer myself, I was interested to discover that the main floor was imagined and executed by Solid Design & Build creative design firm; they have put many commercial and residential spaces on the map. This also means that once the pandemic is over, you must go dine in to experience their incredible space!
*Photo courtesy of DaiLo, with thanks.
When it comes to their menu, we would obviously recommend that you try everything…and guess what, there are At-Home Tasting menus available for order!
But if you decide to order “A la carte”, then without a doubt, you must try DaiLo’s delicious Vegan Sweet and Sour Cauliflower dish that comes with truffle fried rice, or if you’re in the mood for burgers, then you will LOVE DaiLo’s Big Mac Bao (Steamed flour bun stuffed with ground beef, house processed cheese, pickle. Served with the Chef’s Secret Sauce). If really hungry, do what I do and order two, as seen in the photo below!
*Photo courtesy of @NinjaChef
And if you find yourself craving DaiLo, but you’re on the other side of town in Davisville, the good news is that DaiLo now offers Pop-Up Noodles out of the Hot Black Coffee shop (located at 1993 Yonge St.) Stop by takeout or delivery every Thursdays through Sundays from 5:30pm to 9:30pm.
Photo courtesy of DaiLo
DaiLo
503 College St, Toronto
Takeout: Tuesdays to Sundays from 4pm – 9:30pm
Delivery: Tuesdays to Sundays from 4:30pm – 9:30pm
I highly recommend you venture to College Street to experience some choice cafes and restaurants!
Happy Eats, everyone!!
*Title Image courtesy of DaiLo, with thanks!
How great would it be to have such fab fare just steps from home? If you lived at 200 Clinton – The Button Factory – you’d be only minutes away! In fact, we’re proud to have just brought to market #3 (for the first time in 17 years!), which is a 1bed+den unit now offered for sale at $1.569,000! We call it, An Authentic Brick & Beam Loft Townhouse In Little Italy’s Button Factory. Take a peek – it’s GORGEOUS!!
Want to see this beauty in person? Contact Steven Fudge: steve@urbaneer.com.
Are you planning to sell your home- today or down the road? With my finger on the pulse of the market today, as well as a shrewd and strategic of profitably real estate ownership for the future, we are here to help!
My team and I are here to help!
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Thanks for reading!
-The Urbaneer Team
Steven Fudge, Sales Representative
& The Innovative Urbaneer Team
Bosley Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage – (416) 322-800
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Celebrating Twenty-Eight Years As A Top-Producing Toronto Realtor
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*Love Canadian Housing? Check out Steve’s University Student Mentorship site called Houseporn.ca which focuses on architecture, landscape, design, products and real estate in Canada.