Hot Star toronto

Long line-ups at Taiwanese fried chicken chain Hot-Star

Hot-Star Large Fried Chicken has arrived in Toronto and at less than a week old the 16-seat take out counter is already commanding long lines. It's reminiscent of the Uncle Tetsu phenomenon that took place only a few blocks away.

When I visited today at the tail end of lunch hour, the lines weren't snaking out the door, though a cordoned off area along the front window was ready should it come to that. Even still I waited 25 minutes from entering the building to picking up my fried chicken.

Half of the time was spent waiting to order, and only once I reached the cashier did I learn that almost the entire menu was either sold out (no deep fried king oyster mushrooms for me) or yet to launch (too bad plum sweet potatoes).

Hot Star toronto

So I ate the original chicken. Just chicken. Out of a paper sleeve with nothing on the side.

Hot Star toronto

Would you queue up for fried chicken? Let us know in the comments.


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Eat & Drink

Closure of Toronto restaurant after 70 years signals change for neighbourhood

Toronto neighbourhood getting much-needed grocery store after years of vacancy

Toronto store known for its fresh seafood announces sudden closure

Canadians call out Loblaw in the latest case of alleged grocery shrinkflation

Toronto restaurant named after its street and address is moving

Toronto restaurant exits high-profile new food hall

Here's when Toronto's new Shake Shack location will open

Major Canadian companies allegedly involved in vast 'potato cartel'