Village by the Grange is Toronto's underrated food court
The Village by the Grange food court is a busy place during lunch time, full of OCAD students, office workers and anyone else who stumbles upon it. Aside from the huge neon sign that hangs above the doors, you might not even know this huge food court at the corner of McCaul and Dundas West existed, right beside the AGO.
Take a step inside and see what this hidden food world has to offer.
Fiesta Burrito
Fiesta Burrito is putting a spin on the traditional burrito, by giving it a Korean twist. Change up your burrito or bowl by adding their Korean barbeque beef or spicy pork. They also have a ton of other burrito filling options.
Karine's
Who doesn't like an all day breakfast? Karine's is dishing up a variety of breakfast and lunch options including waffles, eggs, soups, salads and smoothies. They have a ton of vegetarian and vegan choices as well.
Mean Bao
Dim sum, hotplates and Bao or steamed buns will fillings, are flying off the counter here. With fillings like pork belly and braised beef their Baos are definitely the most popular item here with other interesting fusion food options as well.
Manpuku
This spot in the food court is less of a hot table style take-out spot and more of a sit in restaurant, although they do have to-go options as well. Among their variety of home-style Japanese eats, udon noodle soups are what's popular at this spot including their curry udon soup and the Niku beef udon.
Bon Gung Sushi Cafe
If you're in the mood for sushi, Bon Gung has you covered. They offer a variety of ready made maki but also hot meals such as teriyaki or ramen, with chicken katsu being their most popular.
Pho Express
Noodle soups are a great way to warm up during the winter months. If you aren't in the mood for soup, they have veggie and meat plate combinations. For 14 years they've been serving up chicken and pork dishes as well as their different flavours of pho.
Helena's Magic Kitchen
This comfort food kitchen makes home-style foods such as meatloaf, pierogies or stuffed chicken breast. If you opt for the combination plate you'll get a little bit of everything. They've been cooking up their variety of quiches for 11 years at the Grange. You'll have to check it out yourself to see what's so magical about this place.
The Fresh Italian Eatery
As the lone Italian food stop in the food court, The Fresh Italian Eatery is the place to go for Italian comfort food with a menu full of hot Italian sandwiches and pastas. Their eggplant or chicken parmesan sandwiches are their most popular items.
C&L Tea House
With tapioca or without and what flavour of tea are the only questions you have to answer here. OCAD students must really like bubble tea, as this place has been pumping our their famous mango teas for seven years now.
Coffee Exchange
This coffee joint is the go-to spot for your caffeine fix at the Grange. They've been serving up lattes, coffees, espresso and a variety of baked goods for a long time now. Bagels and coffees are the go to option for customers here.
Cheery Garden
Although they are hidden away in the corner of the food court, their bright green exterior entices you closer. While their most popular dish is mango chicken, they serve up other Thai dishes as well.
Est West
Whether you're in the mood for a sandwich or a mixed plate of noodles and veggies, Est West has you covered. Fillings such as chicken breast or tuna have been their most ordered sandwiches during their six years at the Grange.
Shawarma & Falafel Place
Shawarma wraps literally have a bit of everything in them, so what's not to like? Make it a plate instead with a side of rice or potatoes for a more filling option. Create your own wrap with the classic chicken shawarma, falafel or beef shawarma and mix and match with their variety of toppings.
Tasty Chinese Food
Sometimes you're in the mood for Chinese food but don't want to fuss with navigating complicated take out menus. With everything laid out in front of you at Tasty Chinese Food, choose what you're in the mood for whether that be noodles, mixed veggies or the staple honey garlic chicken.
Souvlaki House
There are few better things than a full souvlaki dinner. Souvlaki House doesn't just accompany your chicken souvlaki or gyro with the same old rice and potatoes. They've added other options for sides such as beans, fries, soups, poutine and of course Greek salad.
Thai Bright
Noodles, chili chicken or a variety of veggies on a bed of rice are some of the options they have on offer at Thai Bright.
Wafflian
Let your sweet tooth take over and indulge at Wafflian. With a range of sweet and savoury crepes, shaved ice and delicious cupcakes, this place is one to check out for dessert. Oreo cupcakes, strawberry Nutella crepes or waffles are just some of the flavour options here.
Wow Kfood
This Korean food spot has ready to-go sushi rolls available as well as a variety of hot dishes like bulgogi - a marinated beef dish, interesting options such as deep fried squid or the classic mixed rice dish - bibimbap.
Photos by Hector Vasquez.
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