GunGun Rice Noodle is a must-add to your list of hot Toronto restaurants, especially if you're a noodle enthusiast seeking an explosion of flavours.

This noodle house near Yonge and Wellesley from owners Vanessa Li and Chef Dan Li is packed with a menu inspired by their childhoods in China.

The couple met through mutual friends when Vanessa moved here from BC to study at U of T, and now, two years later, they're stirring up magic in this little noodle heaven.

During the pandemic, Chef Dan was operating a ghost kitchen, experimenting with noodles, and it was a big hit.

That's when the dream of opening their own noodle house came alive, a dream that's now reality with GunGun Rice Noodle.

Their menu is a love letter to their childhoods in China. Chef Dan grew up next door to a noodle house, and those memories fuel the authenticity of each dish. Using fresh ingredients with a sprinkle of European fusion, every bite here tells a story.

A bowl brimming with rice noodles is a simple yet profound thing. Each bowl is topped with tofu skin, tofu puffs, kelp, quail eggs, chives, and bok choy, creating a flavourful addition to each unique bowl of noodles.

Chef Dan's go-to is the Original Chicken Broth ($13.99). Its blend of simple traditional chicken broth, robust ground pork, and traditional fixings is a comforting reminder of growing up with that cozy noodle house next door.

Their vision for authenticity led them back to China, exploring regional noodle styles and identifying ingredients that would resonate with Toronto's diverse palates. 

The Tomato ($13.99) and Crispy Pork Tomato ($16.99) might raise eyebrows, but one taste and any skepticism just melts away, unveiling a rich tapestry of sundried tomatoes, fried tofu puffs, shrimp paste, and fresh bok choy.

Vanessa and Chef Dan agree that the Crispy Pork Spicy Pickle ($16.99) takes the spotlight at GunGun. It's an irresistible blend of northern Chinese spice and tangy pickles that even non-spice lovers like me can't resist.

Every order of noodles is served in traditional-style bowls, custom-made for GunGun in a quaint Chinese village and a nostalgic reminder of Vanessa's grandmother's kitchen.

When designing the interior, the couple chose a minimalist vibe with wood accents and stunning wooden chairs imported from China, keeping the focus where it truly belongs - on the vibrant, breathtakingly colourful dishes.

GunGun's menu is a culinary symphony that extends beyonds noodles though. Shredded juicy pork embraced by a crispy homemade bun, the Braised Pork Belly Bun ($6.99) is simplicity at its best.

Not being a huge lover of eggs, I didn't expect to enjoy the Grilled Buckwheat Noodle ($6.99) as much as I did, but I found myself devouring this simple and comforting appetizer topped with fresh red peppers and red onions. 

A light and crispy bun loaded with succulent fried chicken, fresh lettuce, and a sweet-savoury sauce makes GunGun's Fried Chicken Bun ($6.99) just absolute perfection.

So, if you're up for a noodle adventure that dances on your taste buds, GunGun Rice Noodle is more than a restaurant; it's a journey through authentic Chinese flavours and memories, all served in a bowl.

GunGun Rice Noodle is located at 565 Yonge St.