The Union Station Food Court is a much-anticipated step into the future for Union station, gathering 10 vendors in one location.

While there are still big chain options like McDonald’s and Pizza Pizza like there always have been, these have been optimized with self-serve kiosks, and there are lots of established independent local vendors to choose from as well.

The 25,000-square-foot subterranean space designed by Partisans (Bar Raval) in collaboration with Dialog and GH+A is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The HVAC system is built into cloud-like ceiling fixtures and svelte standing room ledges are equipped with outlets.

Here are the restaurants in the Union Station Food Court.

Bangkok Buri

By the same people behind Khao San Road, expect noodles and curries, $11 with chicken, tofu or veg and $13 with steak or shrimp. Steak red curry is deeply flavourful, beyond the average takeout joint or food court, the bowl loaded up with sweet potato, red pepper, chili, red pepper, chili, Thai basil, pineapple, lime leaf, cabbage and Thai chili.

Scaccia

Sicilian pizza dough flatbreads stuffed with meats, cheeses and veggies are baked on-site here. Non-meat options like breakfast or chickpea are $8.25, meat options like grilled chicken with veggies, cheeseburger or turkey and potato going for $8.95.

Loaded Pierogi

Potato dumplings with zany toppings combinations like Montreal smoked meat ($15) with caramelized onions, mustard and a pickle or Buffalo chicken ($13.50) with ranch, sour cream and green onion are available here. If you’re passing through frequently, take note of their daily specials and loyalty card.

Shanghai 360

This hot table offers typical assembly-line-style comfort combos of meat, veggies and fried rice or noodles, dim sum items like dumplings and noodle soups with BBQ duck or shrimp wontons, all for under 10 bucks.

Sushi Shop

Convenient takeaway trays from this chain are around $15, but there’s also a made-to-order sushi bar with everything from simple avocado rolls ($3.75) to options like the Cherry Blossom ($9.50) with shrimp, light cream cheese, red masago, spicy light mayo, lettuce, tempura, green onion and rice paper.

Roywoods

This jerk spot with both a Fort York takeout and Ossington sit-down location does jerk, BBQ or fried chicken sandwiches with a pop for $10, or meats in combo plates or by the half pound.

Paramount

Build your own boxes and wraps with proteins of shawarma, falafel and ground beef skewers at the Union Food Court outpost of this popular Middle Eastern chain.