What’s your Montreal restaurant red flag? Word of mouth? Could it be a dirty washroom? Google reviews of 3 stars or less? Restaurants “reviewed” by influencers with “DM for COLLAB” in their bios? It’s tough finding diamonds int he rough without going to experience a place for myself. I recently discovered my Montreal restaurant GREEN flag. Something that someone else might deem as a red flag is something I actually appreciate. I asked the waitress for suggestions and not only did she suggest their specialty items, but literally told me to AVOID certain dishes on their menu. This week’s hidden gem, I venture into Little Maghreb for some awesome Chinese food at Restaurant Kim Jian.
cambodian
I love when people let me know of good spots to eat. Be it hole-in-the-wall gems, lesser known eateries, or even up and coming places, I appreciate them all. I’ve said it time and time again, you can walk 15 minutes in any direction in any neighbourhood and find a great place to eat. One oh those neighbourhoods being Saint-Michel. From Chinese fondue at Kim Long, Portuguese chicken at O Cantinho or regional nissan cuisine at Thai Sep, this hood has it all. After I was obsessing (I still obsess) about my favorite banh mi spot in St. Michel Sandwicherie Sue someone informed me about Sak’s Sandwicherie. I was told that they’re another solid spot for legit banh mi and that I had to go try. Boy were they were wrong.
What do you consider “street food”? Dirty water street meat from New York? Our version of food trucks that situate themselves in random spots around the city? Or street hawker stalls usually operated by an auntie who’s last fuck she gave was in the late 80s, manipulating a fiery wok and bubbling cauldron wearing flip-flops? Unfortunately for us, we do not have the luxury of food hawkers and the romantic image of curb-side noodles and spicy grilled something-something like in Asia. However, we are lucky enough to be home of some of the most creative culinary minds to realize those dreams in their own ways. First it was Singaporean satay and laksa, now, Cambodian fish amok, sausages and men siam. Make your reservations immediately for Les Street Monkeys.