Best chinese BBQ Pork

[minto]

Where can I find the best tasting BBQ Pork to take home? And soy sauce chicken wings?

[ensaymada]

I like the ones at Mike's BBQ. Half lean, half fat.

As for roast pig - siu yok - what do you call the best part of the pig? The part they serve a banquets

[TorontoTips]

Hey Kids!
Just wanted to throw in my Two-Cents...
After recommendations from Chow, I took on the parking challenge and hit Johns for their Half-Fat Char Siu. My review - meh!
It was good, but not great. In fact I found the pork itself kind of dry. I didn't try the Roast Pork.

Personally, I still like the BBQ pork from He He Long at Leslie & Finch better, reminds me of what 'the Jug' used to be like moist inside , yet caramelized and sticky - plus He He Long make a great BBQ chicken leg too, plus they have that yummy green-onion sauce/relish. :-) Don't bother with the roast pork though - theirs tends to be weak, with too much wobbly fat under the crispy skin - Ho-Ho BBQ Is still awesome for Roast Pork.
Cheers,
.James.

[Charles Yu]

I believe fellow chowhounders who recommended the Char Sui at John's refer to the special 'dine-in' version, aka ' King of Char Sui' , rather than the over the counter ones! Its like commenting on the Toyota Camry when in fact we are talking about the Lexus ES350!

[BLM]

Could you describe 'King of Char Sui?' How is it different from their over the counter version? I've only tried their over the counter version(half fat, half lean, if I remember correctly). I'm from out-of-town.

[Charles Yu]

A picture beats a thousand words!
This is a 'cook to order' dish. Hence the 20+ minutes wait time. Only the best 'centre cut' of the pork filet is used. Also guarantee part lean and fatty offering. Extra sauce is provided. Meat arrived at table hot ( unlike cool to luke-warm takeout version )

[applesolutely]

Really great ...slightly better than Kom Jug but a little more coin. Still cheapo tho.
Not too dry.
I would also say T&T market ...cheap fresh and the biggest portion size in the city.

[prima]

Agree that the bbq pork at John's is super awesome.

-----
John's Chinese BBQ Restaurant
328 Hwy 7, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 1A1, CA

[TorontoJo]

Are you referring to the "special" BBQ pork or the roast pork with crispy skin at John's (since we had both!)?

In addition to trying both types of pork at John's, we also (in the name of furthering the chowhound knowledge base) did a direct comparison of the roast pork at John's BBQ to the roast pork at Ho Ho BBQ. John's won by a fair mile. More flavourful, less dry, better texture overall.

Here's a photo of the fatty, crispy, succulent goodness of John's roast pork.

[pinstripeprincess]

i adored the roast pork, great flavour, good tenderness... it was on the lesser side of salt but i could still do with even less.

i had the cha siu for the second time and the first time really was terribly unremarkable leaning on a big meh, this time was much better but i was still looking for more flavour, more oomph.... unfortunately the best i've had was home made and i won't be able to get it again.

[skylineR33]

2 questions on the cha siu you have at John's :

- Do you order "King of Cha Siu" or just cha siu ?
- Is it Eat-in or Take-out ?

[TorontoJo]

We ate in. And it was the cha siu special -- it took 15 minutes to prepare and was $18. Not sure if that is the same as the dish that Charles describes above: "honey glazed pork fillet- char siu style".

[pinstripeprincess]

"special" and only fatty... server seemed to reassure us it was the one we wanted and not listed on the menus they gave us. it was less fatty than the first time i tried it and that was definitely the right one because i went with chester elegante. we certainly paid the right price for it.

we ate at the restaurant.

the texture was was fine, though i wished for the really nice crispy ends they sometimes can have. it was a good distinct honey laquering but it was very mildly spiced/flavoured and so at times too sweet... not of course helped by the sweet beans served with it.

[skylineR33]

TorontoJo and pinstripeprincess, the one you have is their "King of Cha Siu". It used to be better in quality and require advance notice to order before it gets famous. However, now it has a much higher demand, and becomes more inconsistent depends on if you gets a good cut or not. Still, I find it to be the best I can find in GTA area.

[prima]

I was referring to the "special" BBQ pork aka King of Cha Siu. Agree that the roast pork with the supercrispy skin was outstanding.

[ensaymada]

this does look good.

has anyone tried Mike's BBQ's roast pork? Brimley and Sheppard - same plaza as td bank

[MeXx]

Tried out John's BBQ and will say it was excellent! Dad was a little skeptical, but after the first bite of roasted pork, he was a happy camper! Subsequent diners and take-away patrons ordered something from the BBQ division so we knew we had chosen right. Thanks for the suggestion CH'ers.

Must try Excellent BBQ next time.

[spech]

I don't know if there's been a change in ownership in the past few days or something, but I have to say that I was not too pleased with John's BBQ on my first (and only) visit there. We ordered takeout BBQ pork yesterday and were very disappointed at the service we received, and also the the pork itself. My mom wanted one of the ones hanging in the window, but the guy behind the counter said that she was to get the ones behind the counter (soaked in a tub of sauce) instead. When she protested and motioned to leave, he relented and said she could pick one of the hanging ones. So she made her selection, and he quickly dunked it into the starchy sauce, swishing it around so that it would be nice and covered with the sauce (and also mixing it up with the other pieces already there), and of course, also making it heavier on the scale. We tried it when we got home, and found it to be too salty (too much sauce) and a bit dry (perhaps why there was a need for the sauce?).

Very disappointing for us, as we were hoping to find a good replacement to our dearly departed Good Harvest BBQ (at Market Village).

[aser]

That is what they do, their strong point is their sauce. A lot of people even ask for extra sauce just so you know.

[spech]

That's interesting. I had no idea. Not my kind of BBQ pork then.

[Charles Yu]

Agree with Aser's reply.
In fact, most outfits that sell this type of Cantonese b-b-q pork advertise them as ' Honey sauce Char Sui ( b-b-q pork )' with emphasis placed on the sauce. ( actually just a concoction of the herbs and spice laddened dripping and honey ).

[spech]

Thanks for the explanation, Charles. Then does anyone have any recommendations for the "non drippy" type of BBQ pork? I find the sauce too salty in general. When I used to buy char sui elsewhere, I'd always tell them to hold the sauce.

[Charles Yu]

Excellent B-B-Q inside Richlane Mall on 16th Avenue and Leslie offers some decent B-B-Q product inclding the pork. Just tell the owner/chef to 'Hold the sauce'!! when buying.
Good Luck!!

[spech]

Thanks, Charles. I'll give them a try!

[jayt90]

Spech, you may be looking for roast pork.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sifu_ren...

It is crispy, fatty, and served with rice , soggy vegs, and a bland soup at Ho Ho, 3833 Midland Avenue. The sides are nothing compared to the pork. There is no gloopy sauce. Their BBQ pork is dry by comparison, but the flickr photo (not mine) is a really accurate description of their best dish.

[spech]

Thanks for the suggestion, jayt90, but I do really want BBQ pork. Not really into the crispy pork skin thing, although that pic does make it look very appetizing!

[aser]

Kum Hong down the street pours on the sauce post weighing, and their saucing is much lighter than John's. You can ask for no sauce I'm sure but personally I prefer it with. Keeps the meat more moist.

Kum Hong is in the plaza on Valleymede w/ McDonald's and O'Mei.

[LTL]

I am definitely looking for roast pork. My family usually buys a whole roast suckling pig every few months and are looking for new suggestions (we have a car so travel is no issue). Criteria: crispy skin, juicy pork meat, good not too salty seasoning.

[Charles Yu]

"Peak Top' First Markham Place! Need to order in advance to ensure availability!

[LTL]

Thanks, Charles. I'm assuming when you say order, you mean ordering the whole pig like I usually do..? Do you know if they also have suckling pigs, and if so at what cost?

[Charles Yu]

Yup! I was actually referring to ordering the whole suckling pig in advance. Around $150 depending on size. Every weekend, they do offer their suckling pig for sale to the public on a first come first serve basis. Usually, gone within an eyeblink. You can try calling and reserve a portion?! Unsure whether they would accept though?!

[LTL]

No problem. I will go the whole hog (weak pun intended). Will try this next time my parents are in town and report back.

[LovelyAsia]

Came to this thread searching for the name of the brown sauce (think it might be sweet bean or hoisin or something similar) that is served with Chinese Roast Pork (Siu Yolk)

And the name of the ginger and scallions in oil?

My dentist is in First Markham Place, so I want to try some of the BBQ places recommended here, but I always have problems when asking for the sauces - which are part of the experience for me! The last time I tried to ask for some at the place in the same mall as Ambassador, the lady just kept talking to me in Chinese and I kept saying I only speak English. :)

Can anyone help with phonetic pronuncation for these names?

Also, how do you say half fat / half lean?

Thanks!

[aser]

siu yuk is served w/ hoisin sauce.

half fat half leen = boon fay boon sau

ginger scallion = 薑蔥油 geung chung yau

[LovelyAsia]

Thanks so much Aser!

[William Taft]

In all of the GTA:

Zhong's in the First Markham Place food court.

Downtown:

Goldstone Noodle. Others may disagree, but there's something unique about theirs that I really like.. I think it's extra anise in the marinade. very tasty

Kom jug sucks.

[Charles Yu]

"In ALL of the GTA" - Zhong's in First Markham Place food court for BEST B-B-Q pork???!!!
I hope you are just JOKING??!!

The pork there not only looked unappealing but tasted dry with flavour nothing close to the great 'authentic' Hong Kong version which most foodies used as reference yardstick! Peaktop in the same plaza offers a much better version!

BTW, to make such BOLD statement, have you tried the 'king of B-B-Q pork' at John's B-B-Q on Hwy#7??!! Currently, John's version is the yardstick used by other ' Chinese food foodie experts such as skylineR33, Aser, Royaljelly, Chester Elegante....etc when comparing and discussing B-B-Q pork quality!!

[Wil]

I love when Charles gets indignant :)

But I agree, Zhongs is faaar from the best in Toronto. Passable, but as Charles said, might as well walk over to Peaktop for much better quality.

[William Taft]

Um I didn't mean that I had tried all of the places in the GTA, I was just dividing between downtown and the burbs.

It wasn't meant to be a bold statement. Thanks for jumping down my throat, though

[red dragon]

Thanks William. Personally, we've been to Zhong's many times and find it's just ok, if we're in the area, but wouldn't go out of our way for their food. Strange thing also, everytime we've been there (in the past), the rice is always too watery/gluey, I think they must be in a rush and the rice isn't cooked properly. Just our opinion.

[red dragon]

Since this post started in 2008, does anyone have any updates, but in "Scarborough"? We used to buy from the plaza at Sheppard/Glen Watford. Somthing Lechon was in the name, but it's gone downhill.

[red dragon]

Disregard my post above, just saw a few updated recommendations.

[duckdown]

I went to the Sam Woo in Mississauga last year to try some of this BBQ pork that's supposedly very good, but once I got home I realised what they gave me was some pork drowned the pork in a thick brown sauce, definitely not what I wanted. What am I supposed to ask for if I want to try this crispy BBQ pork? and what else should I ask for with it, to make a meal out of it? some kind of fried rice or something?

-----
Sam Woo Restaurant
660 Eglinton Ave W, Mississauga, ON L5R3V2, CA

[Charles Yu]

The pork with the crispy skin is ' roast ' pork. ( Siu Yolk ) The lacquered colour is the ' sweet ' B.B.Q pork ( Char Siu ).
Any kind of carbs. and may be a veggie side dish would be nice.
Have fun!!

[duckdown]

Thanks Charles -- I wonder what the heck they gave me last time then? It was a thick brown gloopy sauce served over some kind of fried noodles, if my memory serves me correctly. But the pork was already mixed into this container of "brown sauce" so I didn't get the real experience.. I need to make sure they don't give me that again. So I walk in and order "char siu", do I need to tell them how much or anything? Or is it just a standard serving size? I just want to make sure I don't end up with the wrong thing again.

Also, what would you reccomend for a first timer, the Char Siu or the Siu Yolk? I was under the impression they were the same thing

cheers!

[curnonsky]

It's sold by the pound (about $6 to $7), chopped or not (tho you'll have to ask them this), with optional sauce (usually just thin and sweet). You can also ask for lean or fatty. And if you're not buying it by the pound to take home to add to a stir-fry, they usually just serve it on plain white steamed rice, so no idea what you got.

[duckdown]

Interesting, thanks for clarifying.. I really wish they had a menu online so I could figure out which dishes to order for take-out in advance..

cheers

[cdnflag]

I have been going to Kom Jug Yuen, on Spadina for over 20 years. I think they do have the best BBQ Pork. Noodles soups are good too.

[ekim256]

Well since this thread is re-awakening, I was curious if anyone has been to Shark Fin City or Kom Jug recently? The last posts said that they've gone downhill. Still the case?

ekim
http://cookiesandtomatoes.blogspot.com/

[cdnflag]

I was recently at Kom Jug. It’s the same as it’s always been. Some days they should change the oil in the back for their stir fries but other than that it’s great

[Sarahdan]

My two cents are Sam Woo on Dundas by Spadina and the Garden on Dundas behind City Hall. I haven't tried Kom Jug Yuen yet, but I will now.

-----
Sam Woo Restaurant
660 Eglinton Ave W, Mississauga, ON L5R3V2, CA

[T Long]

Wondering if you know how long this Sam Woo has been opened? Is it also a sit-down restaurant?

[aser]

I like Kum Hong, which is in the Mcdonald's/O Mei plaza on Hwy 7 & Valleymede. It's strictly a take out spot. Turnover is great, if you go after 7pm most things will be sold out for the day. Some of the best char siu I've had in the city.

[PoppiYYZ]

Second Kum Hong. Best Chinese BBQ Pork in Toronto. 420 Hwy 7, Richmond Hill, [phone]‎ (not the one in Scarborough).

I NEVER go up to Hwy 7 and 407 without picking up a large BBQ Pork and rice. More than you can eat in a meal for about $7. Their ginger / green onion sauce is amazing.

[Charles Yu]

'Excellent B.B.Q' inside the Richlane Mall on Leslie, north of 16th Avenue has one of the best B.B.Q product line in town. However, if you are into 'ginger/green onion' sauce, then, this is definitely the place to go because the ' help yourself ' sauce there is complimentary and you can scoop as much as you like onto the rice ( within reason of course!! ). BTW, this is one of the few Chinese eatery that Jean Cretien has eaten in!!

[PoppiYYZ]

Thanks for the tip Charles. Kum Hong is a little stingy with the green scallion sauce, but one can buy extra for a quarter or two. I like it so much I've found a recipe that is excellent : Heat 3T veg oil, add 2T grated fresh ginger, 3T finely sliced green onion (mostly green parts), pinch each salt and sugar. Stir, remove from heat, let cool. (optionally add little lemon rind). Great with fish too.

[jackiechandc88]

Great thread! Just found this doing a google search. I have to agree that Kum Hong is my favourite by a long shot. Everytime you go there seems to be line up. I always gauge a BBQ place when I get my favourite which is the BBQ Pork and Soy Sauce Chicken combo on rice. Everytime I'm in the area, I HAVE to stop in and get a combo! Hmmm..... need to go by tommorrow!

[ayl]

Steeles and Warden, Sam Woo! Not the far one by Pho 88, but the one by McDonalds on the other side.

They also have great BBQ wings. I think we've been going there since I was like 10.

[BokChoi]

Never been disappointed with the BBQ pork at Ruby Restaurant. Here is a photo of their BBQ pork (spareribs) served during dim sum - they have a 10% discount for takeout as well. Platter was around $5. Extra sweet and sticky. Nice a dry and crisp with lots of hard/crunchy parts. Not too fatty. Picture speaks for itself:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bokchoi-...

They also carry the soya sauce wings. About $2.50 during dim sum on weekdays (after 1:30 - during "ha mm cha").

Another reliable one is Dragon Dynasty at Brimley and Huntingwood at Chartwell mall.

Cheers and Happy Eating!

[bluedog]

For those us in east end (well, OK, the Danforth), Ka Ka Lucky Seafood House on Broadview just south of Gerrard, has pretty good BBQ pork. It was recommended to me by the folks at Bill's Lobster.

And a trivia note, the name of the place is pronounced "Kay Kay", not "ca ca", at least according to Bill's.

[Joshman]

I second that motion! I picked up some BBQ there a couple weeks back and it was great. I also grabbed a small order of braised bean curd which was delicious (on it's own and the balance added to a recipe the next day)

[Charles Yu]

Depending on your definition of 'Chinese BBQ Pork'. For best 'honey glazed pork fillet- char siu style' I would opt for 'John's Chinese BBQ restaurant at 328 Hwy7 E. Their version was recently commented by a Taiwanese food critic as being the best outside of Hong Kong!! Remember to ask for the half fatty/half lean ones. Their 'crispy skin' whole pig style is also very good but I believe Peak Top is slightly better. Again, for moist and succulent meat, ask for the 'rib cut'.

[Wil]

Second John's good stuff there.

Another decent choice is He He Long at Finch and Leslie. Not one standout, but a place where all their stuff is pretty good, so ordering multi-meat combo boxes is good here.

[VitaSoy]

I agree He He Long is pretty good overall. I eat their bbq pork almost every other week!

[minto]

which plaza is John's in?

[dory]

I think John's is in Chalmer's Gate plaza. Very good bbq, similar in my opinion to Peaktop; I really enjoy the honey flavour. But I also still like the Jug probably because 25 or 30 years ago it was the first place I tried BBQ. Has any one tried the place on Brimley? in a strip mall just north of Sheppard on the west side called Mike's BBQ. It's actually pretty good and it seemed to me that they also did the Filipino style roast pork.

[T Long]

Hey Charles: Appreciate you bringing up the nuances of the term Chinese BBQ Pork. Seems most people here equate it to Char Siu. Would a proper term for the other popular style be Chinese Roast Pork?

[Charles Yu]

Yes! 'Chinese roast pork' is exactly the term to describe ithe version with the orangy crispy skin. And for the real foodie, there are the 'big' pig and the mid-size pig. And not to forget skylineR33's creme de la creme version - whole roast suckling pig.

[T Long]

Thx Charles: I've never seen the suckling pig version of roast pork "off the shelf" so to speak...I understand that's usually a special order and you always buy the whole piglet. But do different Chinese BBQ places in the GTA specialize in the big pig or mid-size...I usually see only one pig being presented or hung at any time and would have to guess the size. Would I be right in assuming that the mid-size is more desirable?

[Charles Yu]

You can find the whole suckling piglet at 'Peak-Top' at around 6pm on a Saturday evening. They do sell it by the pound. However, do reserve and order ahead. Chance of walking in and getting some is close to zero! As to whether mid size is more desirable than the big ones? That, I really don't know because frankly, I cannot tell the difference! Its like some gourmand insisting that the left drumstick of Chinese roast goose or duck is tastier than the right because the foul tends to stand on their right foot thus rendering it tougher!!! However, left or right, they all taste the same to me!

[T Long]

lol...can't tell if you are being serious or not about the drumstick story.

[Charles Yu]

This 'left side drumstick theory' is very well known amongst Chinese foodies.Try buying half a roast duck from a Chinese BBQ place and insist on the left side. You might get some interesting feed back!

[skylineR33]

Haha, yes. I even remember I hear this in some HK TV drama. I hope if you insist on left, they won't charge you more!

[bluedog]

Charles, that is hilarious!!!!! And so aptly captures the somtimes appalling minutiae focus of the "gourmand"! I said in another thread that I'd gotten a lot more cynical about this stuff, and frankly my ownly reaction to such an attitude is "get a life"!

[skylineR33]

I think we are talking about Char Siu here. The other whole pig thing is "Roast Suckling Pig". May be OP can confirm what he/she is asking ?

[minto]

Yes, I'm looking for char siu, and yes half fat / half lean.

[Chester Eleganté]

Charles, I avoided going to John's in the past after hearing of their shady practice of ladling on copious quantities of their soy sauce into your container of BBQ pork to jack up the weight (even when people ask them not to). Do they still do that?

[Charles Yu]

I beleive they still do but I havn't heard people complaining since that 'honeyed syrupy soy base sauce' is very yummy! I for one always asked for more sauce, however thats after the pork was weighed.

[eco987]

I found this comment so funny. I actually had to check my previous posts to see if I was the one that complained about this.

I went to John's like 10 years ago because I use to really like John when he worked at Grass Mountain Villa (whatever their old name was and when they still had a BBQ area). He was super nice back then so I went to his shop pretty much as soon as I had a driver's license.

But the BBQ chopper guy (not John), gave me BBQ pork from the tray (one of the one's on the bottom) dripping in sauce. So I asked specifically for a hanging piece. His reply: "It's the same".

So I never went back.

[mrbozo]

Surprised that Hong Fatt (sometimes the name describes the product no matter the language) on Dundas east of Spadina hadn't received a recommendation.

[Westwardho]

I'm with the Kom Jug on Spadina at Baldwin

[magic]

I've never been to Kom Jug Yuen but have heard the same from many - that it's the best. The best BBQ pork that I've had is at Gold Stone restaurant. On Spadina, just south of Dundas on the west side. Not a fan of their food otherwise, blech (though their wonton soup is nice), but their bbq pork is just succulent. I also love the BBQ spare ribs at China House on Eglinton. Just amazing. I want to try this Kom Jug place.

[d80]

This one's easy. For BBQ Pork, Kom Jug Yuen, on Spadina. http://www.toronto.com/restaurants/li...

At least that's the choice if you're in the city and not looking for one of those kooky suburban chinese choices ;)

[halugii]

mmmmm had it the other night .. extra sauce

[tksh]

If you're in Scarborough (still in the city right?), there's a plaza at Midland and Sheppard with a pretty solid Chinese BBQ shop in the food court. Their ducks are pretty good too; come the Chinese festive days, they have a long line up starting in the afternoon and lasting into the evening.

[currycue]

Is it called Sam May? If so, I've been there. I'm absolutely nuts for that garlic sauce they put on the BBQ Chicken.

[jonnybee]

Yeah, gotta love the Kom Jug. Though perhaps it's more geared towards Western taste buds as it is rather sweet, the 'bark' on their pork is something else. One day I got to head down south and try burnt ends (southern BBQ).

Up north, I really love the BBQ take-away in the First Markham Place foodcourt, Can't give you the name and there are two beside each other, One is consistently busier than the other, go to the busy one. Greast roast pig and pretty good duck, I adore the meat combo in their noodle soup. I haven't been to too many BBQ places, but I really like that one.

Hey Charles and Skyline, I'd love to hear from you guys as you seem to be the real Chinese food mavens on the TO board and your contributions are greatly appreciated.

[skylineR33]

Hello jonnybee, for chinese BBQ, my favorite is Shark Fin City on the second floor food court of Pacific Mall, the skin of the BBQ duck is real crispy thin, with a thin layer of fat between the meat and skin, although my last visit is a little bit off. However, the Cha Siu there are always very nice.

Peak Top, and the BBQ place inside FMP food court as you mentioned are also good.

[Chester Eleganté]

There are good ones around - Peak Top, Valleymede, and the others, but I also think Shark Fin City is on another level, better than all the rest.

[skylineR33]

Hi Chester Eleganté,

Have you been to Shark Fin City for their BBQ duck recently ? The quality of their BBQ duck for my last couple of times there is no good. I wonder what happen there ?! Am I just out of luck ? I remember the BBQ duck I used to get there was outstanding and a whole level up from other BBQ restaurants !!

The PeakTop at Vaughan Mill is also my fave for BBQ duck nowaday.

[Chester Eleganté]

Hey Skyline, I've only tried the duck a couple of times, and the last time was a few months ago. Both times it was really good, so, I dunno.

[skylineR33]

Thanks. I will continue to give it a try and hope for the best.

[Charles Yu]

Hay skylineR33!! The last time I tried, I bought home a whole uncut duck. Sauce separate. Upon reaching home, I used a 'hairdryer' put on high heat and go thru the skin of the duck. The result was amazingly CRISPY skin and a fairly warm duck. Just as if its freshly roasted from the oven! Forget about chopping it up. Just use your hand and tear into the drumstick! Left leg preferably! Ha!!!

[tjr]

That's a genius idea; I've never thought of that before. Thanks, Charles!

[skylineR33]

Wow, that's good and messy ! I only do that with pigeon but now may consider give it a try with the duck too ! Thanks.

[auberginegal]

hi skyline, i've never been to PeakTop, do you know if the bbq duck is still good there?

also, would you happen to know if PeakTop does stuff like dim sum at lunch or is it just a restaurant similar to Richmond Court or somewhere that just has rice, congee and noodle dishes etc.?

[skylineR33]

There are two Peaktop. The one nears Vaughan Mill has better BBQ duck from my experience. The other one's duck is ok too. I think their BBQ duck is good as in Toronto standard. I think they all have dim sum at lunch (I have tried dim sum at the one nears Vaughan Mill, quality is mediocre). They all have a regular menu with all kinds of cantonese dishes like a topical chinese restaurant in Toronto.

[auberginegal]

thanks skyline! i work around that area and people were wondering about a dim sum place near vaughan mills and that was the only restaurant i could think of. if anyone has other suggestions, that would be greatly appreciated.

[chocabot]

I think you are referring to Zhong's BBQ. They are my fave for BBQ at First Markham.

[Apprentice]

Drove by Peak Top today at FMP and it was papered up. I don't know if it's a permanent closure or renos.

[tksh]

They've been lights out since last weekend at least so I think they went bust. Their soya sauce chicken is pretty good too.

[jennjen18]

I just shrieked out to my mom telling her that Peak Top might be shut down for good, but she said that they're just under renovations! ... Phew. And how does she know? She said she read it in the paper (an ad probably) that they're doing renovations until May 1. PHeeeewwww... 'coz Peak Top is best in GTA, I think. I find Shark Fin in PMall not melt-in-your-mouth-y.

[skylineR33]

Yes, good BBQ pork and duck are not suppose to be melt-in-your-mouth-y. When Shark Fin City do it right, it is the best in GTA, better than Peak Top.

[jennjen18]

I suppose everyone's entitled to their opinions... that's what this board's about, right? I dont see how duck can be melt-in-your-mouth-y tho.

[skylineR33]

Of course,that's why when you start to bring up that Peak Top is the best as in your post, I would say Shark Fin City is better in my opinion.

I also don't see how chinese BBQ can be melt in your mouth-y as you said, it seems you judge on what's good base on that as one of the factor. I thought you are talking about Toro or Kobe beef.

[tksh]

Yeah, you're right. I checked the papers and they did have an ad for renovations. My bad.

[skylineR33]

You can always go to the Peak Top at Vaughan Mill in the mean time.

[Royaljelly]

I finally had a chance to try Peaktop at Vaughn Mills tonight and I found their cooked dishes and BBQ meats to be better than their Markham location. Mind you, their dishes are a bit pricier (but you get better ambiance). We had a shrimp in lobster sauce, which ended up being very large shrimps in a rich soup like broth which was very tasty, and a hot pot of chicken w/ black bean sauce and pomelo. The BBQ pork (not suckling) was very good and crunchy, and duck was flavourful as well.

The waiter tells me the Markham Peaktop should open up again in about 2 weeks time.

[jennjen18]

Went to Vaughn Mills and visited Peaktop at 9ish when the mall closed last Saturday. There was a banquet there that night, tres noisy, but that was okay.

Ordered the Dinner for 4 when we only had 3 people 'coz we just didnt want to think. Came with a soup (seafood thick soup, with the egg drop), appetizer of two bbq items (duck and sweet bbq pork), steamed fish in black bean sauce, steamed chicken with veggies on the side, and sweet and sour popcorn chicken. Oh, and dessert, which was the red bean soup.

Quality was quite good, which matched up to the price of $65. Rice was not included, and cost $1.50 each. We found that funny. Waitress thought that rice was not needed at all... since there was so much food, and we were like, 'nuh uh, it's quite saucy, these dishes.. we need rice!'

We all loved the fish. It was a "mah yau". Fish steaks were nice and tender and sweet. Black bean was so strong that we had to wipe them off before eating the fish. Chicken was average, and popcorn pork was very very nice and tender on the inside while crunchy on the outside. Just what I wanted that night.

Sorry, no photos 'coz I was super duper hungry. I think it fit our bill of what we wanted. Will definitely go back if going to Wonderland or Vaughn Mills.

[LTL]

The Vaughan Mills Peaktop location is quite convenient for me so I go fairly often. My favourite dish can be found under the 'Chef Recommendations' - Spicy Soft Shell Crab (2 for $12.95). They are consistently crispy, light, not greasy and come dusted with a tasty combo of salt, chilis and garlic.

[ascendance]

Sorry man. Kom Jug Yuen has just become positively ghastly. It's all pre-cut and sitting in sauce under a heat lamp, getting extremely dry. That's just no way to serve char siu. It needs to be chopped up fresh, with plenty of moistness on the inside.

Shark Fin City in Pacific Mall used to be very good. Unfortunately, it's gone downhill over the years.

There's lots of decent, mid-tier char siu. My advice is just to keep trying new places until you find one that fits your particular taste.

[chocabot]

funny you should say that because for a while my bf would get the bbq pork on rice regularly (avg once a wk for a couple months - this about a month ago) and the man at the counter always took the meat from the hook in the window and cut it up in front of him. he asks if you want sauce and tops it depending on your request.

[YummyYummy]

Been wanting to try Kom Jug Yuen for about 5 to 6 years whenever I'd pass by the place and see the BBQ food hanging in front of the window. My mouth would always salivate seeing the pork, duck etc., but every time I was in a rush and going in was inconvenient at the time. However, I finally stopped the procrastination and have visited the restaurant twice already for take-out. I still haven't dined in the restaurant. LOL

Been brainwashed by all the hype of Kom Jug Yuen having the best BBQ pork in the city. I'm starting to really believe it is the best BBQ pork in the city because some of the leftovers I had in the refrigerator for 3 days was finally eaten and still quite tasty. No joke!!! I don't believe BBQ pork from any other place would even be remotely edible and still taste as good as KJY stuff.

Now I have to find out if their hot and sour soup is really that good! ;)

[gastrojunkie]

I was in the mood for some BBQ pork today and read the reviews on this page. Since I live downtown I went to Kom Jug to see if it was really as good as people were saying here. After trying it I think it has to be one of the worst BBQ pork's I have ever had in my life. I used to go to the place at Metro Square in Markham and loved theirs. It came with this amazing green onion stuff on the side which made it REALLY delicious.

The one at Kom Jug was out of a tray (like they have at some fast food restaurant) and had probably been sitting there all day. The pieces were all tiny and looked like I got all the left over scraps or something. Sure the price of $4 makes it hard to complain, but I don't think I will be heading back. Anyone have any other suggestions for places downtown?

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Metro Square Cafe Restaurant
3636 Steeles Ave E, Markham, ON L3R1K9, CA

[applesolutely]

yes!!! Four dollars on rice!!