BANH MI BOYS 392 Queen W, at Spadina, 416-363-0588, banhmiboys.com.
Piled with pulled pork shoulder, the Boys’ staggeringly delicious kimchee fries have to be one of downtown’s guiltiest pleasures. Who else would have the audacity to layer deep-fried golden Russet spuds with pig, Korean pickled cabbage, scallion, coriander and eggy house-made mayo?
The veggie version (both $5.99) is even tastier, with lemongrass-braised deep-fried tofu standing in for the porker. Regulars know you can upgrade the Russets with sweet potato fries for an extra 50 cents, though the option’s not listed on the menu.
“It’s kind of a secret,” says the Boys’ David Chau.
Pair them with a salad of shredded jicama and green papaya in a tart lime vinaigrette ($2.99) and a multi-culti taco stuffed with more tofu and terrific kimchee as well as Vietnamese sub-style pickled daikon, carrot and purple cabbage slaw ($3.99) and get a meal that not only tastes good, but’s likely good for you, too. But what of BMB’s rumoured expansion?
“Just say Yonge Street,” hints Chau.
Well, that narrows it down!
Monday to Friday 11 am to 10 pm, Saturday 11 am to 9 pm, Sunday noon to 7 pm. Closed some holidays. Unlicensed. Access: barrier-free, washrooms in basement.
