loudlunch

During my five week stay in the city with approximately 20,000 restaurants, I visited Queen Mother Cafe four times and one more for takeout. Ah well, I do admit it was partly because I lived right across the street but the guaranteed satisfied meal with a wide variety of choices is the main reason behind my repeated visits.

Located in the midst of all the crazy shopping on Queen Street West, this cafe is always packed with people regardless of the time during the day. The food usually takes a while, perhaps a standard 15-20 minute wait. However, the service received was always prompt and polite.

Unique and rustic decor

The restaurant is a little over-crowded, I must say. The booths are wonderful but individual tables are arranged too close together. It was not a problem over-hearing the couple at the next table discuss about their day during a weekday dinner, or the group of girlfriends talk about their latest purchases during a weekend brunch. Maybe a little too close for comfort. However, this did not stop me from returning for five meals!

One late snowy night, I went to get take out from Queen Mother Cafe. It was a long 20 minute wait before my order came but the server considerately provided a glass of water while I was waiting. WHY, did I still go in when it was insanely packed with people on a weekday night and wait so long for a take out?! Well, my brother came to visit from Waterloo and our conversation went like that:

Maple: You HAVE TO go to Queen Mother Cafe!

Brother: For?

Maple: The Ping Gai!

Brother: The Ping… what?

Maple: Ping Gai Ping Gai Ping Gai!!!

As he was too lazy to venture into the cold for that dish with a name typically unheard of, I bravely volunteered my services as I desperately wanted to share this lovely dish.

The legendary Ping Gai

The Ping Gai ($16.95) simply means Laotian Barbecued Roast Chicken. It was one scrumptious meal with juicy flavourful chicken! Served with a side salad, steamed jasmine rice as well as a spicy lime coriander dipping sauce. The chef is definitely not stingy with the portion of perfectly roasted chicken served.

I consider myself pretty adventurous when it comes to trying out new dishes at restaurants. However, I ordered this dish three times out of my five visits. Other dishes which I tried with my various dining partners were the Curry Vegetable Roti ($14.95), Grilled Flatiron Steak ($21), Spinach and Ricotta Canneloni ($14.95), Crispy Calamari ($9.50) and Spicy Pumpkin Dip ($8.95). The items seem a little pricey but serving portions are generous. There is also a separate Sunday brunch menu.

If you ask me what kind of restaurant this is, I will not be able to answer you.

Thai? It serves Pai Thai.

Laos? It serves Ping Gai.

Chinese? It serves Dim Sum.

Western? It serves steak and interesting salads.

Indian? It serves Curry Vegetable Roti.

Italian? It serves Spinach and Ricotta Canneloni.

Cafe? It serves good cappucino.

Bar? It serves a variety of drinks.

Awesome? Yes it is!

This will be the place to go if one is undecided on what type of food they’d like because Queen Mother Cafe seems to offer everything! I might not be brave enough to order something else other than my beloved Ping Gai though…