Apr 5, 2025

Her Chef - The Beginning Toronto

A true hidden gem

""Her Chef - The Beginning" in Toronto is an exceptional Asian fusion restaurant. Chef HwaNyoung Hur's favourite dish is the Chicken Mayo, just so you know."

As the Chicken Mayo, a delicious marriage of deep fried chicken Karaage, scrambled egg, dried seaweed and green onions served on top of a bed of white rice lands on your table, you will learn why this is Chef's HwaNyoung Hur's favourite dish on the menu. Spiced with their own signature teriyaki sauce, the flavors stand as a great launching pad to kick-off  your exploration of Chef's skills behind the kitchen.

You can smell, see and taste each creation as an act of dedication coming from a man who respects the craft of gastronomy. Aesthetics were also not forgotten either, with each dish's careful presentation certainly betraying the small dent each will make on your wallet.           

"Food is his love language," Hana Hur said of her husband, "that is how he shows his love." Even if she leans towards the One Fire, a broil-grilled pork marinated in Gochujang paste as her favourite dish. Yet, both agree that Gommi Gommi (pretty bear), a sweet rice cake sharing their young son's nickname, is the perfect dessert to compliment your visit to this low key, yet unique little spot nested just west of Bathurst and Bloor.

Their One Table event gives a hungry party the opportunity to book the entire venue, with Chef Hur creating dishes based on patron's stories and preferences, for only $10 per dish!     

"Whenever I cooked, my friends always said, 'Open a restaurant!'" Hur added. After tasting his food, I will admit, I am glad he did.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

About this spot

Bloor Street West 599

Per dish <:

C$

29.99

6478307719

Find your way with 145 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Toronto guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Toronto

Unboxed Market

A lovely little slow-waste market

Pick up a quick lunch at the front of this low-waste shop, which you can take away in your own or borrowed containers that can be returned later!

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Cassandra

Della Mora

Apr 21, 2025

Riverdale Farm

Smack in the middle of downtown

"Riverdale Farm" is an oasis of culture, nature, animals and trees at the heart of Toronto. I like visiting with my camera, especially for macro photos

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Mauricio

Alas

Apr 20, 2025

Planta Queen

Amazing Asian-inspired vegan eats

I recommend ordering a few of their smaller dishes to try, which should definitely include their renowned Bang Bang Broccoli!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Cassandra

Della Mora

Apr 17, 2025

Khau Gully

Best Northern Indian Food in Toronto

"Khau Gully" is my favorite Northern Indian restaurant in Toronto. Street food is its thing but it's best to sit in for its beautifully painted dining room

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Cameron

Bryant

Apr 15, 2025

RE Place / Poured Coffee

Low-waste for the win

From biodegradable bamboo products to personal care items that are better for both you and the planet, you can find plenty here for a more sustainable life.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Cassandra

Della Mora

Apr 13, 2025

Good Intentions

Shop to support women

It’s rare that I leave this store without having bought something, be it a beautiful ring for myself, or a unique piece of artwork to give as a gift.

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Cassandra

Della Mora

Apr 13, 2025

Gia Restaurant

Plant-forward perfection

With environmental sustainability in mind, Gia is a “plant-forward” restaurant, with the goal of sourcing produce locally, and organic when possible.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Cassandra

Della Mora

Apr 13, 2025

Scout

Gift giving made easy

Besides selling goods from small, often local, independent makers and mindfully selected brands, they also help to support local charities and initiatives.

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Cassandra

Della Mora

Apr 13, 2025

Philistine

Curated clothing & goods

Founded over 15 years ago as a purveyor of vintage goods at local markets and pop-ups, Philistine now has two shops of its own, both on Queen Street.

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Cassandra

Della Mora

Apr 13, 2025

Aloette

Toronto’s best restaurant's cooler sister

"Aloette" in Toronto is an upscale bistro with a wider range of food. Their burger is definitely a staple, and their iceberg wedge salad is a sleeper hit!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Anita

Kim

Apr 11, 2025

Gift Shop

A not-so-secret secret speakeasy

"Gift Shop" is a secret, magical, speakeasy-type cocktail bar at the back of a barber shop in Toronto. It's actually quite well known though, so get read

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Anita

Kim

Apr 11, 2025

Swatow

My go-to for hole-in-the-wall Chinese food

"Swatow" Toronto's been my go-to for that kind of Chinese food for years -- you know, the comforting, inexpensive stuff that's still plentiful & delicious.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Anita

Kim

Apr 11, 2025

Heading to Toronto?

145 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Toronto?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

145 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Restaurants

Our team loves Toronto

Get to know our other Spotters from Toronto

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
7300
Filters