Sometimes, two chefs are better than one. The crew behind the eternally buzzy Lake Inez wanted to switch it up at their offshoot Belle Isle, so a mere year after opening, they pivoted the eclectic Little India snack bar to a Cantonese supper spot. Tapped to take over the kitchen, Keith Siu knew just the person to help him make it happen: his pal Ronan Shaftoe. And so they became co-chefs, scoring, in short order, a top-50 spot in the 2026 Chinese Restaurant Awards and a Signature Dish Award for their beloved claypot rice.
The rice dish is but one of many fan favourites on the menu, including cheung fun, dan dan mein and hidden chicken wings. “In the landscape of Toronto, I think we fill a role of being a contemporary voice in not just Chinese food but the Toronto food scene as a whole,” says Shaftoe. He and Siu’s bond helps make their food even tastier, he says: “I think Keith and I have a great relationship when it comes to dishes where things materialize as we talk. It’s nice to be able to have that kind of energy in a space.”
And, Siu says, even though he had never cooked with Shaftoe before taking over Belle Isle, it has been one of the most fun times he’s had in a kitchen. “Contemporary Chinese has been such a good medium for all of us to cook behind,” he says.
So where do the pair go when they want something extremely delicious? Here, the duo share some of their go-to gourmet destinations across the city.
Best bakery
Bluet, 245 Gerrard St. E.
“The lemon cake is probably the best one I’ve ever had in my life! It’s worth the visit.” —Siu
Hidden gem
“I like the sauna, but I love the understated dishes they’re making, from tartare to pancakes and perogies. These guys have been killing it quietly since they opened.” —Shaftoe
The last best thing you ate
Gyopo Brewery, 1456 Dundas St. W.
“Their perilla oil noodles are so good, I just ordered a second one as I was eating it. They’re delicious cold noodles with a perilla emulsion and seeds sprinkled on top.” —Siu
Comfort food
Yin Ji Chang Fen, various locations
“I moved to Chinatown earlier this year, so this has been my go-to quick and comforting bite. I love the rice rolls, but the dough-stick rice roll in particular is one of my favourites.” —Shaftoe
Dayali, various locations
“I have Dayali on my birthday every year!” —Siu
Best dessert
“I always get the swirl, but going with others is great to be able to try some of the limited flavours!” —Shaftoe
Lunch spot
Donna’s, 827 Lansdowne Ave.
“They’re good for lunch, breakfast…whatever! I think the team over at Donna’s is an incredible example of Toronto’s spirit and dining scene. There’s so much care put into everything they do. Their crispy-mushroom sandwich is pretty ridiculous.” —Siu
Favourite weekend breakfast place
Metro Square Café, 3636 Steeles Ave. E.
“When I can make the drive up, I love their yeun yang (coffee/milk tea mix), and their cha chaan teng classics also hit.” —Shaftoe
Favourite coffee shop
Nile Coffee, 1485 Dundas St. W.
“They do a great job with their beans, even down to their drip coffee, and the mont blanc is great when you want something chilled. I like them so much I had them do my wedding.” —Shaftoe
