It was mid-pandemic and Clement Leung was bored. Inspired by folks like Anthony Bourdain and YouTubers Mark Wiens and Sonny Slide of “Best Ever Food Review Show,” he decided to point the camera at himself while he ate at home. At the time, he was eating a lot of instant noodles; soon, people started suggesting instant-noodle recipes to try. He did — and they went viral.
Two years later, Leung was laid off and started making food videos full-time, racking up millions of followers across multiple platforms who delight in the sense of fun and joy he brings to eating out. “One of the important missions of my channel is to shine a light on food I feel deserves more attention, like sharing hidden gems and local mom-and-pop eateries,” he says. “My hope is that my platform can be a blessing to others, as it has been a blessing to me.”
His content has taken him around the world — he recently spent several weeks on a foodie tour of New Zealand — but Leung believes Toronto is the best food city anywhere. “You can find any country’s cuisine here and it’s done well — sometimes even better than back in the home country,” he says. “I feel like more people need to know about the food in Toronto.”
Recently, he met a follower on the subway who shared how much they loved a local restaurant. They were so passionate about the place that the pair talked about the food for the whole TTC ride. Then, video camera in hand, Leung went there, too.
We asked Clement about his favourite spots and hidden gems in the city
What is your favourite Toronto restaurant?
Congee Queen (362 Yonge St.) – consistent, large quantities and good prices. My number one dish there is 干炒牛河, dry fried beef noodle.
What’s your favourite café and what do you order?
Fresh Start Bakery Café (595 Bay St.). It’s in the Bay Street atrium, run by a Turkish family. Great Turkish coffee, and lots of great gluten-free bakery options. It’s the best baklava I’ve ever had.
What’s your favourite store?
I really like going to T&T Supermarket (297 College St.), and buying food.
Favourite hidden gem
Hong Kong Bistro Café (472 Dundas St. W.) in Chinatown, on the second floor. It serves up classic Hong Kong diner style food – a byproduct of the British era of Hong Kong, it has the Western influence and Chinese influence in one dish.
What’s your favourite touristy thing to do?
I enjoy going to Leslie Street Spit (1 Leslie St.). It has lots of cool nature, birds and great for riding bikes.
Where do you find inspiration?
I like to go to Kensington Market, but mainly to meet with other creators. We have coffee, we jam on things – that’s where I get inspiration.
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