Swatow Toronto

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

Anita from Toronto

About me Bruce Wayne’s specialty was stopping crime in Gotham City as Batman. Clark Kent’s specialty was saving the world as Superman. And my specialty? I like to think it’s saving people from going to bad restaurants. Yes, if I had an alter ego, it would probably be FoodGirl (to be determined if this comes with tights and a cape). While I spend my days sitting in an office, I l...
""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."

I have been coming to Swatow since I was a child when I would visit my older sister downtown (she studied at the University of Toronto). As a student, this was her go-to, since it was cheap, delicious and filling. We would order the beef and broccoli with rice to share, and I was in heaven.

These days, I visit Swatow whenever I have a craving for “that” Chinese food – you know what I’m talking about – the comforting stuff that is plentiful, delicious and yes, still inexpensive (i.e. the hole-in-the-wall place). My favourites these days are their noodle soups, yeung chow fried rice, black bean clams, salt pepper squid, fried stuffed bean curd and fried stuffed hot peppers.

Swatow is pretty much open all day into the late night making it a great stop for a quick lunch, quick dinner or post-bar feast. The room is brightly lit and scant with servers who are never rude but do not have time to chat since speed and efficiency are key here. That’s ok, you’re here for the food, not the ambiance, anyways.

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Toronto Spotter Anita

About me Bruce Wayne’s specialty was stopping crime in Gotham City as Batman. Clark Kent’s specialty was saving the world as Superman. And my specialty? I like to think it’s saving people from going to bad restaurants. Yes, if I had an alter ego, it would probably be FoodGirl (to be determined if this comes with tights and a cape). While I spend my days sitting in an office, I like to spend as much of my off time as possible devoted to food – whether it’s trying new restaurants, trying new recipes or watching the Food Network. Oh, and since every superhero needs...

About this spot

Spadina Avenue 309

Per dish:

C$

10

4169770601

Oct 11, 2025

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