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.