China Gourmet

What is China Gourmet? Anchoring Carlton Street just west of Parliament, China Gourmet is an unpretentious counter-and-table operation dedicated to hearty Chinese and North American Chinese takeout classics. The interior is straightforward and compact, offering modest indoor dining tables framed by the steady rhythm of pick-up orders and wok clatter. It operates as a quintessential neighborhood standby, providing relaxed, no-frills sit-down dining alongside a brisk delivery trade.

China Gourmet Menu & What to Order The menu runs the gamut of retro comfort fare and Cantonese stir-fry benchmarks. Golden egg rolls and crispy fried wontons set the stage before moving into heavy hitters like the tangy, glossy General Tso's chicken and retro sweet and sour chicken balls. For starch, the Cantonese chow mein delivers crisp noodles softened under a mountain of savoury meats and vegetables, while the Singapore rice noodles arrive laced with fragrant curry powder and noticeable wok hei.

Know Before You Go Tables are strictly walk-in, though you will rarely wait long for a dine-in seat since the majority of business is takeout. Friday and Saturday evenings see a heavy wave of pickup orders between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., so call ahead if you plan to grab and go. Street parking on Carlton is limited, making the 506 Carlton streetcar the most seamless way to reach the dining room.