Hem Kitchen & Cafe

What is Hem Kitchen & Cafe? Taking its name from Vietnam's vibrant alleyway dining culture, Hem Kitchen & Cafe sits along 4401 Sheppard Avenue East near Brimley Road in Scarborough. The space features a no-frills, utilitarian dining room equipped with casual tables and booths designed for communal street-snack feasts and casual lunch stops. It provides East-end diners with authentic Vietnamese street fare and cafe staples in an unpretentious roadside setting.

Hem Kitchen & Cafe Menu & What to Order The menu branches out beyond standard noodle shops to focus on classic Vietnamese street food (quán hẻm) and seafood snacks. Essential orders include the aromatic Vietnamese steamed clams with lemongrass, savoury clams paired with crisp sesame rice crackers (hến xúc bánh đa), and grilled scallops topped with scallion oil and crushed peanuts. Round out your spread with the mango and shrimp salad or deep-fried shrimp balls, paired with a rich, slow-dripped Vietnamese iced coffee.

Know Before You Go Tables are strictly walk-in only with prompt turnover, making it a reliable stop for casual group meals or takeout. The plaza offers dedicated surface parking on-site, and the 85 Sheppard East TTC bus stops within steps of the front door. Operating hours typically span lunch through evening service daily.