One Plus One

What is One Plus One? Tucked inside a bustling plaza off Silver Star Boulevard in Scarborough, One Plus One is an unapologetic, late-night Northeastern Chinese barbecue joint that runs with the kinetic energy of a true mom-and-pop shop. The interior is utilitarian and compact, with bare-bones tables closely packed together under bright lighting, perpetually buzzing with the chatter of hungry regulars and the unmistakable aroma of charcoal smoke, toasted cumin, and dried chilis.

One Plus One Menu & What to Order The kitchen specializes in Dongbei-style chuan'r, grilling skewers seasoned heavily with cumin, salt, and chili powder until crisp at the edges. Start with the charcoal-seared lamb skewers, crunchy chicken joint skewers, and sizzling spicy pork ribs, which deliver serious depth of spice. Beyond the grill, order the stellar guo bao rou (Northern-style sweet and sour pork), executed with an intensely crisp starch crust cloaked in an assertive, tangy vinegar glaze, alongside a heaping bowl of house special fried rice.

Know Before You Go Seating is strictly walk-in, and the modest dining room fills quickly on weekend evenings and during prime post-midnight supper rushes, so expect a wait. The plaza offers generous surface parking right out front, making car travel by far the easiest way to get here. With doors open until 3:00 a.m. every single night, it ranks among Scarborough's most dependable late-night dining destinations.