Sunnys Chinese

Tucked away inside the Kensington Mall, Sunnys Chinese has evolved from a pandemic-era pop-up into a permanent fixture of the market. David Schwartz and Braden Chong, the duo behind Big Hug Hospitality, lean into a retro, cafeteria-chic aesthetic here, balancing pastel seating with a dim, intimate vibe that feels miles away from the street-level bustle. It’s a loud, high-energy room that manages to feel like a neighbourhood diner despite the deliberate effort required just to find the front door.

Navigating the hallway to locate the entrance is standard operating procedure, so don't be surprised if you feel lost for a second. Once you’re in, focus on the charcoal-grilled plates and anything heavy on the peppers. The Husband and Wife beef and the charred silver needle noodles are the reliable heavy hitters, and the cumin-dusted grilled chicken thigh is worth the mess. The drink menu leans into natural wines and baijiu, which pairs well with the bold, spicy profiles coming off the grill. Since the space stays packed, booking a table ahead of time is the only way to avoid a long wait.