Spring arrives today and with warm weather approaching, we had DaiLo chef Nick Liu, best known for his unique, updated takes on Chinese cuisine, sample spring rolls from across the city. He took a tour across Asian cuisines and flavour profiles to find his favourite, with just the right crunch and spice.
WINNER: Kwanย
What drew Liu to these spring rolls was the shrimp theyโre made with. โThis is the way Iโlike it,โ he says. โThese are the things that Iโlove,โ he said. The dim sum restaurant, located in York Mills Gardens, crafts modern takes on traditional Chinese cuisine and has garnered high praise for its use of fresh ingredients in every dish. Three shrimp rolls come in every order, making them the perfect shareable starter for a dim sum experience. The three-piece spring roll appetizer is one of Kwan Dim Sumโs bestselling items, and itโs easy for Liu to see why. He couldnโt get enough of them.
kwan-dimsum.com, $6.25/3
Runner-Up: Rizย
โI like the crispiness. The flavour is appealing to me, and the balance of seasoning is solid.โ rizonyonge.com, $12/2
Dynasty Chinese
โThis one is trying to be a vegetarian spring roll, Iโm pretty sure. It tastes like tinned mushrooms, not fresh ones.โ
dynastyyorkville.com, $3.95/1
Cynthiaโsย
โI like the size. Iโlike the shape. It looks like a good roll. Very simple but kind of nostalgic.โ cynthiaschinese.com, $7.50/2
Cโest Bon
โItโs a little on the blander side. It could use more seasoning. But I like that it has a lot of different textures.โ cestbonrestaurant.com, $2.50/1
Pai
โThe texture is unique, because itโs got glass noodles and woodier mushrooms. Itโs well rolled.โ paitoronto.com, $13/3
