When word got around that David Chang’s Momofuku Noodle Bar was officially checking out of the Shangri-La later this year, fans and past patrons wondered what would move into the space in its place.
If you loved the Asian-inspired eats of Momofuku, you’ll be in good company with Mott 32, the award-winning Chinese restaurant chain that’s slated to move into the 190 University Avenue space in spring 2023.
In a recent interview with Prestige, Mott 32 owner Xuan Mu gave the scoop on the upcoming Toronto location.
When asked how many Mott 32 locations there were worldwide, Mu responded: “The branch in Cebu opens in September, Dubai is coming soon, and we’ll have a new one opening in Toronto as well, in the Shangri-la hotel. We’re designing it right now”.
The fine dining spot already has locations in Bangkok, Hong Kong, Singapore, Seoul, Las Vegas and Vancouver with Cebu and Dubai listed as “coming soon” online.
The restaurant has an elegant, fine-dining feel with the interior exuding an industrial-meets-luxe look, reflecting both its Chinese roots and global reach. The Vancouver spot has even earned accolades for its food and the physical space, so the expectations are high for its (potentially) new East Coast neighbor.
Mott 32’s Vancouver menu features a variety of sophisticated yet authentic Chinese dishes that draw heavily from Cantonese and Szechuan influences. Signature dishes include the 42 Days Apple Wood Smoked Peking Duck which the chefs prepare using a custom duck oven and special air-drying duck fridge. You can also opt for a selection of dim sum made fresh by hand daily, like the soft-boiled quail egg, cleverly placed inside a Kurobuta pork Siu Mai with black truffle. Try this small but powerful bite, which according to the website, “perfectly encapsulates Mott 32’s commitment to re-conceptualizing classic Chinese recipes.”
A selection of fine wines are also available to complement your meal, with sips from around the world. If wine isn’t your thing, you can order from a menu of signature cocktails using unique ingredients commonly found in the wider Asia Pacific region, like Osmanthus honey, Ginseng roots, goji berries, pomelo, air-dried tangerine peel, shiso leaves, star anise and cardamom.
Keep an eye on the Shangri-La space in the New Year.
