The Best Family Fare Restaurants serving Asian food. Toronto, Ontario

Asian food is one of the most varied cuisines in the world, encompassing over 50 countries and a number of different ethnicities. It is known for its exotic and flavourful dishes, most of which use an array of spices to transform what may be considered a simple peasant dish into a delicacy. Contrary to the North American hybrids, traditional Asian restaurants will fry very little of their food. Most meals consist of a small portion of meat and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.

To more accurately describe Asian cuisine, we have to look at the food regionally. The three largest and most unique regions are located in Eastern, Southern, and Southwest Asia. Each one represents a unique culture and with it, their own cooking techniques.

Eastern Asia has the most recognizable cuisine, as it includes Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Taiwanese food. The use of raw and local ingredients like vegetables, fish, or other meats, add colour and texture to dishes. Typical spices like garlic, shallots, and chilli peppers are used to flavour meats and add finesse to otherwise simple meals.

Southern Asia is known for its exotic spices and rich aromas. Including Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam, this cuisine is simple and flavourful. Food is lightly-prepared, and is often boiled or steamed. Popular dishes include Pad Thai, a pasta and egg based dish; or Pho, a noodle soup with meat and vegetables. On the other side of the spectrum you have southwestern cuisine, which represents countries in the Middle East like Pakistan, India, or Bangladesh. Cumin, curry, garlic, ginger, red chilli, and garam masala are used in most dishes. Staple ingredients include variations of white-flour, rice, potatoes, lentils, pigeon pea sprouts and fenugreek leaves.

MenuPalace features a range of restaurants within Toronto's GTA, each one representing various cultures and ethnicities in Asia.