Chef Anna Chen opened Alma five years ago, and the awards have been pouring in since, with recognition as a Bib Gourmand winner in Michelin’s first Toronto rankings in 2022. Born in India, Chen’s influences are varied and deep, based on her Hakka Chinese family heritage, her Kolkata roots, her experience in French and Italian kitchens in Toronto and London—and her love of pastry of all kinds.
Chen puts a modern twist on simple Chinese dishes, trying not to overcomplicate, she says. Using only three or four ingredients at a time, she and her team invite diners to pop in for anything from a special celebration, which might start with her signature parmesan tapioca fritters and end with a sublime chrysanthemum sorbet, to a bowl of homey noodles and wontons for a solo diner.
Chen lives three blocks away from her restaurant in Toronto’s Bloordale, the urban neighbourhood she’s called home for the past 10 years. Busy with the restaurant and an almost two-year-old, she still loves heading out to her favourite spots for a fancy night out.
For a Neighborhood Feel: Dotty’s
“I’ve got a special place in my heart for Jason Carter, who was my head chef when I worked for Susur Lee. He used to own Dandylion, which closed during the pandemic, but now he’s opened Dotty’s. It’s casual, kind of like a little bar, and the food is very simple but on point: shrimp cocktail, eggs mayonnaise, cheeseburgers, salt and pepper squid – there’s something for everyone. It’s not far from my place, so when I have time, I like to go there on my days off for a little bite and a drink.”
For Quick Takeout: Gaucho Pie Co.
“I think their Argentinian empanadas are amazing. They always have different flavours, and they’re just so good. Anytime I go there, we always get at least a dozen. It’s a takeout spot, and they also do some desserts.”
For the Best Homemade Pasta: Famiglia Baldassare
“I believe Leo makes the best pasta in the city. He’s very particular about his cooking in all of the best ways. I worked here very briefly before I opened Alma, so it’s really special to me.“
Explore Famiglia Baldassare online
For Something Fancy: 20 Victoria
“For fine dining, I really like 20 Victoria. It’s the kind of place where you get to dress up a little bit. Julie Hyde has an amazing palate and she always changes up the menu. She comes to Alma often, which is nice. We like to check out each other’s places.”
