Basil Box (Ryerson University SLC Location): Toronto, Ontario
Name: Basil Box, Ryerson University Student Learning Centre Location
Address: 351 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5B 1S1, Canada
Website: Website
Phone: (416) 351-8000
Wifi: Yes
Tender: Debit, Credit, Cash
Neighbourhood: Yonge & Dundas
Type: Asian
Basil Box is located in The Ryerson University Student Learning Centre right at Yonge & Dundas. It is the second location in Toronto and is a vast space that is decorated in neutral colors, natural woods, and concrete.
Basil Box is often referred to as the “Asian Chipotle” since the style of dining and menu layout bear a lot of similarities. At Basil Box you are given an option to “Build Your Box”. Each box costs $9.45 CDN + tax and the first step is to choose your base which includes options such as spring mix salad, chilled rice noodles, short grain brown rice, and long grain jasmine rice. I choose the chilled rice noodles and a generous amount is placed into my box.
Next, you have a choice of vegetables including lemongrass corn, sautéed red & green peppers, roasted green beans, and charred sweet potatoes. I ask for lemongrass corn and roasted green beans but I’m told that roasted green beans are unavailable today. It’s pretty disappointing that the green beans are unavailable considering the vegetable options are already quite limited. I opt for sweet potatoes instead even though I don’t really feel that they would go with the flavors I want in my box but choose it anyways due to of lack of other options.
You then have a choice to add protein which includes lemongrass chicken, chili lime shrimp, five spice steak, and coconut curry tofu. I choose chili lime shrimp although they offer and move on to the sauces
Next, you choose your sauce which includes tangy tamarind, classic peanut, sweet chili lime, sizzlin’ sriracha, and penang curry. I select classic peanut and they pour a small ladle full on top.
Lastly you have an unlimited amount of toppings for you box which can include pickled veggies, crispy shallots, roasted sesame seeds, fresh herbs, crushed peanuts, sriracha spiced pumpkin seeds, and fresh Thai chilies. I select roasted sesame seeds, crushed peanuts, and fresh herbs.
The box is good and I’m happy with my selections. I do feel they needed to add more sauce to the boxes though and expanding on the veggie portion of their menu would be beneficial as well. I would love to see broccoli and shallots be added as options as they would probably pair well with various combinations of the boxes. The benefit of choosing your own options means you can tailor your meal to your specific tastes. The downside of choosing your own meal toppings though is that it may become overwhelming for someone who doesn’t necessarily know how to pair flavors well together, resulting in a not so pleasing combination.
In addition to meal boxes we also try their Thai Iced Tea ($3 CDN + tax) as well as a sweet mango rice parfait $2.75 CDN + tax. The Thai iced tea is definitely on the sweeter side but the flavors are well balanced and the drink is refreshing. A definite must order here.
The mango parfait pudding is lack luster though. The pudding itself is flavorless and the texture needs to be smoother and less grainy. More mango is also needed. I’d pass on ordering this again.
Disclaimer: This post was not sponsored, however the meal was complimentary. All opinions expressed are my own. All menu offerings and prices are accurate as of time of posting, please refer to restaurant/shop for most up to date information.
*All images are copyrighted Allons.Y Styling & Photography. Please do not use or re-post without written consent and provide credit where applicable.
