Magic Noodle (Harbord Location): Toronto, Ontario
Name: Magic Noodle (Harbord Location)
Address: 93 Harbord St, Toronto, ON M5S 1G4, Canada
Website: Website
Phone: (647) 345-8839
Wifi: No
Tender: Debit, Credit, Cash
Neighbourhood: Annex
Type: Asian
The Magic Noodle on Harbord Street is the third location for Magic Noodle, but the first (and only) location in the downtown core. The popular chain of noodle houses is known for their fresh hand-pulled noodles which are made in-house daily.
The interior is long and narrow and comprised mainly of exposed brick walls, banquettes, and warm wood tables. There is counter height window seating which makes for good people watching as you slurp up your fresh noodles.
Noodles are available in seven sizes/shapes ranging from thinnest to thickest and include silk string, classic, mid-round, mid-triad, ribbon, and curtain.
First, we select the BBQ Buddies Noodles (Chicken & Pork Stock, BBQ Pork, Bok Choy, Cilantro, Scallions) and the Pot Belly Noodles(Chicken & Pork Stock, Braised Pork Belly, Pickled Tumip, Cilantro, Scallions), both $8.99 CDN + tax. For the BBQ Buddies we choose mid-triad noodles which are long and slightly thicker than a classic noodle. For the Pot Belly Noodles we choose the curtain shaped noodles which are long, flat, and wide. If you let the noodles sit for a period of time they inevitably soak up the broth taking on all the flavors. The noodles are fresh and slightly chewy with just the perfect bounce in texture and definitely a few grades above your average noodle house.
With the noodles we also have some seaweed salad (Seaweed Noodles, Chili, Sesame Oil) , $3.75 CDN + tax. The seaweed here is much broader and chewier and the chilies and sesame give the seaweed a strong and sharp flavor which I’m not fond of, although this is personal preference.
Next, is the Seafood Friar Noodles (Shrimps, Scallops, Onions, Cabbage, Bok Choy, Carrots) , $10.99 CDN + tax. We choose the mid-round noodles which are traditionally served with this type of noodle dish. Again, the noodles are fresh and bouncy and mixed with seafood including shrimp, scallops, and vegetables. This dish is flavorful, but oily, although it is to be expected with this type of dish.
In addition to noodles there are snack-sized dishes available on the menu. We choose the Pork Gamo (Pan Fried Bao, Shredded Pork, Magic Hoisin Sauce), $2.99 CDN + tax, the Tofu Manchu (Fried Tofu, Magic Hoisin Sauce, Cumin, Chilli), $1.50 CDN + tax, and the Popcorn Chicken (Fried Boneless Chicken, Thousand Island Dressing), $4.99 CDN + tax.
My favorite of the three was the popcorn chicken which is fried Taiwanese style with salt, pepper, and garlic and served with thousand island dressing as a side dip. The chicken was well seasoned and paired well with the thousand island dressings. Yum, seconds please!
The Tofu Manchu skewers were too spicy for my tastes, although I’ve been told that I’m a bit of a wuss when it comes to spice. My dining companions with their mouths of steel gobbled it up happily.
Finally the Pork Gamo , a small sandwich with shredded pork and hoisin sauce, was tasty although slightly a little too salty.
Lastly we try out some specialty drinks which they offer in addition to pop, soy milk, and herbal tea.
The first is a Infinity Edge (Limeade) , $2.99 CDN + tax. It is essentially a lemonade but made with limes instead. Be warned though that this drink is very tart, which I enjoyed and found refreshing especially with the sweltering heat of summer.
There was also the Frozen Heart (Mung Bean Smoothie) , $3.99 CDN + tax. Not very sweet and tasted exactly as described, like puréed mung beans. Definitely an acquired taste, which I have yet to acquire.
Finally there was the The Black Cleaver (Avocado and Coconut Milk Smoothie) $3.99 CDN + tax. Being allergic to coconut I didn’t sample this one but my dining companions seemed to enjoy the refreshing and tropical taste.
Overall the experience at Magic Noodle was enjoyable. Noodles in soup base are a must try as is the popcorn chicken, will definitely be back for more and to sample different types of noodles and small snacks. Simple and comforting dishes in a relaxed atmosphere definitely make this a standout, plus the freshness of the hand-pulled noodles definitely distinguishes them from your typical noodle spot if you’re looking for high quality at reasonable cost.
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.
