Simit & Chai: Toronto, Canada
Name: Simit & Chai
Address: 787 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1N4, Canada
Website: Website
Phone: (647)352-4161
Wifi: Yes
Tender: Debit, Credit, Cash
Neighbourhood: Yonge & Dundas
Type: Café/Pastries
Simit & Chai is a Turkish bakery and café located in Toronto’s King West neighborhood. With it’s high ceilings, exposed pipes, exposed brick, and natural wood and marble furniture the space has an open and loft-like feel to it.
Simit is the Turkish name for a circular bread that rolled and covered in molasses and seeds before it is baked off. It is often referred to as Turkish bagel. At Simit & Chai you have the option of choosing one of their pre-determined combinations off the menu or building your own Simit sandwich from a choice of various options. A Simit on it’s own costs $2 CDN + tax with the addition of each additional add-ons costing varying amounts.
I opt to try a Simit with smoked salmon ($6 CDN + tax as an add on) and cream cheese ($1.50 CDN + tax as an add on), for a total of $9.50 CDN + tax. I also try a Simit with Asiago cheese ($3.50 CDN + tax as an add on) for a total of $5.50 CDN + tax.
The Simit itself has a very chewy texture and I find it a little challenging to eat. The flavor is nice and unique though and very distinct, not like a traditional North American bagel at all. I do find the prices of the add-ons to be a little pricy though and if you’re not careful you could end up spending quite a bit more than you would expect from a casual café.
In addition to Simit there are also small sandwiches available in various options ranging in price from $2.50 CDN + tax for an Asiago and olive tapenade sandwich to $4.00 CDN + tax for smoked salmon with cream cheese. I try a Prosciutto with Brie ($3.50 CDN + tax) + Feta & Tomoato ($2.50 CDN + tax) + Asiago with Olive Tapenade $2.50 CDN + tax). The bun is soft and milky and the flavors of the sandwiches pair well together. I also like that they are smaller in size which makes for the perfect snack if ordering one or a meal that allows you to mix and match various combinations.
Finally I try a Turkish coffee which can be customized to add varying amounts of sugar. It’s strong, bold, and has just the right mix of spices. Not to mention that the cup and saucer it’s served in is super cute.
Overall the experience at Simit & Chai is an enjoyable one. The atmosphere is clean and modern while still being warm and service is friendly. While food offerings are slightly on the pricy side the quality of the ingredients is high and fresh tasting. With ample seating, outlets, and free wifi it also makes for a great spot to get some work done.
Disclaimer: This post was not sponsored, nor was anything gifted to me. 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.
