$16 Fried Eggplant Dish Earns Michelin Bib Gourmand Nod in Toronto

URGENT UPDATE: A new culinary sensation has emerged in Toronto, with Mhel’s $16 fried eggplant dish taking center stage in the Michelin Guide’s latest Bib Gourmand selection. Just announced on September 25, 2023, this dish is already being hailed as a must-try for food enthusiasts across the city!

The bib gourmand designation highlights restaurants that offer extraordinary meals at reasonable prices, making Mhel a standout at 276 Havelock St.. The fried eggplant, or agebitashi, is crafted by chef and co-owner Young Hoon Ji, who sources ingredients locally for a fresh, seasonal menu. This dish not only showcases the heirloom Mitoyo eggplant but also features sweet lesya peppers from Tamarack Farms, ensuring an explosion of flavors that food lovers won’t want to miss.

What makes this dish pop? The eggplant and peppers are fried to perfection, resulting in a tender texture that transforms their natural bitterness. The vegetables are then chilled in a light dashi broth, enriched with soy sauce and garnished with delicate sakura ebi shrimp. This umami-rich dish is so savory that it compels diners to savor the broth—many are drinking it straight from the bowl!

Mhel, opened in summer 2023, is more than just a restaurant; it’s a culinary experience. The cozy establishment is operated by husband-and-wife duo Young Hoon Ji and Seung-Min Yi. “Mhel” means “anchovy” in the Jeju dialect, aptly reflecting the essence of the flavors they present—sweet, salty, and subtly smoky from the grilled fish and vegetables.

For those looking to enhance their dining experience, the restaurant offers an array of small and medium plates designed for sharing, best enjoyed alongside bowls of short-grain rice from Japan’s esteemed Shimane Prefecture, known for its slight sweetness that pairs exceptionally well with fish.

On the menu, diners can also delight in the fatty kanpachi for $40, served with an auburn chorizo and sakura ebi sauce, and the refreshing oiji muchim, a pickled cucumber dish for $9. Drinks are equally enticing, featuring an extensive sake list, including a shiso liqueur aperitif priced at $16 for two ounces.

Mhel offers not just a meal, but a complete experience—one that is perfect for date nights or special occasions. After your meal, take a stroll around the corner to discover The Monkey’s Paw, a rare antique bookstore at 1067 Bloor St. W., or catch a classic film at the nearby Paradise Theatre.

As Mhel continues to gain acclaim in the culinary world, food lovers are urged to make reservations soon to taste this celebrated dish before it disappears from the menu. This is not just a meal; it’s a moment to savor—one that promises to elevate your dining experience in Toronto.

Stay tuned for more updates as Mhel continues to impress with its innovative offerings and Michelin-worthy cuisine!