First, the menu instructs us to pick our desired rice or noodles; wheat noodles, hokkien noodles (thick shanghai egg noodles), rice stick (pad Thai noodles), stir fried rice or steamed Jasmine rice. Once that’s done, we choose our flavour; Thai, Malay, Chinese, or blackbean.
Still with us? Okay, then let’s move on to step three to pick some fresh herbs, ranging from fresh - and really, they are - coriander leaves and lemongrass to lime leaves and shredded ginger. Okay, then step four brings us to the good stuff, as here we package up the meal as a main. Seems like this would have made a more logical step # 1, but nonetheless this is where we seal the deal by making the dish vegetarian-based ($7.95), chicken ($9.95), beef ($9.95), shrimp ($11.95) or the seafood variety ($12.95).
SweetLuLu is a minor eatery, no question – don’t get out the evening gown - but it's also one that has staying power. I see it easily existing in other areas, in this and other cities, with this kind of resonance. - B.J.
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 AT A GLANCE
Sweet Lulu
859 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON
416-203-2228
Asian
Queen West
Venue:
Restaurant
Hours:
Daily: 11:00am - 11:00pm
Price Range:
$$ (Affordable)
Payment:
Master Card, Visa, American Express
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THE BUZZ
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IN THE AREA
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12 Reader Reviews | Tried this place on queen street the other night. I had heard about it on CBC radio on the drive home. I was quite impressed with the taste of my Malay Padthai dish, I could not put the box down. The last poster had said something about the staff looking like druggies, well I think they should not judge people on looks only. According to the radio show I heard, this company does alot of good things in the comunity and part of it is their staffing policies. So good job Sweet Lulu, I will be back for sure!
1. Phillipe's Review :: October 31, 2008 Phillipe's Rating: 4 Stars |
I ordered take out today and so did my entire digestive system.
My co-workers eat here frequently so I thought I'd give it a try, since the food smelled pretty nice and the portions seemed to be good value.
That's where the pleasant part of the story ends. I ordered a vegetarian combo with wheat noodles, Malay sauce (which was "malay" style for the masses- poor weak taste) and a topping of ginger, lime leaves and garlic. About half way in, my stomach felt full to the brim and queazy, as if I'd eaten too much heavy food. I put the container down, lifted up my dizzy head and wasn't sure whether or not to run outside for air first, or run upstairs to the facilities. Thankfully I went upstairs to spend time with the "sweet loo loo" I also could not focus on the rest of my day at work due to stomach pains and overall uneasyness.
Because I ordered a vegetarian meal, I feel I either got sick due to improperly cooked eggs in my noodles, or uncleanliness/cross contamination in the kitchen. What was I to excpect when the kitchen staff look like the "druggie" kids from my highschool days.
I will never eat at this establishment again. No thank you from staff when I left, and no receipt. A horrible restaurant.
2. Anonymous's Review :: January 04, 2008 |
I ordered take out today and so did my entire digestive system.
My co-workers eat here frequently so I thought I'd give it a try, since the food smelled pretty nice and the portions seemed to be good value.
That's where the pleasant part of the story ends. I ordered a vegetarian combo with wheat noodles, Malay sauce (which was "malay" style for the masses- poor weak taste) and a topping of ginger, lime leaves and garlic. About half way in, my stomach felt full to the brim and queazy, as if I'd eaten too much heavy food. I put the container down, lifted up my dizzy head and wasn't sure whether or not to run outside for air first, or run upstairs to the facilities. Thankfully I went upstairs to spend time with the "sweet loo loo" I also could not focus on the rest of my day at work due to stomach pains and overall uneasyness.
Because I ordered a vegetarian meal, I feel I either got sick due to improperly cooked eggs in my noodles, or uncleanliness/cross contamination in the kitchen. What was I to excpect when the kitchen staff look like the "druggie" kids from my highschool days.
I will never eat at this establishment again. No thank you from staff when I left, and no receipt. A horrible restaurant.
3. Alisa's Review :: January 04, 2008 Alisa's Rating: 1 Stars |
Had food from this place twice - both were takeout. the first time, i got home and there was just a pile of plain noodles - they had forgotten the sauce. the second time, yesterday, my husband got the seafood and rice for $12.95 - there was one shrimp and one piece of squid - that's it. my rice (with a very few vegatables) was only half cooked and i got the wrong sauce. a total rip-off and the food is awful.
4. Ellie's Review :: May 26, 2007 Ellie's Rating: 1 Stars |
5. Anonymous's Review :: January 18, 2007 |
The concept is great, and the menu is very clever and fun.
Unfortunately I find the dishes to be a bit TOO oily, which can wreck the flavouring.
I keep going back though - it's great for take-out, especially with the nifty take-out boxes!
6. M's Review :: October 19, 2006 M's Rating: 2 Stars |
Stopped in at Sweet Lulu for lunch today and had Rice Ribbon noodles with Laksa soup, accented by Coriander, Garlic, and basil with the Beef & Vegetables. At first it seemed an unnatural combination, but it sure grew on me quick. Great meal, great service ... I will go back. Great spot for lunch.
7. Nathan's Review :: October 18, 2006 Nathan's Rating: 4 Stars |
I went to Toronto on my usual work visits and I had read about this place in Enroute magazine. I Loved it!!!! I wish we had it in Montreal I would eat there all the time. I had the Rice Stick Noodle with Chinese Flavour, added Coriander, garlic and ginger. The Choice I made was Tofu and it was wonderful. I was surprised A from Toronto had said that it was oily. I guess she must have had a bad experience. My dish felt light and soooooo fresh. My only complaint was that they did not have spring rolls. the waiter told me that the restaurant does not have a deep frier and that the concept was focused on healthy...I need some grease from time to time :)
Overall, I loved my food and I can't wait to head to Toronto again to get my Sweet Lou Lou fix!
8. Monique's Review :: February 03, 2006 Monique's Rating: 4 Stars |
I was very disappointed in the dinner we had at this restaurant. Both of our noodle bowls lacked flavour and taste - we wondered where all the added herbs and ingredients were? Lemongrass, corriander and sweet basil which usually bring out the lovely flavour of Asian cooking were non existent. Plus both noodle bowls had been stir fried in so much oil that they were dripping - not very appetizing.
The restaurant has a great concept but just fails to deliver overall on the food. I have eaten in street stalls in Asia that make a better bowl of noodles than Sweet Lulu.
9. A's Review :: January 15, 2006 A's Rating: 1 Stars |
I noticed this unique little spot on Queen a few weeks ago and I have been there 2x a week ever since. Its the type of cuisine you start thinking about early in the day, and you never seem to tire of it - each bowl can be different to suit each day's taste!
Staff are sharp and quick, and I appreciate being able to grab dinner on the run with their take out service if pressed for time. The salad rolls and chicken satays are also mouth watering. I do recommend this interesting spot highly.
10. Donald's Review :: September 01, 2005 Donald's Rating: 4 Stars |
Just had a bowl of whole wheat with tofu, black bean and garlic Great food! I did find it a little pricey, but it was worth it as a treat.
11. Jacqueline's Review :: August 26, 2005 Jacqueline's Rating: 3 Stars |
Great new spot!! I love the fact that you can choose whatever you want in the meal! What I love the most is their take out boxes and their vegetarian rolls.
12. James's Review :: August 26, 2005 James's Rating: 4 Stars |
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 859 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON |
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MBO Toronto :: Toronto Restaurants & Dining Guide
