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| - Salad King is brought to you today by the letter C: cheap, cheerful and central.
VIBE
In its new digs on Yonge street still nearby for those Ryerson students who need their food fix, I was most surprised that there was an elevator near the entrance. SK has really moved up since the fire of years yonder.
For a casual dining option, the interiors are impressive. Bright and bold murals of cheeky sayings and colourful floral lamps that look modern really add a punch.
But that said, Salad King still maintains its atmosphere of glorified cafeteria. Communal seating lends to many opportunities to eavesdrop on conversations. Also new are booths. There are plenty on the side.
Service is friendly and quick as well. That said, Foursquare and Yelp were very useful in helping me choose a menu item. I don't think the staff would have revealed the secret menu item otherwise.
THE FOOD
I ordered a chicken satay. Four skewers with a generous helping of peanut sauce was very reasonable at $5. I wouldn't get it again though because even though it was real chicken, it didn't really taste like it and it was charred.
The real surprise here was the Islamic Noodles - not on the menu.
IT's pad thai noodles with their Panang Curry - Sweet Asian basil, peanut, lime leaf, bell pepper, Panang curry with coconut milk, served with steam rice.
All I have to say is GAT DAMN! Now it doesn't come close to Khao San Road's Sam Roas (which in my mind is the best pad thai I've ever had) but this one is full of flavour and the portions are PLENTIFUL! Plus, you'll get a nice chunk of broccoli in there so you can count your five a day.
I got the chicken and shrimp and there were three pieces of shrimp in my bowl. I probably will just stick with chicken next time.
I like that they give you a pot of green tea as well.
Note: their phud thai is not great as I've experienced in past visits.
Total cost for an app, large sized main and green tea = $20
OBLIGATORY CATCHY REMARK
In terms of bang for buck, Salad King remains king of the castle. And atmosphere and space wise, this is a MAJOR step up from the old location. Kudos!
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