Spice Route

On Saturday, I ventured to the East end for Hakka, or Indian-style chinese, at 5 Spices. This restaurant sits smack-dabbed in Little India on Gerrard. They've got old-style, traditional set-up you don't even see even Chinatown anymore: formica tables, wooden lanterns with red trims, giant fans, and Asian landscapes. Similar to these bygone eateries, it did a brisker business in take-out than sit-down. But one striking difference was the spotless cleanliness found here.

I ordered paneer popper ($4), chilli fish ($9.25), and some masala tea ($2.25). The poppers were two-bite appetizers, slightly crunchy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside. In the mold of Indian appetizers, but sinicized. This was a tasty start, but the odd choice of a ketchup dipping sauce was best ignored. The fish came out hot and doughy, sitting in a spicy sauce with a hint of ginger. This was standard Chinese fare found everywhere and nothing to rave about.

5 Spices was ok, but not exceptional. With Canton Chilli much closer to me, I wouldn't go cross-town for it. But this unassuming and inexpensive place is a good choice if you're in the neighbourhood.