Basil Box is inspired by the street markets of Southeast Asia where carts of fresh produce is sold by the farmers. Quite often, Southeast Asian food found at food courts is greasy and full of sodium and calories. If you are looking for a fast but healthy alternative, I recommend trying this place!
Located a couple blocks north of Yonge-Dundas at the Ryerson Student Learning Centre (SLC) building, Basil Box brings a refreshingly new take on Southeast Asian food in a fast casual restaurant style.
“Build Your Box” ($9.45) – how this work is you choose a base, choice of two vegetables, choice of protein (vegan option also available), sauce, and unlimited toppings. Everything on the menu is gluten free, vegan options are available, and spicy items are clearly indicated. Pictured above are the choice of toppings. The service is friendly and quick without compromising the quality of the food.
The ingredients are definitely fresh, delicious, and well prepared in terms of texture and taste. I thought the food was going to taste bland since it looked so healthy, but I was wrong! The flavourful meats and sauces really pulls the whole dish together.Pictured above is with Chilled Rice Noodles and Lemongrass Chicken, so juicy and tender!
This is my order with Short Grain Brown Rice and Five-Spice Steak which was chewy and well seasoned. So delicious with the Sweet Chili Lime sauce.
My friend R likes this customization option in contrast to standardized food court menu items because “it gives the customer more variety without getting pigeonholed into ordering one specific dish every time”.
If you want to add a side to your box or in the mood for just a snack, look “Outside The Box”. Summer Roll, Viet Chicken Salad, Mango Salad, Sweet Mango Rice Parfait, Chiang Mai Trail Mix! Mmm I got to try some of these during my next visit along with one of their handcrafted drinks such as the Passion Fruit Lychee Soda or the classic Thai Iced Tea! All handcrafted drinks are made with pure cane sugar.I was not able to finish my dish, but luckily the lid and bag made it easy for me to pack the rest to go.
Basil Box is the perfect place to grab a quick bite when you’re pressed for time, such as between classes or during your lunch hour with colleagues. The place is quite spacious with plenty of seats and tables available.
Overall, I recommend going to Basil Box the next time you’re craving some Southeast Asian flavours!
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351 Yonge Street
Toronto, ON M5B 1S1
Monday to Sunday 11:00am – 10:00pm
(416) 351-8000