Simit & Chai - Turkish Coffee House Review - Toronto
Tucked in the heart of the King West district of Toronto, is a little piece of Istanbul - Simit & Chai Co. This airy little café is named after the circular Turkish bread called Simit (very similar to bagel!) So I went in and decided eat and drink à la Turk!
Front Patio of Simit & Chai. Photo: Robert Windisman
I started with an Istanbul Fog (bergamot scented black tea (chai) infused with steamed milk.) It was light and flavourful. I opted to have it without sugar and enjoyed every last sip!
Istanbul Fog: Bergamot Scented Ceylon Black Tea with Steamed Milk. Photo: Robert Windisman
I paired it with a Poseidon Simit (a simit with smoked salmon, cream cheese and mixed greens.) It was delicious! The simit had the right balance of softness and chewiness and the topping were both fresh and filling.
Simit Poseidon: Simit with salmon, cream cheese and mixed greens. Photo: Robert Windisman
After lingering over my simit and chai and working a little on my laptop, I dove in and wanted to try a second simit! This one was more traditional: simit with cream cheese and olive paste. I enjoyed this one too! The saltiness of the olive paste was an excellent accompaniment to the simit!
Turkish Simit with cream cheese and olive paste. Photo: Robert Windisman
Simit with cream cheese and olive paste. Photo: Robert Windisman
I paired this simit with a traditional Turkish coffee. It was served in a traditional Turkish cup and saucer. I really did feel like I was in Istanbul - or at least a Turkish Airlines business class lounge!
Turkish Coffee at Simit & Chai. Photo: Robert Windisman
There were many other items on the menu! For instance they have Shakshouka (menemen)! - poached eggs swimming in a sea of tomatoes and green peppers, spiced with sumac, tumeric and fresh thyme. I didn't try this dish, but my table neighbours did. It looked delicious!
There were açma on offer: Turkish croissants with various fillings: feta cheese, jam or Nutella! As well as börek (middle eastern pastry stuffed with feta and parsley.)
The interior was airy, with high ceiling and carrara marble top tables. Rustic barn board lined the bakery counters. Exposed brick and retro lightbulbs completed the look. The clientele was a mix of socializers and laptop workers and this space was comfortable for both!
The Verdict
I really enjoyed the food and drink at Simit & Chai Co. It's a great spot for a snack when you are in the trendy King West neighbourhood.
House tea and ground coffee were also available for sale to take home if you want a Turkish pick-me-up in your morning routine!
Simit & Chai Co.
787 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1N4
(647) 352-4161
Mon-Fri: 7:30 - 18:00
Sat & Sun: 8:30 - 18:00
