The Lunch Lady Brings Award-Winning Vietnamese Street Food to Toronto's Ossington Strip in May 2025 • HUNGRY 416

A world-renowned Vancouver restaurant known for its authentic Vietnamese street food is coming to Ossington Avenue. The Lunch Lady, a Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient, will open its doors at 93 Ossington Avenue in May 2025.

A New Chapter for 93 Ossington Avenue

The Lunch Lady will open its doors at 93 Ossington Avenue, the former home of the award-winning restaurant Boehmer. This new venture breathes life into the space left vacant by Paul Boehmer’s celebrated eatery, which recently announced its closure after more than a decade.

Benedict Lim, Executive Chef and Owner, expressed his enthusiasm for this expansion.
“We’re excited to bring our authentic and unique take on Vietnamese cuisine, with a focus on vibrant street food flavours, to the Toronto food scene,” Lim shared.
He added, “The Lunch Lady has always been about sharing heartfelt dishes and the stories behind them, and we look forward to welcoming the Toronto community.”

Legendary Origins

For those unfamiliar, The Lunch Lady has a story rooted in culinary fame. Mrs. Nguyen Thi Thanh, a food stall owner in Ho Chi Minh City, was nicknamed “Lunch Lady” by the late Anthony Bourdain during his visit. Her famous noodle soups and street food dishes gained global recognition after being featured on his travel series.

In 2012, Vancouver restaurateur Michael Tran visited Thanh’s stall, describing the experience as life-changing. This encounter led to a partnership in 2018, resulting in the opening of The Lunch Lady in Vancouver in 2020.

Accolades and Culinary Success

The Lunch Lady’s Vancouver location quickly gained recognition. When the Michelin Guide debuted in Vancouver in 2022, the restaurant earned a Bib Gourmand designation, celebrating exceptional dining at affordable prices. It has since maintained its status, solidifying its place as a standout in the Canadian culinary scene.

What to Expect in Toronto

Toronto diners can anticipate the restaurant’s signature Vietnamese street food favourites, including flavour-packed noodle soups and other heartfelt dishes. Chef Lim confirmed they are preparing for a grand opening in May 2025, with hiring underway for key roles like FOH Manager, Chef de Partie, Chef de Cuisine, and Bar Manager.