Bite Noodles and Rice
Bite Noodles and Rice is a cute little Asian fusion (though mostly Vietnamese) resto that's easy enough to miss along the busy Little Italy stretch of College Street. Walking by, I realize I've never even noticed it and perhaps am not alone in that -- the place is empty at 7pm on a weeknight.
A closer look at the menu reveals some pretty amazing selection though, so I figure it's got to be worth a shot.
Exploring the menu (available in PDF form on Bite's website), the noodle selection is really tempting. Vietnamese, Thai, Singaporean, Japanese and Chinese influences all make an appearance.
Knowing I've got to head to work afterward, I decide to skip on the curries and sauces and go for something light (and safe) this time: a traditional Vietnamese Bun dish. I order the Bun with Tofu Steaks ($7.50) and add a veggie spring roll ($1.50).
The portion is huge, ingredients fresh, and the seared tofu steaks (four thick slabs) are really nice on their own. Together with the bun, they're a bit of a dry companion. I'd recommend going for the juicier chicken or beef in order to mix some more flavour onto the bare noodles. To Bite's credit though, I did get a decently sized bowl of lime fish sauce for the bun.
My partner, usually a big meat eater, is totally drawn in by the long list of veggie options and winds up ordering Satay Pineapple Rice Bowl with Tofu & Vegetables ($8.50). I'm offered a thumbs up as she digs into a huge pile of colourful fresh veggies. Snagging a little of the bowl myself, I agree, this is a tasty, healthy choice, but the sauce kind of strikes me as a pretty run-of-the-mill satay.
On the side we get an order of Bite's "Californiasia Rolls" ($4.50) along with some complimentary fried tofu. Yes, I said Californiasia. Yes, that's entirely why we ordered it. I'll admit it.
Pictured at the very top, you get chopped rice rolls containing some of the classic ingredients of their sushi cousin, California Rolls. Chunks of avocado and imitation crab wrapped with julienne carrots, lettuce and rice paper. It's a cute idea and it was executed well. At $4.50, I'd definitely order these again.
So then, after all that food, have I figured out why Bite is not packed full of College Street crowds looking for cheap eats before a screening at the Royal or a hop at the Mod Club? Nope. All I know is that they're offering great value, variety and some pretty good food that won't weigh you down before a night out. I'm looking forward to trying some of the other dishes soon.
Food photographs by Tanja-Tiziana.
Discussion
7 Comments
Sort By Oldest First / Newest First
Subscribe
i'm glad i found this restaurant recently, it's cute and cozy, and the menu is interesting, lots of varieties, and the best thing is it's not expensive, unlike most other places in the same area. I'll definitely go back
Ate here last night for the first time; was initially sceptical as the place was completely empty ? not usually a good sign. But it was surprisingly good. Huge vegetarian menu, delicious food, attentive service and very reasonably priced. A rare combination for College St. these days.
I don't get it. I go to that place all the time and the service and food is always fantastic and at a good price. But the place is always empty.
Go there. This place needs to survive.
I went a while back and ordered some noodles to go - it was one of the smallest portions I have ever gotten in my life. ~$8-9 for an appetizer-sized tray of noodles = no thanks.
Since then, I only pass by when they offer the small and cheap meals for the street festivals.
I think the reason it is always empty is that anyone sitting in there is totally exposed to passersby- they need to break up the space to make it seem less like an empty, barren box.
Finally made it over to Bite (which is surprising since I live @ College & Ossington) after you recc'd it on this blog... totally worth every reasonable penny my girlfriend and I were charged. Excellent drinks (wide selection of import Asian beers and their own special cocktails that are all around only $5-$7!!!), wonderful appetizers, and fantastic mains... all generously portioned. We left feeling stuffed and satisfied... the bill was $50 and some change and we both ordered 2 drinks, an appetizer, and a main. The service was also fantastic. One of College's best kept secrets!
Just off the top of my head a few reasons why this joint isn't attracting clientele might be the drab facade of the store. It says "Bite" but does not emphasize what they sell inside...other than stating in barely legible font "noodles & rice"...so what does that mean? I think if it sells Japanese food it should say so...or should even state sushi on their sign. It's kind of suffering from an identity crisis. Customers want to know what they are getting before they enter the store, without even having to read the menu pasted on the window. Just my 2 cents...Anyway, the food selection sounds great based on this review so I shall check it out soon.