mandarin toronto

Hundreds of people lined up at Mandarin in Toronto for free food

The Mandarin gave away free buffet meals to people this long weekend, and—surprise, surprise—hundreds lined up to get in on the deal. 

To celebrate its 40th birthday (and Canada day), the country's most famous all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet let people gorge on chicken dumplings for free all day yesterday. 

Waiting in line for a free Canda Day lunch.

A post shared by Jeff Norden (@sverigecanadian) on

The only stipulation: you had to be a Canadian citizen—a policy which many criticized as discriminatory and not very Canadian-like. 

Still, hundreds of citizenship-holders showed up at all six of the chain's locations for the promotion.

There were even massive lineups outside of some locations before the restaurants opened at 11:30 a.m.

The location on Yonge by Eglinton was especially busy. 

It's not the first time The Mandarin has offered this promotion before: previous birthdays have seen people camp out on lawn chairs to feast on free noodles and ice cream. 

Lead photo by

@lostboy2864


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Eat & Drink

Canadians are losing it after discovering meaning behind T&T Supermarket's name

Toronto grocery store doesn't want you to shop with your emotional support animal

Shoppers livid that local Ontario produce costs 3x more at Loblaws than in the U.S.

Toronto could ditch archaic rules limiting the city's nightlife

Cat pudding is the new viral food trend Toronto is obsessing over

McDonald's is finally launching an 'adult Happy Meal' in Canada

9 Christmas-themed bars in Toronto for the holidays

Tense fight breaks out after man allegedly steals chocolate bar from store in Ontario