New Bilan Restaurant

Beef stew with rice

Set in Toronto's Garden District and a step or two East of Jarvis on Dundas, the New Bilan restaurant does not make for a great first impression. The entrance is, for lack of a better word, sketchy, but once you've walked past the dusty computers of the cyber cafe that occupies one of two rooms in the building, you are met with a very homely atmosphere. In one corner of the restaurant is a tiny bar that possibly has never been open. The walls are clad with shields, spears and pictures of East African natives. To top it off, the friendly staff will greet you with smiles and a warm welcome.

New Bilan claims, on the sign above the entrance, to specialize in East African and Mediterranean food, but apparently the cuisine is specifically Somali. A bunch of us went in for lunch and were served some tasty soup as starters. Everyone in our party ordered one of two items - the beef stew and the chicken stew. We had heard positive reviews of their chapatti, but since they were out, we ordered rice on the side.

Chicken stew with rice

We weren't disappointed though. The rice was a delicious pilaf with raisins and assorted vegetables such as cauliflowers, roasted potatoes, red peppers, carrots, squash and fried onions. The general consensus around the table was that the chicken was better than the beef, but both were very, very good. The plates were huge and left everyone stuffed. We were served tea after our meal, which had a a great kick to it, resulting from a bit of spice and sweetness.

New Bilan seems to be a small family business with a short list of items on the menu and no website. However, kudos to the friend who discovered this place, because I will definitely be going back. You get your buck's worth and some more - where else can you find delicious food that will fill you up to the extent where it will send you to sleep and render your afternoon unproductive for only $9?

New Bilan Restaurant
183 Dundas Street East
Toronto, ON
(416) 943-0330