Mekong Delight

• 637 Somerset St. W.
• 613-237-7717
• Price range: $
• Rating:?****   

Named after a river in China, Mekong means Mother of Water. But on Somerset Street, Mekong means Mother of Yummy.

Steps away from the heart of Chinatown, this small restaurant was quiet and subdued during lunch – a contrast to the decor of bright fuchsia walls and tables covered with white paper to save the cloth from saucy splatters.

The Wonton Soup was lightly flavoured and studded with sliced greens. Floating in the middle were four round and full dumplings. They were large enough to require cutting with my plastic Chinese spoon. The dough was delicate, not over-cooked, and the filling was mild and meaty.

The Crispy Beef is a dish that’s stuck on repeat for me. The thinly sliced beef that’s deep-fried for crispiness and then finished in a tangy, sweet and spicy sauce always beckons and Mekong didn’t disappoint.

My meal wouldn’t be complete without a taste of fortune: “Something wonderful is about to happen to you.”
I hope it’s more yummy food.