Dundas & Spadina (Chinatown)
Beauty/SpasPerfume Land Inc.
327 Spadina Ave. 416-591-7175
The fragrance department at Holt’s it aint, but this basic little box of a shop really does offer good deals on big-name perfumes. Check out scents you know—on their own or in gift sets -by Ralph Lauren, Lacoste, Gucci, Diesel, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana and more. Or live large and try out an intriguingly named scent you’ve probably never heard of; like Feel High, Love More, Galaxy or 18th Century.
$$ to $$$$
Eucalyptus Tree Health & Wellness Spa
315 Spadina Ave. Unit 1, 416-351-8989
New age meets Chinatown meets France in this clean, lovely and modern spa. Products from the very French cosmetic lines Gatineau and Valmont sit on shelves alongside a line of lotions and potions by Tsaiyi. Reasonably priced esthetic treatments include body firming techniques to facials, water treatments, manicures and more.
$ to $$$
Accessories/Clothing
Nepal Handicrafts
372 Spadina Ave. 416-340-7667
It’s not Chinese, but this shop is true to the area’s growing multicultural mix. Inside the modest front window find swirly skirts, peasant blouses, sequined slippers and sandals—perfect for indulging your inner earth-girl. Cotton shirts for guys, too, are beautifully made, as are the handmade belts and carved bone buttons. Odds and ends abound, including hanging paper lamps and gold jangly belts most suitable for belly dancing.
$ to $$
Knickers by Nella
179 Baldwin St. 416 916-3671
This is so not your average lingerie shop. For starters, it’s all about fun
(not fancy). Wander to very loud emo and indie tunes and suit yourself up with cotton panty and bra sets in camo, brazen colours or cheeky prints. Score with bargain-prices on boy-cut undies, super-comfy PJs, sorbet-
coloured camis with prints of pirate kitties and other characters.
$ to $$$
Décor/Lifestyle
Vai Keong Trading Co.
287 Spadina Ave. 416 977-3446
Asian pop is an acquired taste. If you’re a fan, linger outside this shop, listening to the latest offering over the very loud speakers and cruise their ample CD spread. Otherwise, duck inside to peruse the trove of jade rings, pendants and bracelets, Chinese coins (with holes for pendant-making), sparkly chain ornaments and more. There’s also a fine collection of clay teapots, amethyst crystals, jewellery boxes and statues in the shape of lions, dragons as well as Buddhas.
$ to $$$
B&J Trading
376-8 Spadina Ave. 416 586-9655
Get past the home cleaning gear and oddball kitchen gadgetry and you’ll score big at this odds and ends shop. Find bamboo mats, tikki torches, happy cats and beaded room dividers. It’s a long space, so give yourself time to peruse and discover authentic wooden hairpins, laughing Buddha statues, gorgeous handmade paper, ribbons, teapots, glazed clay bowls and plates, chopsticks and even wooden train sets, if you’re very lucky.
$ to $$
Food
Kim Moon Bakery
438 Dundas St. W. 416 977-1933
This little Chinese bakery is a local fave for their authentic Chinese pastries – dished out at student-friendly prices to boot. Rolls are filled with a generous amount of your choice of lotus paste, curried beef, coconut, pork, green bean paste or red bean paste. Stuff a couple in your bag for midnight studying munchies and you’re good to go.
$
Mother’s Dumplings
79 Huron, at Dundas st. 416 217-2008
Down a very steep stairway find an austere, white shop with plastic-covered tables. Once you sample their dumplings you won’t even notice the lack of decorating flair. Choices include chicken with coriander and mushroom, pork shiu mai with pickled cabbage and plenty delectable others. Pair your pick with wickedly hot chili sauce and roasted peanuts and you’ve got yourself the tastiest deal in town.
$
Legend: $ = Under $20 $$ = $20 to $50 $$$=$50 to $80 $$$$=$80 to $100
