Chef Andersen Lee’s favourite Asian restaurants
We spoke with Chef Andersen Lee, from the restaurant Oncle Lee in Mile-End, to learn about his favorite Chinese and Asian restaurants!
Andy has been immersed in cooking since he was very young. Like many children of Chinese immigrants, he grew up in Brossard, where he still lives to this day. His father worked as a waiter in Chinatown. His mother, who was and still is a fine cook (she makes the baos for the takeaway counter at Jade restaurant), passed on her passion for cooking to him at a very young age.
Time went by, and the children grew up, following in their parents’ footsteps: thanks to his older sister, who worked at Boucherie Provisions, Andy got his first kitchen job in 2017. Then, fresh out of the École des métiers de la restauration et du tourisme de Montréal, he was accepted for an internship at Bouillon Bilk, where he quickly rose through the ranks to the position of sous-chef, before moving on to Cadet as chef de cuisine. Just a few years later, it was time for the young prodigy chef to fly on his own. In January 2024, he launched his restaurant, Oncle Lee, with the support of the Bouillon Bilk team. As of writing this, Andersen is already preparing to open a second restaurant, Oncle Lee Kao, in Old Montreal. It will feature some of the Chinese-inspired classics from the first restaurant, along with new dishes such as grilled meats and seafood platters.
Andersen Favorites Asian Restaurants
Tian Fu Restaurant — 8025 Bd Taschereau, Brossard (in the Galeries Brossard)
Open for lunch and dinner, this bring-your-own-wine spot is one of Andersen’s favorites in Brossard. They serve Cantonese and Sichuan specialties for all tastes, even the more adventurous ones. You don’t come here for the decor, which Andersen kindly calls “minimalist,” but for the food. “They really focus on the food, but they nail it. Everything is good,” he says. Andy recommends the Chicken with Chef’s Sauce, a whole poached chicken cut into pieces and served with a green onion and ginger condiment, which is great for sharing.
Restaurant Imperial — 8245 Taschereau Blvd Local A15 & A16, Brossard
“We go there for the dim sum. It’s always packed. The siu mai and har gow are very generous.” The dim sum menu is available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day. A second location opened in Pointe-Claire in the West Island last year.
Fondue Haidilao — 1194 Sainte-Catherine Street, Montreal
Opened last year, Fondue Haidilao still attracts crowds with its festive atmosphere. Unlike other fondue restaurants, here you order à la carte. It’s a bit more expensive, but worth it. “It’s the best hot pot in Montreal,” Andersen says. “The broths are excellent, the condiment bar is really fun, and the meats are of good quality and thickness, which makes all the difference.” On top of that, the restaurant stays open until 4 a.m. on weekends. “After service, it’s my go-to.”
Fondue Chinoise Express — 1610 Sainte-Catherine Street #41 (in the Faubourg Sainte-Catherine)
Tucked away behind a maze of staircases on the upper floor of the Faubourg Sainte-Catherine, Fondue Chinoise Express owns its name as a true hidden gem. Despite the name, it’s mostly the soups and noodles that attract connoisseurs, although they also serve hot pots (including a dry hot pot that intrigues Andersen a lot). “I always get the braised beef noodle soup, which reminds me of my mom’s.” The dan dan noodles are also a must. No matter what you order, the portions are huge and the prices are small. “It’s mostly Chinese people who eat there,” Andersen notes. That’s usually a very good sign.
Cuisine AuntDai — 1448 Saint-Mathieu Street
Located on Saint-Mathieu Street, near Guy-Concordia station, Cuisine AuntDai offers authentic Chinese cuisine and a wide range of vegetarian dishes in a slightly kitschy but cozy setting. “Simple stir-fries, nothing complicated. Like a typical Chinatown restaurant, but better,” says Andersen.
Dynastie — 107-1008 Clark Street
Open every evening until 3 a.m., this Chinatown institution is well known among party-goers and night owls. “It’s one of the few late-night spots still open in Chinatown, and it’s genuinely good,” Andersen assures. “We always get the salt and pepper calamari, a small vegetable dish, and the Sichuan-style boiled fish.”
Oriental Fusion — Basement, 7373 Décarie Blvd
A hidden gem located in the basement of Kanda restaurant on Décarie Boulevard, Oriental Fusion is sometimes dubbed “underground Chinese” by regulars. “Excellent dim sum and roast duck, and a very good ho fun (dry stir-fried flat rice noodles with beef, reminescent of a Thai pad see ew).” If you spot someone who looks a lot like Andersen there, it’s probably his father, who occasionally helps out in the dining room.
Papa Jackie — 4745 Grande Allée, Brossard
A Brossard staple Andersen frequented often when he was younger, known for its whole steamed fish. “It’s been a while since I’ve been there, but it’s always a safe bet. I always order the same thing, and it’s always good.” It’s also a bring-your-own-wine restairamt.
Fleurs et cadeaux — 1002 Saint-Urbain Street
Fleurs et cadeaux, one of our favorite spots in Chinatown, is also one of Andersen’s favorites. “Very nice vibe, excellent sake list, and very good quality fish. The chirashi alone is worth the trip. I think it’s the best dish in Montreal, I’m always craving it” he says.
Pichai — 5985 Saint-Hubert Street
Lastly, Andersen is a big fan of the Thai wine bar Pichai on Saint-Hubert Street. “It’s a favorite restaurant for a lot of people, and I get it. The special menu changes often. It’s always good.”
Bonus: More of Andersen’s Favorites
Cheers!
Written by Mikael Lebleu
Photography by Mikael Lebleu
