Don’t know what to have for breakfast other than an overpriced cappuccino from around the corner of your apartment building?
Like anything nowadays, things can get pretty boring. If you’re eating the same meal every day for breakfast, making a change is difficult when all your pantry consists of are oats and cereal that has long since expired. Toronto’s Light Café, O’SOMAE, and The Edible Story are just a few of the many brunch spots in the city that are now offering compact take-out ‘brunch boxes,’ which include everything from a warm butter croissant to shaved duck confit over eggs Benedict, draped in a buttery Hollandaise sauce.
Light Café
Light Café has attracted tremendous attention on social media over the past few months, becoming one of the most visited brunch spots in Toronto. First established in Taipei in 2010, this “Taiwanese-inspired café” in Kensington Market has attracted many foodies and visitors. Fortunately, their brunch offerings have helped them survive the province-wide lockdowns.
One of their most popular brunch boxes, Smoked Salmon, includes a freshly baked butter croissant, a choice of bacon or sausage, a house salad and mini buttermilk pancakes. Other entrée options include:
- Pulled Pork ($19.99)
- Roasted Mushroom ($19.99)
- Lobster ($24.99)
- Mini Buttermilk Pancakes ($19.99)
Given its popularity, order these brunch boxes ahead of time to avoid long waits or out-of-stock specials. To book Light Café’s highly craved for brunch boxes, pre-order at 647-347-3883 for weekday purchases or, visit their website at lightcafe.ca.
O’Somae
This new brunch spot is located in East Chinatown and offers a variety of brunch boxes starting. O’Somae specializes in “picnic boxes.” They are gently-priced compared to other brunch boxes, and also offer specialties like duck confit.
O’Somae offers a wide selection of brunch mains including:
- Avocado Toast Box
- Chicken and Waffles Box
- Duck Confit Waffles Box
- Farmer’s Breakfast Box
In addition to their brunch boxes, they serve the quintessential French classic, eggs Benedict, as well as Salmon Benny, Crab Cake Benny or Duck Benny.
These skillfully curated boxes also include a variety of sides such as hand-cut Yukon gold fries, a house salad or an assortment of fresh fruit.
Pro tip: Pair these with their in-house made smoothies, teas, and freshly ground coffee – a great way to start the morning, even if that means spending the day working from home.
The Edible Story
Toronto artists Chef Alanna Fleischer and Chef Brian Cheng have teamed up to provide personal meal boxes at The Edible Story.
Order these two days in advance in portions for either 2 or 4 people. The Edible Story serves a wide variety of meals from different cuisines around the world including:
- Salmon Tataki
- Cornish Hen
- Salad and Protein
- Beef Birria Tamale
While the boxes are compact, they include a variety of sides such as Mujadara Rice, Quinoa Salad or Yuzu Kewpie Coleslaw. Check out their Personal Meals. While these are not specifically brunch options, they are delectably prepared meals like Tandoori Marinated Chicken Thighs, Grilled Albacore Confit Wedge Salad, Baked Sole with Peppers and Quinoa, Steamed Salmon Poke Bowl, Pulled Chicken Breast and Hummus, or for dessert, their homemade Mars Bar Rice Krispies. We dare you to hold off until dinner.
Pick up your meal box or ready-to-eat personal meal through the theediblestory.com or, email them at events@theediblestory.com. Check out their Instagram and Facebook @TheEdibleStory for more information.
