Putting on the Riz in Toronto

This dedicated gluten-free Asian kitchen is my idea of heaven

I’d like to think of myself as a good guest, but when I walked into a Toronto restaurant called Riz on Yonge with some friends, the first words out of my mouth were, “Whatever you order, I’m going to be eating that, too.”

This bad behavior wasn’t entirely my fault. The restaurant’s full name is Riz on Yonge Gluten-Free Asian Kitchen, and absolutely everything on the menu is safe for celiacs to eat. I appreciate it when restaurants go to the trouble of identifying menu offerings that are gluten-free, but Riz’s commitment is next-level. Not only is the kitchen dedicated, but the restaurant went to the additional effort of getting itself certified by the GFFP (Gluten-Free Food Program). You don’t need to wonder if you’re in good hands there; it’s basically celiac paradise.

The food is absolutely top-notch. For starters, the shrimp tempura is a deep-fried delight, while both the Vietnamese spring rolls with chicken and the vegan taro rolls are satisfying. I ordered the Coconut Peanut Chicken with mushrooms and scallions as my main dish, and while I loved it, I’m pretty sure I ate more of the Citrus Chicken that a friend ordered (it was the perfect balance of savory and sweet with crispy breaded chicken, onions, and peppers in a sweetened lemon sauce). The Lotus Pockets, filled with chicken and sticky rice, were another treat.

My only regret is that I didn’t have room for dessert.

I should mention that Riz on Yonge has a sister restaurant, Riz on St. Clair, which has many gluten-free offerings, but does not have a dedicated kitchen. Still, I think gluten-intolerant diners will be in good hands at either outpost.