In the streets of Scarborough, there's a restaurant that's only been open for a year, but it's already tugging at the heartstrings of so many homesick wanderers with just a bowl of noodles. Square Noodle has quickly become a favorite among diners with its unwavering dedication to traditional Henan flavors, even sparking a "Taste of Henan" craze on social media. Owner Mr. Zhang, with his 30 years of culinary experience, has brought the wisdom of the food culture from the banks of the Yellow River to Toronto, turning a bowl of noodles into a bridge of flavor between hometown and foreign land.

Square Noodle

九九烩面

3250 Midland Ave G109, Scarborough, ON M1V 0C7

647-478-0290

Signature Dish

When you push open the glass door of Square Noodle, it's like stepping into the main hall of an old Henan house. The rich aroma hits you right away, instantly taking you back to the hometown in your memories. Mr. Zhang is almost obsessive about his ingredients. He buys fresh ones every day, and even has some flown in from China to make up for what's lacking locally. He uses Canadian high-gluten flour but strictly follows the traditional "knead three times, rest three times" method to make the noodles by hand, so each one is wrapped in the fragrance and chewiness of wheat. The broth for the noodles is simmered daily with fresh bones, with no additives at all, until it's creamy white and incredibly flavorful.

The restaurant offers a variety of noodle dishes, but the Traditional Mutton Braised Noodles are definitely the star of the show. They use carefully selected fresh mutton and bones, slow-cooked over low heat for hours until the meat is tender and the bone marrow is fully absorbed into the soup. The broth is bright white, with a rich meaty aroma, and it's served with hand-pulled noodles, glass noodles, wood ear mushrooms, daylily buds, and shredded tofu skin. With each bite, the chewy noodles and tender mutton mix together in your mouth, creating a deliciously rich and savory experience.

Another must-try is the Braised Beef Noodles. The soup base is rich and flavorful, the noodles are strong and chewy, and the beef is tender and juicy. The braised flavor has a hint of spiciness, and the layers of aroma blend together in your mouth, making every bite unforgettable.

Apart from the noodles, the Daokou Roasted Chicken is also a standout dish. The soulful broth is infused with the essence of various spices, and the perfect cooking process allows the flavors to penetrate every fiber of the chicken. When it's served, the amber-colored skin falls off at a touch, revealing a velvety texture. Take a bite, and the chicken is tender and juicy, melting in your mouth with a rich and lingering flavor.

Customer-first Concept 

Mr. Zhang has been fascinated by cooking since he was a kid. He started in the kitchen at the age of ten, and his over 30 years in the culinary world have given him a deep understanding of good food. As a top chef in his home country, he's traveled to many countries to open restaurants and even attracted a Saudi prince. In his view, running a great restaurant doesn't need too many fancy tricks. The key is to always think about what the guests need. He sums up the four key factors for a successful restaurant: cleanliness, fresh ingredients, authentic flavors, and warm service. Square Noodle has nailed all of these, which is why it's so popular with diners.

At Square Noodle, every bowl of noodles is a taste memory, and every sip of soup carries a longing for home. Mr. Zhang hopes that through his efforts, more people can taste the authentic flavors of Henan, and he can bring a familiar warmth and comfort to those who are far from home.