Weekly Lunch Pick: the bokit combo at Kensington Market’s Le Ti Colibri

Weekly Lunch Pick: the bokit combo at Kensington Market’s Le Ti Colibri

Weekly Lunch Pick: Le Ti Colibri
(Image: Renée Suen)

Although Kensington Market’s Le Ti Colibri caters mainly to takeout orders, those with a little more time can escape to the tiny restaurant’s quaint back patio, with its relaxed island vibe and zouk music. The meat-free, vegetarian- and pescatarian-friendly menu is a unique showcase for the bright flavours of the French Caribbean. The signature bokit ($7, combo $11) is a creole sandwich made of golden fried bread filled with finely shredded salt cod, lettuce and tomato. We add avocado (half a fruit for only $1 extra) to the already substantial portion, which nicely cuts the briny flavours of the salt cod and provides creamy textural contrast to the hot, crispy and chewy fried bread. The combo comes with a choice of fries (we opt for the starchy, crunchy cassava ones) and a drink (we upgrade for an extra $2.50 to the day’s virgin cocktail, a house-brewed ginger sorrel drink that’s like a milder version of hibiscus tea). Sitting out back on the pretty patio, blocking out the noise of Kensington, we can almost pretend we’re in some little tropical shack.

The cost: $18, including tax and tip

The time: 34 minutes chilling out under a large thatched sunshade on the back patio

Le Ti Colibri, 291 Augusta Ave., 416-925-2223, Facebook page, @leticolibri