Catching a cold or the flu is about as unavoidable as getting stuck in traffic during rush hour, and arguably much worse. Even if you wash your hands and exercise regularly, there’s no guarantee you (or your family) won’t get sick. But when sickness strikes, comfort food and virtual care can make all the difference.
With Ontario’s doctor shortage making it difficult to get an appointment, and walk-in clinics and ER wait times longer than ever, finding immediate, quality care is important. A membership with Maple gives you 24-7 access to Canadian-licensed primary care providers for the whole family, so you can get medical diagnoses and prescriptions faster. After all, the sooner you see a doctor, the sooner you can get treatment and start to feel better.
But beyond what your doctor recommends, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting meal to soothe the soul when youʼre sick. And who knows better than a chef that food is medicine? We turned to three top Toronto chefs to ask about their favourite comfort meals when theyʼre under the weather—and the local spots they count on for takeout when cooking isn’t an option.
When award-winning Michelin chef Rafael Covarrubias feels under the weather, he cooks up a spicy Mexican soup. “I instantly crave pozole, specifically the green one, which gets its colour from tomatillos, poblano peppers and cilantro,” says Covarrubias. “There’s something about it that makes me feel at home.” He also suggests adding a hefty amount of spinach or kale to your stews and soups at home. “Just let it wilt and become part of the dish— it’s a good way to add extra vitamins.”
Get the recipe for chef Rafael Covarrubias’s Mexican pozole soup here.
For chefs Julian Iliopoulos and Nuit Regular, chicken is on the menu. “Growing up, homemade chicken broth was a big thing in our home when we were sick, so soups are what I gravitate towards when I am under the weather,” says Iliopoulos. Though these days he gravitates towards pho. “I like pho for its nutritious broth with lots of ginger and chilies, and the braised meat is easy to digest.” Another go-to is a coconut soup that’s spicy, sour and rich with lots of herbs. “And if I want something a bit heartier,” he adds, “I usually keep some homemade borscht on hand in my freezer.”
Chef Regular of celebrity-favourite PAI Northern Thai Kitchen, and a former registered nurse, agrees that a homey bowl of chicken noodle soup is a go-to. “There’s something so simple yet deeply nourishing about it—it’s like a warm hug in a bowl.”
When cooking isn’t possible, these top chefs rely on local Toronto restaurants for takeout or delivery. “I love ordering the ramen from Ikkousha Ramen Chicken,” says Regular. “A lot of ramen places are pork-based, which can be very rich and heavy, but Ikkousha’s chicken broth is a lighter alternative that still packs a lot of flavour.”
Covarrubias admits his go-to pozole isn’t the easiest dish to find in the city, but he has two favourites. “You can find a delicious one at Comal y Canela and also at Latin World, a Mexican store on Bloor selling homey meals,” Covarrubias says. For Iliopoulosʼs sick-day favourites, he says, “Thereʼs a great Cambodian Thai restaurant that I have been going to since I was a kid, called Khmer Thai, and the soups are a real standout.”
What are some other tried-and-true ways these chefs feel better sooner? Regular recommends sipping on herbal tea made with fresh ginger and cinnamon. “I like to add a little honey or maple syrup. The tea is very soothing and aromatic, making it perfect for relieving sore throats.” Warmth and gentle spices are comforting during the winter months, especially with the dry air we experience. “Staying hydrated with something warm and invigorating always helps me feel a little better,” says Regular.
During the cold season, Iliopoulos suggests: “Get as much sleep as you can, drink plenty of water, take your vitamins, exercise when possible and stay warm!”
Whether you’re relying on chef-inspired soups or sipping ginger tea, comfort goes a long way on a sick day. For everything else, Maple is available anytime, giving you access to a doctor or nurse practitioner on your phone in minutes. Find the support you need to feel better this season.