Pop-Up Pick: cheap dim-sum dinners at Dundas and Spadina

“Dim sum inspired snacks” are currently a big thing on trendy Toronto menus, but they don’t always come cheap, which is what makes this pop-up such a treat. Mean Bao is a small Chinese restaurant in the Village by the Grange food court near Dundas and McCaul. Since opening last summer, it’s been supplying locals and OCAD students with Chinese bao, steamed dumplings and noodle bowls, all very reasonably priced between $3 and $8. Now, during August only, the owners are introducing an even better deal: on Monday evenings throughout the month, they’re inviting people to sample the restaurant’s new “Dai Pai Dong” dinner menu for just $12, tax and tip included. The pop-up meal includes pork-belly bao, Sichuan eggplant, sticky quinoa wrapped in lotus leaves and four kinds of dumplings, plus house-made ice pops for dessert (vegetarian and vegan menus are also available). Early sign-up is recommended.

Aug. 18. $12. Mean Bao, 275 Dundas St. W., eventbrite.ca