Out & About #489 | Downtown Things Feat. Pappa Roti + Katsuya

​Seeing orangecane periodically has evolved into an essential part of my life. With less than two weeks between my return from the East Coast and her lengthy overseas vacation, it was necessary to temporarily set aside crazy work things and squeeze in some much-needed fangirling.

We settled on a late afternoon excursion along the strips of Chinatown and Downtown Yonge.

​I had wanted to visit Pappa Roti ever since their sign had been spotted early this year. Square One is supposedly the next Ontario location for the Malaysian coffee bun chain, but, as everyone knows, Mississauga's permit office is far from being the speediest.
My memory had the bakery/café stitched at the southwest corner of College and Spadina; after referring to Google Maps, the actual location was determined to be just south of Dundas on Spadina.

We trekked the distance, passing by Koishi and Sukoshi Mart on the way.
It goes without saying that I also wanted to familiarize myself with the new-and-updated Little Pebbles. Hunger caught up with me, while parchedness with orangecane. On this detour, I secured a White Chocolate Matcha Scone with macadamia nuts, which was much drier and firmer than I would have liked, as well as a satchet of mixed shortbread cookies. A Yuzu Rare Cheesecake was orangecane's pick; "It tastes like yuzu." I was informed.

​Behind the counter was the barista, who also assumed role of the only front-line staff member. She did not bear the most welcoming demeanour, in spite of the low level of customer traffic.
A small group of international students had shamelessly stole majority of the stools from the other tables for their own chatty fest, so the two of us were left perched at the waist-level tables with our bags still strapped on. Suffice to say, we didn't stay long.
I will also conclude that Little Pebbles doesn't retain the same attraction as their smaller, pre-move spot.

Eventually, we arrived at the doors of Pappa Roti.
The interior was practically empty at this time, though it filled up gradually as we eased into the evening hours.

​Original Coffee Buns could be purchased individually for $4, or in a pack of four for $14. Dine-in customers also had the option of requesting ice cream or other indulgent fillings; these buns were delivered atop a wooden serving board, sprinkled with a small amount of icing sugar.
I took a box of four to go, primarily to compare the Malaysian bakery's signature to our household favourite, Bake Code's Roasted Coffee Bun. Additionally, orangecane picked one for an on-the-spot munch. It made its way over to the table just as an all-too-familiar tune echoed above us.

​Fragrant as it was, its internal cavity was largely hollow. The Original Bun was chewy, as gluten-containing products ought to be. The crackle caramel coffee coating was also present, albeit more subtle in flavour than expected. Omitted was the distinctly sweet bottom layer witnessed in Bake Code's rendition.
"It's mainly air." my dining partner concluded.

​The same can be said for the quartet that were taken to go and gently blasted with the toaster oven. We were greeted with the same hollow product upon reaching the suburbs, but with slightly more favorable results at home - specifically a crispier exterior, more intense aroma, and comforting pocket of salted, melted butter at the centre.

Despite the Original Coffee Bun earning the namesake title of the Southeast Asian establishment, it proved underwhelming and less superior than that of Bake Code (even at one dollar greater).

​The skies began to dim, so we sharply made our way to Katsuya for our second katsu-venture.

Since bonding over Crabmeat Cheese Croquettes at the North York location some 20 months ago, we hadn't visited together since.

Katsuya's downtown outpost was situated within walking distance of the Eaton Centre, at the top of a flight of concrete stairs that once belonged to burrito joint zee-teca. The interior was similar to that of the North York and Mississauga spots: a widespread usage of wood was observed, as well as ropes and brilliant, netted light fixtures. Special attention was paid to the wooden panels that served to enclose ceiling pipes and utilities while contributing cohesiveness to  the overall concept of the decor.

​Seating was attributed to two communal tables - six stools stationed at each - and several smaller tables along the perimeter of the restaurant. One of the two hostesses/waitresses guided us to one of the large tables, where a party of two were already seated comfortably.  There weren't any hooks present underneath the table; only a small cubby spot beneath one's seat allocated room for bag/coat storage and feet-resting. We took the coat rack near the entrance for our needs, as well as the adjacent (unused) stool.

Orangecane opted for a Carbonara Pork Tender Katsu, unsurprisingly; her love for the creamy formula is evident from her own kitchen experiments. It was enjoyable - or so I was told - albeit very filling given our previous munchies.

The Yonge/Gerrard location was the first of five to introduce the Katsu Burger - a variation of the popular panko-patted protein source devoid of the standard cabbage slaw and rice accompaniments.
This forenamed creation was not offered in the form of a fluffy fish fillet, for a reason that the waitress had difficulty justifying in the English language. A Cheese Pork Loin Katsu was selected in its place. The "patty" was made significantly smaller than that of the standard platters, which I presume is to fit between the toasted buns. Its crispiness was not compromised, despite the bottom bun being saturated with an abundance of tangy, teriyaki-like sauce. However, I did find the condiment to be overbearing at times, especially since the surface of the cutlet featured another layer of sauce. Encased between the pork was a discernible layer of mozzarella: while tasty, it wasn't as stringy and satisfying as its other locations.

​Both meals were served with miso soup, though little attention was given to this starter.

​​Gender-separated stalls were found a few steps away from the dining area, at the end of a dimly lit corridor. The same wooden elements were found here, but not the woodsy fragrance which I had adored from the Mississauga venture.
Hygeine levels were also several notches lower than the Japanese fusion restaurant's first and third locations. Not only was dust perceived in the cramped quarters, a large roll of toilet paper merely resided atop the toilet for all grimy hands to touch. It was either a matter of a misplaced toilet paper dispenser key, or outright laziness of staff. In addition, I was not impressed by the lack of a fully functional faucet.

​Speaking on a conclusive basis, better sustenance is served at the uptown Toronto and Mississauga locations. In regards to customer service though, Mississauga's remains dead last.

​Please join me in wishing orangecane a safe, fruitful journey to overseas lands!