From Saigon to Michelin Guide: The Lunch Lady Story

From Saigon to Michelin Guide: The Lunch Lady Story

Editorial Paul Stasiewich • February 2025

With the success of Lunch Lady in Vancouver, Lim and his team are ready for the next chapter. In May 2025, they plan to open a new location at 93 Ossington Avenue in Toronto.

When Lunch Lady first opened in 2020, it was an ambitious gamble—launching a new concept in the thick of the pandemic was a daunting task. But five years later, the Vancouver restaurant has cemented itself as a cornerstone of the city’s dining scene. Executive Chef Benedict Lim, who co-founded the restaurant with business partner Michael, has helped shape its evolution from a passion project into a Michelin-recognized destination. Now, with a Toronto expansion on the horizon and a new izakaya concept in the works, Lim is reflecting on the journey so far and what’s next.

From the Streets of Saigon to Vancouver’s East Side

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