Happened to walk into this interesting food court, The Grange. Among various different food stands in this food court, I was most impressed by the longest line-up of Helena's Magic Kitchen. In spite of its long line-up, the serving speed was fast and efficient. Menu is simple. Food is appetisingly visible. Thus easy to order. I quickly searched their popular items with my phone, and decided that I should try Sheppard's pie. But it sold out just in front of me.... it was still 12:30! Oh NO! Now I had to choose alternate main dish very quickly, and this Stuffed Chicken Breast caught my eye... and ordered. I made it Combo of $10.75 (one main, one warm side, two cold sides). As a side, I initially wanted pierogies (which also has a good reputation) as a warm side dish, but I accidentally chose potato pancake which irresistibly looked so good (with sour cream) today, which made me ineligible for getting pierogies. Next time! For the two cold sides, I chose potato salad and barley salad. The spinach stuffed chicken breast was very impressive and I loved it! The round football shape and the size was 1.5 x my fist. The spinach stuffing inside was plenty, flavourful and super savoury, but not greasy. It was wrapped by thin, yet juicy tender chicken breast. Ask for mushroom gravy for this, as the flavor perfects it. The potato pancake was thick, super crispy outside, and tender & chewy inside. Juicy. Cooked/tasted fresh. Although it is a bit greasy side, I thought I can come back to buy this one alone - as it is filling and addictive. The two cold sides were good, not outstanding but good companion for the heavier main. Next time, I want to come earlier to try Sheppard's pie. Also want to try their pierogies - I could not order it today as I was so attracted by the potato pancake, which disqualified me from adding it in today's lunch combo lol. $10.75 combo with this quality and volume is blessing! Thus star 5. read more

Helena's Magic Kitchen - American Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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Amazing price and healthy food. There are definitely tastier places but the price can't be beat for the quality of food read more

Helena's Magic Kitchen - Stuffed chicken breast - American Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Cheap ($10) and healthier options in this area... what more do you need! The sides are simple cold items... along the lines of simple salads. My favourite thing to get is the grilled chicken since it's grilled to order (it's probably only like half a butterflied chicken breast hence it being so cheap at $10). The potato latkes here are not my favourite bc of the texture... it's gummy. All the food is fresh! Huge plus at this price point. Definitely a go-to lunch spot, especially if you work out go to school in the area. read more

Helena's Magic Kitchen - Spinach quiche + 2 sides (apples and coleslaw) - American Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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The most affordable and healthy meal you can get downtown. You won't find more food for 9 dollars downtown. And the stuffed chicken is awesome! The sides are so clean and healthy. The menu is diverse and encourage exploration. Beautifully and simply prepared foods. read more

One of my colleagues let me in on his secret lunch spot, and it was Helena's Magic Kitchen. The food stall is among many options in the Village on the Grange next to OCAD, but it consistently has one of the longest lines. The stuffed chicken breast with spinach is amazingly flavourful, and I order it every time with potato pancake & beet salad for a perfect meal. The chicken is meaty and juicy encased within a crispy outer layer. The kitchen also offers other east European menu items including various pies, quiches, meatloafs, veggies and soups that are all made fresh. Once the limited quantities are gone, that's it for the day. It's a really good deal so don't mind taking food away from OCAD students, they can have less healthy alternatives like McDonald's nearby. There's a reason why Helena's Magic Kitchen has been around for about 20 years. The kind Korean couple who run the show now is creative with the dishes and works quickly to take care of your meal selection. read more

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We overheard someone saying how good the spinach stuffed chicken breast is...and they were right! The sides we chose - broccoli and beet salads - were simply prepared and fresh. The latke was better than united dairy's! Will return the next time we are in the area. (And will take a pic before we devour it!) read more

It certainly seems like magic the quality and quantity of food you get for the prices. We moved offices and this is now my go-to spot. I've tried the combination platter (pictured), the chicken breast, and the stuffed chicken breast. The latter is my favourite so far. Note that there's usually a line so try to go earlier or later to avoid the lines. They cook a lot of things in real-time so it's fresh, but contributes to the longer lines. Do yourself a favor and give them a shot. read more

Helena's Magic Kitchen - Combination platter - American Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

The magic of Helena's Magic Kitchen rests in the fact that you can get a wholesome, on-the-go combo for under $8! So what makes Helena's menu of quiches, pies, cold salads, pierogies, cabbage rolls, soups, stuffed chicken, chicken of the day and potato latkas wholesome? Unlike many fast food options out there, Helen's seemingly from-scratch cooking is creative and healthful. Unlike other fast food options at the same price point, you don't taste an overuse of salt. Instead, it feels like Helena's is always trying to hold off on the flavouring to let the ingredients shine. To some, this might mean flavours of some of the sides seem lackluster, but for me I think it's just right, especially paired with the flavourful pies and quiches one can get as the main. Speaking of pies, I'm always impressed by what's on the menu for vegetable pies. Thus far I've tried the spinach pie, mushroom pie and Crepes pie which were, especially the mushroom and Crepes pie, delightfully unexpected. Elsehlwhere, I'm used to the usual spinach quiches, but, at Helena's, I'm sure to always find something intriguing to try. If you like savoury pies and appreciate some good side salads to go with definitely stop by. Note that the best time to drop in is earlier in the day, when the full daily menu is available. Once evening descends the options dimish dramatically! read more

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Amazing good prices taste portions Amazin owners high, good food lots of variety, amazing pies great job loves this place huge fan read more

After almost 3 years, I headed to the Magic Kitchen and the taste is the same as I remember it. Ordered myself a spinach stuffed chicken with sides of latkes and beets..(for just under $10) yum! Now that I know they are 'open', will visit again... Sorry no photos, because I devoured the meal in 60 seconds... :-) read more

Terrific place for lunch! ATMOSPHERE: Homecooked goodness. Located inside the food court at The Grange, the place is a student hub. Amidst various selections here, Helena's stands out with their food. SERVICE: Friendly. A lovely couple run this place! PRICE: Average food court-type prices. There are lots of options just to order single items, or get combos for lunch which includes 1 main and 2 sides. FOOD: Fried potato latkes are AMAZING. Served with a huge dollop of sour cream - it's available as an add-on or as your main. I also love ALL their savoury pies and quiches. Such a great selection to choose from. But remember: Get there EARLY or they may be sold out of most of their delish pies and quiches. Their sides are super tasty! You'd think it's only the mains that keep them going, but don't overlook the various veggie/salad side dishes. I've been trying to order something different every time - and I'm never disappointed. Highly recommended. read more

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Great food option if you're in the AGO neighbourhood. Everything is fresh, homemade and full of flavour. You cannot go wrong with their offering of six periogies with two sides for $6 (including tax)! Be advised: these are not frozen, they're homemade, traditional periogies made with potato and cheese. I visit this place at least a few times a month and have converted a few co-workers into loyal customers as well. The couple who runs this place are also very nice and efficient. read more

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Excellent steal. The food is really good and the price is even better. I come here for lunch and there is always a line. My goal is to try everything on the menu. read more

Eastern European grub in the Village by the Grange food court. I expected more smoke and incantations at this Magic Kitchen, but all I got was lunch. Pretty good selection for food court fare: quiche, soups, sandwiches, pies, and literally more side dishes than they can fit on the counter. Bowls of bean salads obscured coleslaws, beet salad and other mixes. The food is decent and the prices aren't bad (though expensive by this food court's standards). I'll go back. Obligatory Title Pun: One HELL-eva Magic Kitchen Menu Readability: Scribbled in chalk overhead. Need to mention: They make dessert daily. What this place teaches me about myself: When I heard Eastern European I used to think "strippers." Now I think "beet salad." And also strippers. read more

Not sure what type of sorcery this place employs, but good enough for a quick lunch spot if you're in a rush and want a healthy bite. Not much to say about the place itself since it's a stall in a food court under the Village by the Grange. I've pretty much tried all the quiche offerings they have and regardless of the choice, it's quite on point. Served with two sides of your choice and you may seriously need a couple minutes make that decision with their impressive spread of sides including beet salad (my fav), potato salad, tomato and cucumber salad, coleslaw, bean salad and others. Definitely will need to try their latkas on my next visit. They look absolutely delish. read more

Wow!!!! I absolutely love this place for fast food. Their food is always fresh,my go to food is their salad for under $4 and you can choose 3 different salads. I got their large salad before , and you get to choose 5 different salads which is huge! But mmmm it did fill my tummy! I also love their quiche. Wow they really do make delicious food read more

The lovely couple that run this place are so committed to doing something different. Every day, they prepare delicious, home-made food that stands a clear cut above the other fast-food joints in the Grange. There are actual healthy options here, and delicious, thoughtfully prepared ones at that (their side-dishes include broccoli, beets, wheatberries, barley, lentils, etc). The portions are generous and the prices are SO reasonable. My go-to for lunch in the Grange, hands down! read more

honestly im quite upset about this place. i have bought my lunch from here at least two times now and each visit was a disappointment... the first time i went i ordered the potato latkes with the green quinoa (it was quinoa with maybe cilantro idk?!) and the potato salad. the latkes were a huge letdown. it wasn't exactly too flavourful and idk it just didn't do my tastebuds justice. the quinoa thing was absolutely dreadful dear lord never again. and for the potato salad, it was the only remotely edible thing **i bought this before the lunch hour and my food was not hot.. not even that warm :( the second time I went I ordered the shepherds pie because GORL I LOVE SHEPHERDS PIE AND I WAS LEGIT SO HAPPY I FOUND A PLACE WITH SHEPHERDS PIE (yall hit me up with some bombass restaurants or food joints with shepherds pie plsss) for the side orders i got the potato salad again and tried the coleslaw this time . first of all it was yet another let down again .... like the meat was alright but the MASHED POTATOES MAN WHYYYYYY I'm really particular with my mashed potatoes like they gotta be smooth like a baby's bottom and buttery and just NOT GRAINY OKAY AND CLUMPY BUT IT WAS EXACTLY THAT .. GRAINY AND CLUMPY (D::;) but yeah potato salad tasted weird this time but the coleslaw was okay ** food was again not hot and not warm overall im PROBABLY not gonna come again (i do wanna try the stuffed chicken breast) but yeah despite all the good reviews HOMEGIRL can not give this place a lot of stars :( IM SORRY THE COUPLE THT WORKS THERE read more

Helena's Magic Kitchen - the shepherds pie with coleslaw and potato salad - American Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

I've only been here once so far and while I can't say it's the best thing I've tasted, it's good value for a home cooked meal. I got the roasted chicken special which came with mushroom cream sauce. The chicken was somewhat dry, but you did get 3 pieces (2 drum sticks and a thigh). I'm also not sure if it was actually a chicken that was roasted or it was slow cooked (they did pull it out of a slow cooker...perhaps to keep it warm). It was a hearty meal, but nothing to write home about. I would come back to try the other chicken specials or the quiche as they looked more appetizing and popular. read more

Helena's Magic Kitchen - Roast chicken special and 2 sides. - American Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Excellent prices for the portions you get. A mom and pop kind of shop. Has good amount of varieties and always a lineup.

Excellent food for fantastic value from a price perspective. Their pies are very flavourful in particular and it's wonderful to see healthy and tasty food being provided for an unbeatable price. Truly a gem of a place and on of Toronto's must under the radar secrets. Really hard working good couple that are the worker-proprietors. read more

OMG I miss this place! I haven't been here forever, but when I use to work nearby, I use to come regularly just not as often as I should have. I'd always get their mushroom pie and side salads and it was tasty and cheap! I hate boring leafy salads and they had a selection of families non-leafy salads before salad was all the rage. Really miss this mind blowing mushroom pie they made from scratch (yes I've seen them making it from scratch)! read more

Here it is. This place is AMAZING! It's a tiny little spot I a food court but gosh I love their home cooked food. And u can get a large portion of meat with 3sides for $10. Really good price. I love their stuffed fried chicken with potato pancakes, veggies and Cous cous. So yummy and the meal usually lasts me twice because of the portion. I'm assuming their husband and wife but they are very sweet and very speedy. I come here often for work. Great place. read more

Great food for cheap prices. I found the beans in their bean salads a bit underdone, but other than that, it's been some really nice home cooking done right. read more

The once tragic mall at Village by the Grange is now a great place for lunch and people watching. The crowd of Chinatown locals, OCAD hipsters and AGO matrons are there for the international indie stalls in the food court. It's a quintessential Toronto experience. Helena's stands apart with it's French country kitchen setup. They specialize in savoury pies and superfresh salads. I had a spinach quiche that actually tasted like spinach. The crust was pretty good and the egg filling just right, still moist but not runny. Could have used a bit more seasoning but that's easily corrected. Salads sides are absolutely stellar. I tried a barley and white bean mix liberally flecked with fresh minced parsley, as well as one of the best coleslaws I've had in a long time. All this for six bucks! In a city that often overreaches for food trendiness it's nice to see the basics done correctly. read more

Great price for the amount of food with a good mix of healthy and comfort eating options. The couple who works there has been working there every day since I first discovered the place a decade ago and they deserve your patronage and appreciation for running such a tight ship. read more

Homestyle food that tastes excellent and is reasonably priced. Highly recommend it!

The couple who run this place can be seen first thing in the morning prepping all the food, and it's clear everything is really homemade. Great deals for lunch - have tasted most of the salads which are great. Their chicken of the day is always the same- roasted legs/ thighs with mushroom sauce, but it's good. Stuffed chicken and the pies are great, and you should def taste the potato pancakes. A nice fresh homemade tasting option for lunch read more

OH MAN. What a hidden gem. The owners are so friendly. The perogies and potato latkas could not be yummier. A great deal but a long time around lunchtime so make sure to come a little earlier than 12 or a little later than 12:30. The beet salad is my favourite side dish. Overall a 10! read more

tasty home cooking at a reasonable price. Usually, these places oversalt to gain flavor but this place had simple yet delicious dishes.

I really want the couple who runs this place to adopt me. I feel like I'd be so healthy. I always get the salads though, man, the quiches look pretty remarkable. Homecooked, beautiful, healthy food. I really like the side dishes though, they are seasoned just right and I always feel good after. Thanks, food-court mom and dad! read more

My favourite place to have lunch in Village by the Grange. The pies and latkes are hot and delicious. I also love their carrots from the salad bar (which consisted of almost all that I didn't care for). The stuffed chicken was filling. And best of all, it's reasonably priced! read more

This place is my go to during breaks from classes. Their quiches are great. Their potato lackeys are the best! Their pierogies are also delicious. If their mushroom sauce is offered, take it! Sucks that most stuff sells out during the lunch hour. Cute old couple runs this homemade place. read more

They have a good selection of salads and quiches. The roasted chicken is tasty and you can always get a somewhat indulgent potato pancake. Good for lunch. If there is magic, it is a good kind as far as I can tell. read more

Best place in the grange by far. Healthy, fresh and tasty food. Totally different style of food than what you usually find in a food court.