Helena's Magic Kitchen

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.

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.

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

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!)

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... :-)

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.