From Saigon to Michelin Guide: The Lunch Lady Story

From Saigon to Michelin Guide: The Lunch Lady Story

Editorial Paul StasiewichFebruary 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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