Here’s where viral food critic Keith Lee went in Toronto, left over $5k in tips and influenced Bahamian to fly in for a taste

In the ever-evolving landscape of food criticism, few figures have made as immediate and resounding an impact as Keith Lee. The former mixed martial arts fighter turned viral food critic has taken the digital world by storm, amassing a huge following on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. His honest and heartfelt restaurant reviews have not only endeared him to millions of food lovers but have also breathed new life into countless local eateries–which now include, Toronto.

Recently, Keith Lee brought his unique brand of food critique to the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), a region we locals know, is known for its diverse culinary scene. His visit was not just a tour; it was an event that left a significant imprint on the local businesses and their patrons, dubbed “the Keith Lee effect.”

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Who is Keith Lee?

Keith Lee’s journey from MMA fighter to a food critic is as unconventional as it is fascinating. After his fighting career, Lee found a new passion in exploring and reviewing restaurants. His reviews, characterized by a genuine and approachable style, quickly captured the attention of millions online. Today, he is celebrated not only for his discerning palate but also for his ability to uplift local businesses. Lee’s impact, often referred to as the “Keith Lee effect,” sees restaurants experiencing a surge in customers following his restaurant reviews.

Keith Lee’s Greater Toronto Area (GTA) tour

During his visit to the GTA, Keith Lee explored a variety of eateries, each offering something unique, reflecting the area’s rich cultural tapestry. His journey was a flavourful exploration of what makes this Canadian region a true foodie haven.

One of the highlights of his tour was his visit to a local Bahamian restaurant. The authenticity and quality of the cuisine were so compelling that it inspired a man from the Bahamas to travel all the way to the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) just to experience the flavours of his homeland abroad. This story exemplifies the profound impact that Lee’s recommendations can have, not just on businesses but also on individuals seeking a taste of home.

@vocabbahamas242 I popped up to Old Nassau in toronto #keithlee #oldnassau #bahamiantiktok #bahamiantiktok🇧🇸 #viral #vocabbahamas #242 #vocabbahamas #@Old Nassau #keithleetoronto #keithleeeffect @Keith Lee ♬ original sound – VocabBahamas

Another significant stop was at a quaint yet popular local diner, where Keith Lee’s visit culminated in a grand gesture of generosity. Appreciating the service and the food, he left a staggering $3,000 tip, a move that speaks volumes about his character and his dedication to supporting local businesses. This act of kindness was not just about the money; it was a powerful endorsement that highlighted the quality of the establishment and its staff, encouraging more people to visit.

What restaurants did Keith Lee visit on his Greater Toronto Area (GTA) food tour?

He’s known to frequent local mom and pop shops, hole in the wall (if you will) type places. He’s not really looking for a vibe, he’s looking for authenticity and flavours.

To decide on dining spots in each city, Keith Lee typically targets three types of establishments: family-owned eateries, local favourites recommended by residents, and diverse cultural restaurants. In Toronto, his followers overwhelmed his comments with suggestions, ensuring he had plenty of options.

To help smaller establishments, Keith also encourages his followers to suggest restaurants that could benefit from more support.

1. Sumaq Iraqi Charcoal Grill, in Scarborough

What did he try? Keith Lee (and his family, also known as his “FamiLEE”) tried 3 kinds of shawarma: veal, chicken, and mixed.

@keith_lee125 Sumaq Iraqi Charcoal Grill taste test 💕 would you try it ? 💕 #foodcritic @SUMAQ IRAQI CHARCOAL GRILL ♬ original sound – Keith Lee

What did he say? He spent $32.80 here, and noted that the customer service was “pretty good.” Keith enjoyed both the chicken and the veal for their robust flavours. He gave the chicken shawarma an 8.2/10 and the veal an 8.4/10, noting that while each was delicious on its own, they didn’t pair as well together. Nonetheless, he considered both dishes a success! Those are pretty high ratings.

2. Biscuits to Baskets, in Ajax

What did he try? He tasted four cakes and one coffee.

@keith_lee125 Biscuits & Baskets taste test 💕 would you try it 💕 #foodcritic @mixinthe6ix ♬ original sound – Keith Lee

What did he say? In true Canadian fashion, he said the customer service here was “over the top” amazing. Keith also dubbed the Korean Sponge Toffee Latte as “unique,” and gave it an 8/10 (which is a great grade given that he doesn’t really drink much coffee–and usually black). Then, he and his family tried the carrot, banana, biscoff (insert drool emoji here), and chocolate cakes. Although they preferred the first 3 because they weren’t overly sweet, all 4 landed positive ratings. Above all, Keith Lee was particularly struck by the friendliness of the staff, and he showed his appreciation by leaving a generous $2,500 tip!

3. Afro’s Pizza, in Toronto (Downtown)

What did he try? He tasted the mac ‘n cheese and four pizzas: the Davis Jr. (one with pepperoni and one with beef), Hendrix’s Experience, and Shehnaz’s Samosa.

@keith_lee125 Afros Pizza taste test 💕 would you try it ? 💕 #foodcritic @Afro's Pizza @mixinthe6ix ♬ original sound – Keith Lee

What did he say? Each was stacked with ingredients and super unique. He spent $79.04 here, and the customer service was “really good.” Typically “picky” about his mac ‘n cheese, Keith was impressed by the rich flavour of the dish, giving it an 8.5/10. He rated the Davis Jr. pizza a high 9/10 with pepperoni, and an 8.7/10 with beef. There was some initial uncertainty about his feelings towards the Hendrix’s Experience pizza, which he eventually scored a 7.7/10, and the samosa pizza, which he gave a 7.5/10, suggesting that these last 2 might generate mixed reactions from the public. He also left s $3k tip, according to Afro’s Pizza owner Rodney Best (as told in a CTV interview).

4. Sisters & Co., in Toronto (Dundas West)

What did he try? They ordered the Earl Grey pancakes, citrus mascarpone waffles, bare-naked Eggs Benedict, and a Vietnamese coffee.

@keith_lee125 #doordashpartner Sister & Co taste test 💕 would you try it ? 💕 #foodcritic @DoorDash @Foodie Tiffany ♬ original sound – Keith Lee

What did he say? They spent $74.07 and ordered from DoorDash, so they couldn’t comment on the service. Albeit a bit “stingy with their bacon” and “simple with their options,” Keith Lee gave the bare-naked Benedict a 7.7/10. He loved the waffles, rating them a 9/10, and gave their pancakes an 8.7/10. The Vietnamese coffee got a 7.5/10; he said it tasted very strong (but he likes black coffee, so it was up his alley).

5. Old Nassau, in York (borderline North York)

What did he try? He tried the banana pancakes, crack chicken, pork chops, and a fried snapper fish.

@keith_lee125 Old Nassau taste test 💕 would you try it ? 💕 #foodcritic @Old Nassau ♬ original sound – Keith Lee

What did he say? They spent $80, and the customer service was “very good.” The fish was “seasoned to perfection,” and the pancake was “savoury,” “buttery,” and “dense”; he rated the combination of both a 9.6/10! He didn’t like the macaroni side dish, though, giving it a 3/10, and rated the crack chicken a 7/10. Although he doesn’t usually eat pork, he rated the pork chops a 7.9/10. So the big winners here were the pancake and fish–and the macaroni needs some work.

6. No. 1 Jerk, in Scarborough

What did he try? Keith stopped by a takeout Jamaican-Chinese food restaurant. Where he tried the BBQ jerk chicken sandwich, curry goat roti, and an oxtails plate.

@keith_lee125 No 1. Jerk taste test 💕 would you try it ? 💕 #foodcritic ♬ original sound – Keith Lee

What did he say? All he said about the service was that the worker said she was hungover… probably not the best thing to say to a customer (let alone a food critic or creator). He said the jerk chicken was dry, but the bread was soft, so the sandwich was a 6.5/10. The curry goat roti was hard to eat and the flavours were strong; but Keith still gave this a 7.5/10 and the oxtails plate a 6.5/10.

7. Sahan Restaurant, in Scarborough

What did he try? Here, Keith Lee and his family tried the Awlal (goat and rice), beef stew, t-bone and pasta, chicken stew, and a milk cake for dessert.

@keith_lee125 Sahan Restaurant taste test 💕 would you try it ? 💕 #foodcritic @Sahanresto @mixinthe6ix ♬ original sound – Keith Lee

What did he say? They spent $98.29 here, and the customer service was a 9/10; they were “extremely helpful” according to Keith’s family. The goat tasted fresh, landing it an 8.2/10, and the t-bone and pasta got an 8/10 and 5/10, respectively. Next, he gave the beef stew an 8/10 and the chicken stew a 7.8/10, after noting the latter’s unique spices. The milk cake was soft and tasty, but Keith didn’t like the texture; his family, however, gave it a 9/10, adding that it would be the perfect birthday cake. He also added that this was his first time trying Somali food, and that he enjoyed it!

What did Keith Lee have to say overall about Toronto?

That he was “blown away” by the response to his restaurant reviews in the city of Toronto (Greater Toronto Area); that the service was great and he goes as far as to rate it as one of his top 3 food tours to date. Clearly, the TikTok star was impressed by what Toronto had to offer. “For this to be our first international food stop, I did not expect this kind of reception,” Lee says in the video. “I was blown away the entire time. My mind was blown.” He even gave “@mixinthe6ix” a shoutout for their support with recommendations.

He goes on to say, “Canada, y’all showed up and y’all showed out. Toronto, I appreciate you.” Thank you Toronto, for truly representing. Kudos to all the businesses that he visited. They deserve the impact of the Keith Lee effect!

The Keith Lee effect

Everywhere he goes, Keith Lee leaves a mark that goes beyond his social media posts. After his reviews, restaurants often report significant increases in patronage, sometimes struggling to meet the new demand. This “Keith Lee effect” has been a boon for many small businesses, helping them thrive in a competitive market.

@keith_lee125 Toronto Food taste test 💕 would you try it ? 💕 #foodcritic @SUMAQ IRAQI CHARCOAL GRILL @Old Nassau @Biscuits To Baskets @The Brandon Gonez Show @D. @Jemilla Mills-Smith ✨ @Afro's Pizza @Jibreel Moore @No.1 ♬ original sound – Keith Lee

In the GTA, the effects of his visit were immediately evident. Restaurants saw an influx of diners eager to try the dishes featured by Lee, with many establishments experiencing long queues and record sales days. His influence is a testament to the power of social media and the importance of genuine, enthusiastic support for local businesses.

The broader impact of Keith Lee

Keith Lee’s approach to food criticism underscores a broader trend in consumer behavior. In an era where authenticity is highly prized, Lee’s straightforward and heartfelt restaurant reviews resonate with a wide audience. People are increasingly seeking out culinary experiences that are not just delicious but also personally and culturally significant. Through his reviews, Lee not only highlights great food but also tells the stories of the people behind the meals, fostering a deeper connection between eateries and their customers.

Keith Lee’s visit to the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) was more than just a series of meals; it was a celebration of local culture, cuisine, and community. His journey through the area highlights how food can be a powerful connector, bringing people together from across the globe and boosting local economies in the process. As Keith Lee continues his culinary adventures, one thing is clear: wherever he goes, a trail of revitalized businesses and satisfied diners is sure to follow. For food lovers and business owners alike, the “Keith Lee effect” is a welcome phenomenon, making him a beloved figure in the world of food criticism.