Small on flair, great on value

It ain’t chic and it ain’t very pretty, but The Food Tree’s Asian cuisine won’t leave you hungry

The Food Tree. Brittany McLeod

The Food Tree

519 Ellice Ave.

Just like you can’t judge a book by its cover, you can’t judge a restaurant until you’ve eaten the food. And you really need to chow down to appreciate The Food Tree.

While the looks of the place may put you off a bit, the food is delicious and easy on the budget. Everything on the menu rings in at $10 or less.

The Food Tree puts forward a vast selection of Asian dishes, from plain-jane chicken teriyaki for the hesitant patron, to squid swimming in spices and mouth-watering sauces for the eclectic palate.

The fire chicken is so spicy you’ll spit flames well after you’ve cleaned your plate, and the soup selection will warm you on chilly winter days. However, most of the grub caters to carnivores, so if you’re a veggie lover make sure to inquire about the ingredients. 

For the average diner, one entree is adequate as the helpings are enormous. Complimentary Kim Chi (spiced cabbage) is provided as well - this joint definitely gives you plenty of bang for your buck.

While the value for your money is great, if you’re the type that needs mood lighting, trendy furnishings and a flirty server to enjoy your meal, The Food Tree will have you sticking your nose in the air.

The Food Tree puts forward a vast selection of Asian dishes, from plain-jane chicken teriyaki for the hesitant patron, to squid swimming in spices and mouth-watering sauces, for the eclectic palate

The restaurant barely has a stake in the property down Ellice. The space is small and couldn’t squeeze in a party over 12. Half the chairs are the folding type your middle school used to break out for band concerts and the other half are pretty worn.

The decor is sporadic: a crooked picture here, an Australian souvenir there and a television smack dab in the middle of it all. The atmosphere is haphazard but the service is friendly, if not prompt.

The menu consists of laminated cardboard pages complete with cut-out pictures of the food selection, clipped with an old binder ring. The presentation isn’t so hot, but at least they provide you with a visual aid.

Just seconds from the University of Winnipeg, The Food Tree is convenient for the student - it’s a quick jaunt from school to its 519 Ellice Ave. location.

You may look silly if you show up at The Food Tree in your sexiest cocktail dress, but the place has character and quality food. Diners are treated to a satisfying dinner and a show - a television show, that is.

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