One Day in Toronto: Top Chef Canada Season X competitor Monika Wahba

The chef and co-owner of Maha’s Restaurant shares her favourite spots in Toronto

Canada’s favourite culinary competition Top Chef Canada Season X has now reached roughly the halfway point, with just seven cheftestants remaining to compete for the coveted TCC crown. 

Despite having no formal culinary training, Toronto-based chef Monika Wahba has made a name for herself by creating full-bodied Egyption dishes that draw inspiration from her cultural roots and upbringing. 

Although she’s had a few middle-of-the-pack performances in the competition so far, chef Wahba showed viewers that she has what it takes to go the distance with a top-performing bison ribs and salad duo dish in Episode 4. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Monika Wahba (@monwahbs)

We recently caught up with the talented Toronto-based chef to chat about her favourite places to eat and drink in her current home base.

Top Chef Canada Season X airs Monday nights at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Food Network Canada.

Breakfast

White Lily Diner. My favourite, classic diner food. Run by an awesome power couple and everything is made in house, from delectable doughnuts, sausage, bacon, biscuits as well as fresh produce from their farm.

Lunch

Wok and Roast BBQ. Offering mouthwatering authentic Chinese BBQ, this place hits the spot every single time. Perfect for lunch or dinner, it’s our go-to spot for a balanced delicious meal.

Dinner

Sushi on Gerrard. My favourite sushi spot actually happens to be right down the street from our restaurant. Owned and operated by an awesome husband-and-wife team, this spot offers all the classics with the freshest quality fish and they never disappoint.

Drinks

Coco Bubble Tea. The best bubble tea in my opinion. My favourites are the Taro Milk Tea with Sago and the Mango Slush.