I visit Ottawa a few times a year for conferences, and I’m always on the lookout for new and interesting places to eat. On this trip, my girlfriend sent me a message about Chef Bai, noting that the name matched a restaurant we used to frequent in Montreal — a spot that has since closed. That Montreal restaurant was our absolute go-to place for soup, and we loved almost everything on the menu, so I was curious to see if Chef Bai in Ottawa would live up to those memories.
To my amazement, it’s the very same place, just relocated to a new city! The soups — which are the main dishes here — immediately brought back memories. The flavors are just as delicious as I remembered, and the portions are generous. I tried some of my old favorites, and everything was perfect. It’s rare to find a restaurant that maintains such consistency even after moving, but Chef Bai does it effortlessly.
The staff are welcoming and attentive, and I had a lovely chat with Han (I hope I spelled that right!), which made the experience even more enjoyable. The combination of excellent food, attentive service, and a nostalgic connection made this visit truly memorable.
I would recommend trying any of the soups on the menu — each one is carefully prepared and packed with flavor. This is now a must-visit spot for me whenever I’m in Ottawa, and I’m already looking forward to my next visit to enjoy it again.
