Kim’s Convenience star Paul Sun-Hyung Lee makes surprise visit to Toronto restaurant

Sarang Kitchen in Toronto’s Dovercourt Village neighbourhood is known for its juicy Korean fried chicken, so much so that Kim’s Convenience star Paul Sun-Hyung Lee had to try it for himself.

The South Korean-Canadian actor and TV host was all smiles this past weekend as he posed for a picture with staff. The wholesome moment was shared with the restaurant’s almost 16,000 followers on Instagram.

“It was a very special one because he’s my dad’s favourite actor so it was a pretty special moment for me,” shared Jennifer Low, owner of Sarang Kitchen, with me. “It was an unexpected visit from Paul.”

The team shared that they enjoyed chatting with the star and that he was very kind and caring.

“My dad’s favourite actor just visited Sarang Kitchen—pinch me!” reads the caption on Instagram. “I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve rewatched Kim’s Convenience. Thank you for creating a show that speaks to immigrant families like ours in the most relatable, heartwarming way.”

According to their most recent Instagram story, it was thanks to a reel by a local creator that influenced Lee to check out the Korean fried chicken joint.

Though Korean fried chicken is their specialty, which Lee definitely tried, Sarang Kitchen also cooks up some heavy hitters. Cheesy Kimchi Fried rice and Beef Bulgogi Chorrillana, and K snacks like Seaweed Rolls, dumplings and cheese K-dogs.

Can’t make it to the west end? No problem! There’s a second location at 774 Danforth Avenue that just recently opened with tables for larger groups, an accessible entrance and even a pet menu. Pawgarita anyone?

As for this celeb sighting, Lee isn’t the only star who’s been spotted in Toronto. Just last week, Golden State Warriors four-time NBA champ Steph Curry was seen at Silent H.

And celebrity chef Jamie Oliver was spotted at both Maha’s Egyptian Brunch and Matty Matheson’s Prime Seafood Palace while he was here promoting his latest cookbook, Simply Jamie.

This Sarang Kitchen location can be found at 1056 Bloor Street West.