Grabbing its name from the classic martial arts flick, BIG TROUBLE is a Chinatown bar that promises the 20-something set a good time. Sibling owners Andrew and Christine Pham wanted to properly celebrate the hood they grew up in; multicoloured lanterns dot the room, red drapes decorate the windows while a dragon oversees the bathrooms and carved wooden partitions frame booths destined for larger parties. Suck back ginseng Manhattans or their nifty bottled house mixes celebrating baijiu — Chinese grain liquor. Those keen to eat best arrive earlier in the eve. Crunchy bang bang shrimp come doused in a sweet and tangy chili sauce while spicy ginger butternut squash fills house-made potstickers. This is a party.

TOP DRINK: Baijiu bottle mixed with mangosteen and lemon juice
TOP BITE: House-made dumplings
FUN FACT: The yellow sign out front was purchased from a strip club

By Karolyne Ellacott

Published: February 13, 2019