Big Zen is an underrated gem of a Chinese restaurant! The entreesβhot garlic shrimp, ginger beef, and Zen special chickenβwere absolutely delicious. The egg fried rice and noodles were flavorful and perfectly cooked. The customer service was outstanding, and the portions were generous without being greasy. Definitely a place Iβll be visiting again!
Overview
The Big Zen - Hakka Chinese, Thai & Guyanese (Halal) in Whitby is a hidden gem offering a delicious mix of flavors from three distinct culinary traditions. Located at 4091 Thickson Rd N Unit #7, Whitby, ON L1R 2X3, this halal-certified restaurant is perfect for anyone craving authentic Hakka Chinese, Thai, and Guyanese dishes.
When you step into The Big Zen, you immediately feel the welcoming atmosphere, designed for both casual dining and intimate gatherings. Whether you're visiting for a cozy dinner with friends or a special family celebration, the warm environment and attentive staff make every meal an enjoyable experience. As a halal restaurant, it provides a diverse range of options that cater to both traditional and modern tastes, ensuring everyone can find something to suit their preferences.
The menu at The Big Zen is extensive, offering a perfect blend of flavors from Hakka Chinese, Thai, and Guyanese cuisines. The Hakka Chinese dishes feature bold, savory flavors, with some standout options like the Hakka noodles and chili chicken, both of which are cooked to perfection with just the right amount of spice and seasoning. The stir-fry options, including the sweet and sour chicken and vegetable fried rice, are made with fresh ingredients, ensuring a satisfying and flavorful meal every time.
For Thai food lovers, The Big Zen does not disappoint. Their green curry is a must-try for anyone who loves the combination of creamy coconut milk and aromatic spices. Paired with steamed jasmine rice, it makes for a comforting dish that will transport your taste buds straight to Thailand. Another popular Thai option is the pad Thai, which balances the tanginess of tamarind with the richness of peanuts, creating an unforgettable dish.
The Guyanese menu items offer a unique fusion, combining Caribbean spices with the flavors of Asia. Guyanese roti with curry chicken is one of the top choices, as the roti is perfectly fluffy and served alongside a rich, flavorful curry sauce thatβs just the right amount of spicy. Another favorite is the pepperpot, a stew made with beef, infused with aromatic spices like cinnamon, cloves, and brown sugar. It's an absolute treat for anyone seeking something different and exciting.
One of the things that sets The Big Zen apart is its commitment to quality and authenticity. Each dish is prepared with care and attention to detail, using the freshest ingredients available. The chefs at The Big Zen take pride in combining traditional recipes with modern cooking techniques to create dishes that are both comforting and exciting to the palate.
In addition to the impressive menu, The Big Zen also offers excellent customer service. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and always happy to provide recommendations based on your taste preferences. Whether you're a fan of spicy foods or prefer milder options, they'll ensure your meal is customized to your liking.
With its combination of diverse cuisines, warm atmosphere, and exceptional service, The Big Zen - Hakka Chinese, Thai & Guyanese (Halal) stands out as a top dining destination in Whitby. Whether you're a local or just passing through, this restaurant offers a culinary experience thatβs sure to leave you satisfied and coming back for more.
Good to know
Service options
β Delivery β Takeaway β Dine-inPopular for
β Lunch β Dinner β Solo diningAccessibility
β Wheelchair-accessible car park β Wheelchair-accessible entrance β Wheelchair-accessible seating β Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
β Halal food β Happy-hour food β Late-night food β Quick bite β Small plates β Vegan options β Vegetarian optionsDining options
β Brunch β Lunch β Dinner β Catering β Counter service β Dessert β Seating β Table serviceAmenities
β ToiletAtmosphere
β Casual β Cosy β QuietCrowd
β Family friendly β Groups β University studentsPlanning
β Accepts reservationsPayments
β Credit cards β Debit cards β NFC mobile payments β Credit cardsChildren
β Good for kids β Has changing table(s) β High chairs β Kids' menuParking
β Free of charge street parking β Free parking lot β ParkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
We went for lunch special deal Food tastes good and it was fresh. What I don't understand is why to charge service fee 12% on takeout order its like paying 25% extra when you add the tax. Can the owner please comment on your 12% service charge on takeout order
Absolutely love this place! The Big Zen is Indian Hakka, Chinese, Thai & Guyanese cuisine. Delicious is hands-down the best restaurant in Whitby. We always order the mango salad, Thai green curry, and Manchurian β all full of flavor and perfectly cooked. The spring rolls are my kidsβ favourite, crispy and delicious every time. We usually end up doubling the order because everything is just that good. Highly recommend if you're craving authentic food!
As a long time customer of their take out, along with my family, I do really like the Big Zen and their menu. While in Dine in, you do tend to get seemingly bigger portions, the service this time was not ideal. We had to wait quite a while to even be given a menu and my family members were getting very impatient about the service time, specifically how long it took for us to get our appetizers. However, our main food came out soon after. I understand that they are currently low on servers, but it did feel like they were prioritizing the takeout orders over us. Still planning on ordering take out from them, because their flavours are absolutely fantastic and they make the best Thai food in the area, in my opinion. Maybe I just went on a busy day.
Jack and Candy were amazing!! They were very friendly and charismatic, Jack made us smile and laugh, while Candy always checked in on us to make sure all was well, and was super sweet with such a welcoming smile! They were both amazing, will definitely be coming here again!! They made our first time here so great! The food portions are also huge for a really good price!!
We randomly found this place on Google on a weeknight from work and the food was delicious. A family run, good spot. We had one of their spicy shrimp dishes with chilli chicken and fried rice. Everything was great, especially the shrimp. The portion was great too. Family size.