Every summer, the Asian Night Market transforms Somerset Street West in Ottawa’s Chinatown into a bustling street party, where sizzling skewers and slurpy noodles draw long lines of eager food lovers. But if you’re craving that same night market flavours without the crowds—or the wait—there’s a gem just around the corner.
Perfect Meat Bowl & Fried Skewers, located at 460 Bronson Avenue on the corner of Gladstone, brings those bold, craveable street eats to your table every single day. No tents, no lineups—just plenty of seating and flavour to spare.
A franchise with roots in Toronto, Perfect Meat Bowl is part of the same group that organizes the province’s very popular travelling night markets. Co-owner Ryan says the event’s timing—early June—is no coincidence. “It is timed at the beginning of summer to be the first festival of the season,” he explains.
Though the restaurant has sit-down service and printed menus, ordering is anything but typical. Forget combo numbers—this is DIY dining. Grab a bowl and a pair of tongs from the station beside the large fridge and choose from over 40 fresh ingredients, from crisp veggies to tofu, meats, and rare imports flown in from China.
Once your bowl is full, it’s weighed, and it’s time to customize it with one of four soup bases: spicy, spicy and sour, tomato, or braised. If you’re spice-sensitive, go for the tomato—it’s flavourful without the fire.
Your selections are then cooked to perfection and served piping hot at your table. It’s like Hot Pot, but without the work—just sit back and enjoy. The customizable meat bowls are a culinary tradition from Southern China’s Sichuan region. We tried a mountain of veggies and protein in a spicy broth, topped with beef and added a side of rice for good measure. Everything was vibrant, clean-tasting, and deeply satisfying.
Of course, we couldn’t resist the other star attraction: skewers. Hailing from Northern China’s Dongbei region, these grilled treats are night market icons. The squid and lamb were highlights, and the fried eggplant—paired with a savoury dipping sauce—was a surprising standout. We washed it down with fresh-squeezed sugar cane juice. I’m not a fan of sweet drinks, but the juice paired perfectly with the spiced food.
Despite sharing one meat bowl, a few skewers, and rice between two people, we still had leftovers. The portions are generous, the value unbeatable.
Opened in late 2022, Perfect Meat Bowl & Fried Skewers is already a favourite among locals and university students—especially Chinese nationals looking for a taste of home. And when you can’t dine in, everything is available via Fantuan, Uber Eats or pick up.
I haven’t stopped thinking about that meal. Until I go back—and I will—I’m keeping the delivery apps close.
To view the Perfect Meat Bowl & Skewers menu, click here.
