The restaurant is owned by Sumith Fernando, a Sri LankanCatholic immigrant who learned how to prepare smoked meat while living in Montreal and working behind the counter at well-known Jewish delicatessen Schwartz's for nearly twenty years.[3][2][1]
Smoked Meat
Fernando cites Schwartz's preparation of smoked meat as a basis for his own recipe.[2] Montreal-style smoked meat is a type of kosher-style deli meat made from beef brisket that is cured with spices and salt. The brisket is left to absorb the flavors for about a week, after which it is hot-smoked and finally steamed until fully cooked.[4] The meat at SumiLicious is marinated for 10 days, smoked for eight hours and steamed for three.[1]
In addition to serving their smoked meat in their sandwiches, the restaurant also offers a poutine topped with smoked meat.[5]
Many of the restaurant's accompaniments are inspired by typical Montreal smoked meat pairings, such as black cherry soda and pickled peppers from a Montreal-based company.[1]
Recognition
The business was named a Bib Gourmand restaurant by the Michelin Guide at Toronto's 2022 Michelin Guide ceremony, and retained this recognition in 2023 and 2024.[2] A Bib Gourmand recognition is awarded to restaurants who offer "exceptionally good food at moderate prices". Until the 2024 edition, SumiLicious was the only Scarborough restaurant to be included in the Michelin Guide.[6]