Growing up in the suburbs meant that heading into the city was always a big adventure. It wasn’t a straightforward journey; it usually took at least an hour, sometimes more, involving multiple buses, trains, and metro lines. But no matter how long it took, my friend Stephen and I always thought it was worth it. We often looked forward to enjoying rice custard pudding at Murray’s on our travels.
We were passionate movie buffs, so dedicated that we even started our own film society during high school. Each week, we’d eagerly unfold the thick movie-ad section of the local newspaper, searching carefully for new films opening downtown. Our plans were set if a promising movie was showing at one of our favourite old-fashioned theatres, places like the Palace, Capitol, Seville, or especially the Loews.
But as excited as we were about the films, our trips had another equally important highlight: lunch at Murray’s Restaurant. Located conveniently close to these cinemas, Murray’s wasn’t just a restaurant—it was our go-to spot, almost a tradition in itself.
After finishing our meals, we couldn’t resist the rich and creamy rice custard pudding, which became our signature dish.
Depending on the movie’s start time, we’d choose from several of Murray’s locations, including the Laurentian Hotel spot, which stays open late enough to accommodate our post-film appetites. Murray’s was more than just convenient; the moment you walked in, you felt instantly comfortable. It had that unique, welcoming atmosphere—a place where you could linger over your meal, relishing each bite, each conversation, each moment.
I had my favourites, dishes that became synonymous with those afternoons. The Hamburger Royal stands out vividly: an open-faced burger with crispy French fries or their memorable golden hash browns. But if I wasn’t in the mood for a burger, I knew I could rely on their perfectly tender filet of sole or hearty chicken pot pie.
Yet, on some days, the daily specials were irresistible. Choosing one of these meant getting a full meal: a comforting bowl of homemade soup, either vegetable or the soup-of-the-day, warm rolls or their famous muffins—corn or bran—and a dessert thoughtfully listed on a little card placed at each table. Picking dessert was never easy, especially with choices like their unforgettable Apple Pie, served traditionally with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese, or the comforting warmth of Steamed Fruit Pudding during the colder months.
Baked Rice Custard Pudding: A Delicious Memory
However, the standout dessert—the one I always come back to in memory—was Murray’s Rice Custard Pudding. It was unlike any rice pudding I’d had before or since, topped with a beautifully caramelized, flan-like crust that made every spoonful a rich, creamy delight.
Recently, in a stroke of luck and nostalgia, I stumbled upon what is claimed to be the original recipe for this legendary pudding. Like the Bran Muffins and Steamed Fruit Pudding recipes I’ve shared previously, discovering this recipe feels like uncovering another cherished piece of history from Murray’s Restaurant.
These recipes, and the memories they evoke, remind me—and hopefully others—of those treasured days. Whether or not you’ve visited Murray’s, I hope these dishes can recreate the warmth, comfort, and nostalgia that Murray’s Restaurants so effortlessly provided.
Murray’s Rice Custard Pudding
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Place the cooked rice in an 8-inch cake pan. Add the sugar and pour in just enough milk to cover the rice.
- Cover the pan with a sheet of waxed paper cut to fit snugly. Bake until the top browns slightly.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Stir in the cream, vanilla, the baked rice, raisins, and enough extra milk to make the mixture fairly loose.
- Spoon the mixture into small individual baking dishes or a ring mold.
- Place the dishes or ring in a large pan with water surrounding them to ensure an even bake.
- Bake uncovered until the custard has set and the pudding is golden brown.
- Chill before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Resuming our Treasured Rice Custard Pudding Recipe Story
Those afternoons with Stephen—the bus rides, the darkened theatres, the heavy revolving doors—they all led to the same place: a table at Murray’s and a spoonful of that caramelized rice custard. If you had your own Murray’s ritual, whether it was the Rice Custard Pudding, the Apple Pie with cheddar, or something else entirely, I’d love to hear about it. Head over to our Murray’s Restaurants page and add your story to the Memory Wall.
