Toronto, a vibrant metropolis pulsating with life, offers an unparalleled tapestry of experiences for the discerning traveler. Beyond the iconic skyline and bustling streets, lies a culinary adventure waiting to be discovered. One of the greatest joys of exploring a new place is immersing oneself in its local flavors, and Toronto, celebrated as one of the world’s most multicultural cities, presents a truly diverse and exciting food scene.
From the humble charm of food trucks and market stalls to the refined elegance of fine dining establishments and the convivial atmosphere of bustling bars, Toronto offers a symphony of tastes to tantalize every palate. Whether you’re a long-time resident or a first-time visitor, prepare to embark on a gastronomic journey through this captivating city. This list unveils 9 Foods You Have to Try in Toronto, a curated selection of culinary gems that capture the essence of Toronto’s diverse and delicious landscape.
1. Macarons from Nadège Patisserie
Imagine stepping into a world of delicate sweetness, where rows of pastel-colored orbs beckon from behind a gleaming glass counter. This is the enchanting realm of Nadège Patisserie, a Toronto institution with multiple locations scattered throughout the city. While the patisserie offers a tempting array of delectable treats, it’s the macarons that truly steal the show.
These perfectly crafted confections are a testament to the art of pastry making. Each macaron boasts a flawlessly smooth shell, yielding to a soft, chewy interior filled with a burst of flavor. The flavor selection is a delightful adventure in itself, with the menu changing frequently to showcase seasonal ingredients and innovative combinations.
Prepare to be captivated by unique offerings like the whimsical cotton candy, the rich and aromatic cappuccino, or the subtly floral rose macaron. Of course, Nadège also caters to classic palates with perennial favorites such as decadent chocolate, smooth vanilla, and the irresistible salted caramel.
Address: Richmond Adelaide Centre, 120 Adelaide St W r6, Toronto, ON M5H 1T1, Canada
Phone: +1 416-350-2014
2. Churros From Pancho’s Bakery
For those seeking a comforting dose of sweetness, a visit to Pancho’s Bakery is an absolute must. With two locations, one at Dufferin and Bloor, and another nestled within the vibrant tapestry of Kensington Market, Pancho’s is a haven for freshly fried churro aficionados.
The aroma alone is enough to transport you to a state of sugary bliss. Watch as skilled bakers expertly craft sticks of golden-brown dough, deep-frying them to crispy perfection. Each churro is then generously coated in a blend of cinnamon and sugar, creating a symphony of warm, comforting flavors.
But the indulgence doesn’t stop there. Pancho’s offers a variety of fillings to elevate your churro experience. From the creamy sweetness of condensed milk to the fruity tang of assorted jams, there’s a filling to satisfy every craving. The chocolate-filled churro is a particularly decadent choice, oozing with rich, molten chocolate with every bite. For purists, the plain churro offers a simple yet satisfying treat.
Beyond the classic churro, Pancho’s also delights with innovative creations like churro cones and churro loops, adding a playful twist to this beloved treat. A selection of other authentic Mexican pastries further enhances the bakery’s appeal, making it a destination for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Address: 214 Augusta Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2L4, Canada
Phone: +1 416-854-8770
3. Peameal Bacon on a Bun From Carousel Bakery
No culinary tour of Toronto would be complete without a taste of the city’s iconic peameal bacon sandwich. And for the definitive experience, look no further than Carousel Bakery, a beloved institution that has been serving up this simple yet satisfying sandwich in the heart of St. Lawrence Market for over three decades.
The Carousel Bakery embodies a no-frills approach, focusing on quality ingredients and time-honored techniques. The star of the show is, of course, the peameal bacon. Unlike traditional bacon, peameal bacon is made from lean, boneless pork loin, cured and rolled in cornmeal. This results in a tender, flavorful meat with a distinctive texture.
At Carousel Bakery, the peameal bacon is grilled to perfection, achieving a slightly crispy exterior while remaining juicy and succulent on the inside. The grilled bacon is then generously piled onto a soft, fresh bun, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
The sandwich’s simplicity is its strength, allowing the quality of the peameal bacon to shine through. Despite its humble ingredients, the peameal bacon sandwich from Carousel Bakery has earned a loyal following, with long lines forming at the counter every weekend. On a busy Saturday or Sunday, the stall might sell over 2,600 sandwiches, a testament to its enduring appeal. So, if you are in search of 9 Foods You Have to Try in Toronto, this sandwich has to be one of them!
Address: 93 Front St E, Toronto, ON M5E 1M6, Canada
Phone: +1 416-363-4247
4. Roast Cauliflower from Fat Pasha
Prepare to have your perception of cauliflower forever changed at Fat Pasha, a renowned Toronto restaurant known for its modern take on Middle Eastern cuisine. Even if cauliflower isn’t typically your vegetable of choice, the restaurant’s roasted cauliflower dish is a culinary revelation that will leave you craving more.
At Fat Pasha, cauliflower is elevated to an art form. The whole head of cauliflower is roasted until it achieves a deep, caramelized char, imparting a smoky depth of flavor. The roasted cauliflower is then generously smothered in a creamy, tangy tahini sauce, adding a luscious richness to the dish.
But the culinary artistry doesn’t stop there. A vibrant array of toppings further enhances the cauliflower’s appeal. A sprinkle of skhug, a fiery Middle Eastern hot sauce, adds a welcome kick of heat. Crunchy pine nuts provide a textural contrast, while tangy pomegranate seeds burst with refreshing sweetness. Finally, salty halloumi cheese adds a savory counterpoint, completing the symphony of flavors.
The presentation of the roasted cauliflower is a feast for the eyes, almost too beautiful to eat. But once you take that first bite, you’ll realize that it tastes even better than it looks.
Address: 414 Dupont St, Toronto, ON M5R 1V9, Canada
Phone: +1 647-646-1698
5. Bagels From St. Urbain Bagel
In a city where bagels are plentiful, St. Urbain Bagel stands out as a purveyor of Montreal-style bagels, renowned for their distinctive chewiness and smoky flavor. If you’re craving an authentic Montreal bagel experience, look no further than St. Urbain.
What sets Montreal bagels apart from their New York counterparts is their unique preparation. St. Urbain bagels are first boiled in honey-sweetened water, giving them their signature sweetness and chewy texture. They are then baked in a blazing hot wood-burning oven, imparting a smoky aroma and a crispy crust.
The result is a bagel that is dense enough to support a generous schmear of cream cheese yet soft enough on the inside to create the perfect bite. Toasting the bagel enhances its texture and flavor, making it an ideal breakfast or snack.
Address: 93 Front St E #11, Toronto, ON M5E 1M6, Canada
Phone: +1 416-364-8305
6. Khao Soi From Pai Northern Thai Kitchen
Transport yourself to the vibrant streets of Northern Thailand with a bowl of khao soi from Pai Northern Thai Kitchen. This creamy, flavorful, and utterly addictive dish is so authentic that many claim it surpasses even the khao soi found in Thailand itself.
Khao soi is a Northern Thai specialty, a rich and complex curry noodle soup. At Pai, the dish begins with fresh egg noodles, swimming in a golden curry broth infused with coconut milk, turmeric, and a medley of aromatic spices.
The soup is then topped with a generous scattering of crispy fried noodles, adding a delightful textural contrast. Fresh coriander and green onions provide a burst of herbaceous freshness. To complete the dish, you can choose from a variety of protein options, including tender braised beef, succulent shrimp, juicy chicken breast, or flavorful chicken drumsticks.
Whether you’ve traveled to Northern Thailand or simply dreamt of its exotic flavors, the khao soi from Pai Northern Thai Kitchen is a culinary journey that will leave you wanting more.
Address: 18 Duncan St, Toronto, ON M5H 3G8, Canada
Phone: +1 416-901-4724
7. Margherita Pizza From North of Brooklyn
The quest for the best margherita pizza in Toronto is a hotly debated topic, but North of Brooklyn consistently earns a place among the top contenders. With three locations across the city, this pizzeria has perfected the art of crafting simple yet sublime margherita pizzas.
North of Brooklyn’s success lies in its commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients and time-honored techniques. The dough is made from scratch daily, using a blend of carefully selected flours. The result is a crust that is both crispy and chewy, never soggy.
The sauce is equally important, made from ripe tomatoes and seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices. It strikes the perfect balance of acidity and sweetness, complementing the creamy mozzarella cheese.
If you’re feeling particularly hungry, be sure to order an order of garlic knots. These savory treats are made from leftover pizza dough, smothered in garlic butter, and baked to golden perfection.
Address: 650 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1E4, Canada
Phone: +1 647-352-5700
8. Signature Singapore Slaw From Lee Restaurant
Salads are often relegated to the role of side dish, but the signature Singapore slaw from Lee Restaurant is a culinary masterpiece that deserves to be the star of the show. This towering salad is a symphony of textures and flavors, made with a staggering 19 ingredients.
The Singapore slaw is a feast for the senses, a visually stunning creation that is as delicious as it is beautiful. It features a medley of crunchy vegetables, including daikon radish, pickled red onion, and cucumber, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the richer elements.
Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty aroma and a satisfying crunch, while fried shallots provide a savory depth of flavor. The salad is dressed with a light and tangy vinaigrette, tying all the flavors together in perfect harmony.
Address: 497 Richmond St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1Y3, Canada
Phone: +1 416-504-7867
9. Pho From Pho Tien Thanh
Before Ossington Avenue became the trendy restaurant strip it is today, Pho Tien Thanh was serving up steaming bowls of pho, a comforting Vietnamese noodle soup. This unassuming, no-frills joint has remained a neighborhood staple, thanks to its consistently delicious and authentic pho.
Pho Tien Thanh’s pho is a testament to the power of simplicity. The broth is the heart of the dish, simmered for hours to extract the rich flavors of beef bones, aromatic spices, and charred onions. The result is a deeply flavorful and aromatic broth that warms the soul.
The broth is then poured over rice noodles and topped with thinly sliced beef, bean sprouts, basil, lime, and chili peppers. The addition of these fresh ingredients allows you to customize your pho to your liking, creating a truly personalized culinary experience. And there you have it, 9 Foods You Have to Try in Toronto.
Address: 57 Ossington Ave, Toronto, ON M6J 2Y9, Canada
Phone: +1 416-588-6997
Toronto’s culinary scene is as diverse and vibrant as the city itself. From delicate macarons to hearty noodle soups, there’s something to satisfy every palate. So, the next time you find yourself in Toronto, be sure to embark on a culinary adventure and try these 9 Foods You Have to Try in Toronto!
