Toronto, a vibrant metropolis, isn’t just known for its iconic skyline and diverse culture, but also for its incredibly diverse and delicious food scene. If you’re wondering, “What Is Toronto Known For Food?”, prepare for a culinary adventure. This guide explores the iconic dishes and unique flavors that make Toronto a foodie paradise.
Must-Try Toronto Dishes: A Culinary Journey
Toronto’s food scene reflects its multicultural population, offering everything from Canadian classics to international delights. Let’s explore some of the most iconic dishes you need to try.
Peameal Bacon Sandwich: The Official Toronto Bite
The peameal bacon sandwich is arguably Toronto’s most famous culinary creation. This simple yet satisfying sandwich features thick-cut, cornmeal-crusted back bacon served on a soft bun, often with a touch of honey mustard. For the quintessential experience, head to Carousel Bakery in St. Lawrence Market.
Poutine: A Canadian Staple with Toronto Flair
While poutine originated in Quebec, it’s become a beloved dish across Canada, and Toronto is no exception. This hearty comfort food consists of french fries topped with gravy and cheese curds. Many Toronto restaurants offer their own unique takes on this classic. Look out for poutine at events like the Toronto Food Truck Festival.
Hawaiian Pizza: A Canadian Invention
Believe it or not, Hawaiian pizza, topped with pineapple and ham, was invented in Ontario in 1962. Whether you love it or hate it, you can find this pizza topping combination in pizzerias all over Toronto.
Jamaican Patties: A Spicy Toronto Tradition
Jamaican patties, flaky pastries filled with savory meat fillings, are a Toronto staple. While the patty scene has evolved, you can still find delicious patties at places like Golden Patty in Kensington Market. Spicy Beef is the classic choice.
BeaverTails: A Sweet Canadian Treat
Shaped like a beaver’s tail, these deep-fried pastries are a quintessential Canadian treat. Topped with various sweet toppings like chocolate hazelnut spread, apple pie filling, or cinnamon and sugar, BeaverTails are a must-try. Visit BeaverTails Toronto Waterfront for a lakeside treat.
Rasta Pasta: A Toronto Fusion
Reflecting Toronto’s multiculturalism, Rasta Pasta blends Jamaican and Italian flavors. Jerk Chicken Lasagna from Rasta Pasta in Kensington Market embodies this unique fusion.
Montreal-Style Bagels: A Chewy Delight
Montreal-style bagels are distinctive for being boiled in honey-sweetened water and baked in a wood-fired oven. St. Urbain Bagel in St. Lawrence Market offers a variety of flavors to try.
Roti: A Caribbean Culinary Journey
Toronto is a roti paradise, offering regional variations from Trinidad and Guyana. Randy’s Roti for Trini flavors or Pam’s Roti Shop for Guyanese flair are both popular destinations. Toronto Caribbean Carnival is also a great place to sample island cuisine.
Momos: A Taste of Tibet in Parkdale
Toronto’s Parkdale neighborhood, also known as Little Tibet, boasts a large Tibetan community. Explore a variety of momos, steamed dumplings filled with meat, vegetables, or cheese.
Chinese BBQ: A Chinatown Classic
Spadina Avenue in Chinatown is lined with restaurants offering delicious Chinese BBQ. Enjoy roasted duck, pork, or squid served over rice or noodles.
Bannock Burgers: Indigenous Flavors
Bannock, an unleavened flatbread, is a staple in Indigenous cuisine. Tea-N-Bannock in Gerrard East uses fluffy fried bannock as a bun for their bison burger.
California Rolls: A Canadian Sushi Creation
While the exact origin is debated, California Rolls are a Canadian sushi fusion that combines crab, tobiko, cucumber, and avocado. They can be found in sushi restaurants across Toronto.
Dim Sum: A Brunch Tradition
Dim sum is a popular brunch option in Toronto. Enjoy classic dishes like har gow, fung zao, and lo bak go at places like Yin Ji Chang Fen or Pearl Harbourfront Chinese Cuisine.
Jumbo Empanadas: Latin American Flavors
Jumbo Empanadas in Kensington Market is a popular spot for Latin American-style empanadas, which started as a humble food cart in 1991.
Beyond the Classics: Exploring Toronto’s Diverse Culinary Scene
Toronto’s culinary scene extends far beyond these iconic dishes. Here are some other experiences that make Toronto a foodie destination:
- Vegan Cuisine: Explore Toronto’s vegan roots at King’s Café and Ital Vital Rastarant, which have been serving plant-based cuisine for decades.
- Hodo Kwaja: Enjoy Korean red-bean stuffed walnut cakes in Koreatown.
- Banh Mi: Indulge in classic Vietnamese banh mi at Banh Mi Nguyen Huong in Chinatown.
- Tea and Scones: Experience traditional afternoon tea at tea rooms and upscale cafés.
- Halifax-Style Donair: Try a Nova Scotian donair with its distinctive condensed milk, vinegar, and garlic sauce at East Coast Donair and Grill.
- Street Hot Dogs: Visit Nathan Phillips Square for street hot dogs with a variety of toppings.
- Pastéis de Nata: Sample Portuguese egg-custard tarts in Little Portugal.
- Butter Tarts: Savor classic Canadian butter tarts from artisan bakers like Gerrard Street Bakery and Sweetie Pie.
- Craft Beer: Discover Toronto’s craft breweries with a beer flight or the Toronto Brew Pass.
- Carnival Fare: Indulge in over-the-top carnival food at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE).
Toronto: A Foodie’s Paradise
From the iconic peameal bacon sandwich to diverse international flavors, Toronto offers a culinary experience for every palate. So, the next time you’re asked, “what is Toronto known for food?”, you’ll have a delicious list to share.
