Toronto's culinary scene
While Ontarians have a distinct culinary culture of their own, the distinction between local and foreign cuisines has significantly blurred over the years, thanks to the diverse population. Numerous delicious dishes now showcase a fusion of Chinese andv Canadian influences, exemplifying the vibrant culinary scene in Toronto.
Eating well in Toronto
Toronto's food scene mirrors the city's vastness and multiculturalism. No matter where you're from, you can easily locate a restaurant serving your favorite dishes. Just inquire with the right people, like expats who have called Toronto home longer than you. Many of these dishes represent a fusion of various cultures, creating a unique culinary experience that can only be savored in Toronto!
The vegan food scene is booming, and whether you're a vegan or a meat eater, there's an abundance of options on every street corner. Prices can vary significantly, with some dishes being pricier due to the restaurant's reputation, while others are more budget-friendly.
Some local specialties include:
- Poutine: Canada's national dish. Poutine contains three basic ingredients: cheese curds, French fries and gravy;
- Pea-coated back bacon;
- Toronto-style pizza: a pizza brushed with garlic oil;
- Kraft macaroni and cheese;
- Toronto butter tarts: pastries made with butter, sugar, syrup and egg filling;
- Beavertails or Beaver tails;
- Montreal smoked meat: made by salting and drying beef with enough peppercorns and a little sugar. This meat is served on rye bread with yellow mustard;
- Tourtière: a meat pie served at Christmas and New Year's Eve;
- East Indian roti, also known as chapati;
- The Halifax Donair: Halifax's official food since 2015, the Donair is a special lamb kebab. It's served with a lamb sauce made with sugar, garlic, condensed milk and vinegar ;
- Sushi pizza.
The best restaurants in Toronto
Here is a non-exhaustive list of the best restaurants in Toronto:
- Alo Restaurant;
- Scaramouche;
- The Maid's Cottage;
- Symposium Cafe Restaurant & Lounge: with about 30 franchises, Symposium Cafe is very popular in Toronto;
- Le Rivoli;
- The One Eighty;
- Edulis;
- Fran's Restaurant: a 24-hour diner, Fran offers everything from scrambled eggs to pizza and rice;
- Byblos;
- Hanmoto.
