Ethnic Dining in Toronto

Toronto is arguably the most multicultural city in the world. Nowhere is this unique cosmopolitan atmosphere more evident than in the cuisine of the city. The cuisines of so many different ethnicities are represented in Toronto. For instance, authentic Chinese/Vietnamese food can be found in Chinatown (there are actually, at least, six distinct Chinatowns in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Greek cuisine can be found on the Danforth; Hungarian eateries in the Annex; Italian food in the Corso Italia; Indian restaurants in Little India; and Korean cuisine can be had in Korea Town.

Toronto has been called the “City of Neighbourhoods” because it is said that the city is comprised of 240 distinct neighbourhoods.

The Ethnic Areas:

Old Chinatown: This is one of the largest Chinese areas in North America. It is centered on the corners of Spadina Avenue and Dundas Street West and extends outwards from this point along both streets. Since Toronto is home to one of North America’s largest Chinese communities, you can count on authentic, world-class Chinese cuisine. The area can be reached in an easy five minute walk from our hostel’s doors.

Kensington Market: “The Market” is one of the city’s oldest and most famous neighbourhoods. Kensington is a distinctive multi-cultural area and was designated a National Historic Site in 2006. The Market occupies the area to the north west of Dundas Street. West and Spadina Avenue and abuts Old Chinatown. The area was founded in the early 20th Century and originally populated by Jewish Immigrants, most of whom have now prospered and moved to more upscale sections of the city. Later waves of immigration from Portugal, Caribbean and East Asian came to the market and have added their cultural stamp. Since the 1980’s and 1990’s more immigration (many fleeing oppression) from places like Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan, Iran and Vietnam and other Global hotspots have appeared in the market to start new lives.

Little Italy: The area is often referred to as College Street West or College and Clinton. This neighbourhood is well known for its many Italian Restaurants and businesses. By the 1950’s and 1960’s many Italians moved to the northwest to the area centered around St. Clair Avenue, West and Dufferin Street, now known as the Corso Italia. The original Little Italy now extends into a part of Little Portugal further along Dundas Street, West. Excellent pasta restaurants and authentic Portuguese seafood can be found in this area. The areas are within easy reach of the hostel by public transit (approx. 15 or 20 minutes).

Little India: Gerrard Street, East (between Greenwood Avenue and Coxwell Street) is known as “Little India” or the “South Asian Bazaar”. The neighbourhood is known as the “Discovery District”. Here you will find wonderful Indian, Pakistani and Sri Lankan restaurant amid many cafes and shops catering to the South Asian Community. The area can be reached from the hostel by Subway and Streetcar in about 30 minutes.

Koreatown: Toronto’s Korean Business Area is also now as “Koreatown” or Little Korea”. However, not that many Koreans actually live in the area. It is more of a business center of restaurants and shops that cater to the Korean community. Prior to the wave of Korean immigration to Toronto the area was heavily populated with Latinos from Central and South America. As a result, their restaurants and shops can also be found in this area. The Korean restaurants here feature authentic cuisine at quite reasonable prices. It is also within easy reach of the Canadiana as it is on the East/West Subway route.

Greektown: Officially known as “Greektown on the Danforth” this was one of the major settlement areas of early Greek immigrants to Toronto. The “Danforth” as Danforth Avenue is called, is the eastern extension of Bloor Street once you cross the bridge, known as the “Bloor Viaduct”. Greektown is huge with some of the best restaurants in the city. The area which is considered to be the largest “Greek Neighbourhood” in North America also boasts one of the highest concentrations of restaurants per kilometer in the world! The specialty is lamb; and lamb chops are normally served five to a plate. The area is also on the main East/West Subway Route (Between Broadview and Pape Avenue) and thus provides easy access from the hostel.

Little Portugal: The heartland of Toronto’s large Portuguese community (mostly from the Azores and Madeira Islands is the Trinity/Bellwoods area. This is the area bounded by Bathurst, College, and Queen Streets (West) and Dovercourt Road. The area like its surrounding neighbourhoods is undergoing a certain “gentrification” as established immigrants have begun the traditional escape to the suburbs. Portuguese businesses along Dundas Street, West reflect this change. The area is dotted with Sports Bars and Social Clubs with a mixture of trendy (if tiny) restaurants, bars, brunch eateries and traditional Portuguese “Churrasqueira” or Barbeque.