April 26, 2020

Where to Eat in Toronto, Canada?

Where to get it: Alex Rei Dos Leitões Where is that exactly?: 202 Ossington Ave. (south of Dundas) Why do I need to eat this in Toronto?: Because, thanks to the huge number of Portuguese-Canadians in the city, we have churrasco joints that make authentic barbecue chicken (over charcoal, of course).

Where to get it: Alibaba's Where is that exactly?: Oh, just about everywhere in the city Why do I need to eat this in Toronto?: Because chicken + veggies + whatever they put in their sauces + being everywhere makes for the perfect post-bar food.

Where to get it: Allan's Pastry Shop Where is that exactly?: 3064 Don Mills Rd. (North York) Why do I need to eat this in Toronto?: A flaky crust, a whole lot of meat and a serious kick makes these Jamaican patties authentically amazing.

Where to get it: The Burger's Priest Where is that exactly?: 3397 Yonge St. (north of Lawrence); 463 Queen St. W. (west of Spadina), 1636 Queen St. E. (east of Coxwell), 1599 the Queensway (Etobicoke), 7887 Weston Rd. #6 (Vaughan), 129 Lakeshore Rd. E. (Mississauga) Why do I need to eat this in Toronto?: Because it consists of a double cheeseburger, two grilled cheeses (used as buns) and a patty that has been called the best in the city.

Where to get it: Bymark Where is that exactly?: 66 Wellington St. W. (Financial District) Why do I need to eat this in Toronto?: The original gourmet burger in Toronto, it's celebrity chef Mark McEwan's baby, made with grass-fed beef, brie and porcini mushrooms — and worth the $35 price tag.

Where to get it: California Sandwiches Where is that exactly?: 12 locations to serve your veal needs Why do I need to eat this in Toronto?: One of the items that gets brought up as an "iconically" Torontonian food, we may not be the only city with this sandwich, but we make it really, really well.

Where to get it: Chinese Traditional Bun Where is that exactly?: 536 Dundas St. W. (Chinatown) Why do I need to eat this in Toronto?: This dish of two-foot-long noodles, pork, chili oil, bean paste and bamboo is particularly well-made at this beloved (and notorious) downtown spot

Where to get it: Caplansky's Where is that exactly?: 356 College St. (north of Kensington Market); also at the airport Why do I need to eat this in Toronto?: Caplansky's is probably the closest this city has to a Schwartz's and the owner, Zane Caplanky, is a staple in Toronto because of it. He's one of the people responsible for some of the biggest improvements in Toronto's food truck scene and his truck - Thunderin Thelma - serves up some solid beef bacon doughnuts.

Where to get it: Carousel Bakery Where is that exactly?: St. Lawrence Market Why do I need to eat this in Toronto?: Because this could be the one food truly unique to Toronto, and when you get it here, it's the most authentic: just a bun and some peameal bacon. Pro tip: Add spicy mustard and/or horseradish.

Where to get it: Dangerous Dan's Diner Where is that exactly?: 714 Queen St. E. (at Broadview) Why do I need to eat this in Toronto?: So that you can say you did. Check out what it consists of: two patties, four slices of bacon, two slices of cheddar, a fried egg on top, served with fries and gravy (and a can of pop).