What Food To Try in Toronto and Food Prices

Peameal Bacon Sandwich - Canadian Bacon Sandwich (breakfast classic) - Crispy peameal bacon served on a soft bun, often dressed with mustard and served hot. Locals love to grab one at the breakfast counter, especially on weekends when brunching with friends.

Butter Tart - Tarte au Beurre (sweet and gooey) - A pastry shell filled with a mixture of butter, sugar, and eggs, often with raisins or pecans. You’ll find butter tarts at bakeries and farmers' markets all year round, but they’re especially popular during the holiday season when nostalgia hits.

Poutine - Poutine (comfort food) - Fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in rich gravy, creating a gooey texture. Locals tend to grab this late-night snack after a night out, often with variations like adding pulled pork or mushrooms.

Peppers and Egg Sandwich - Panino con Peperoni e Uova (Italian-inspired delight) - A hearty sandwich filled with sautéed peppers and scrambled eggs, typically served on crusty Italian bread. It’s a staple at lunchtime spots, and you can find it at neighborhood delis, where locals make it their go-to.

Tacos al Pastor - Tacos Al Pastor (Mexican flavors) - Marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit and served with pineapple, onions, and cilantro in a corn tortilla. You’ll often see locals enjoying these at taco trucks, especially during lunch hours when the craving strikes.

Biryani - Biryani (spicy rice dish) - A fragrant rice dish cooked with marinated meat (or vegetables), spices, and often garnished with fried onions and boiled eggs. It’s a favorite for family dinners, typically made for gatherings or special occasions, and best enjoyed in the cooler evenings.

Maple Glazed Salmon - Saumon Glacé à l'Érable (seasonal special) - Fresh salmon fillet coated with a sweet maple syrup glaze and grilled, delivering a delightful balance of smoky and sweet flavors. This dish shines in spring when the maple sap is at its peak, and many enjoy it at cottage get-togethers.

Pho - Phở (Vietnamese noodle soup) - A steaming bowl of rice noodles, herbs, and meat in a savory broth that’s both aromatic and soothing. Locals often slurp down a bowl for lunch – pro tip: avoid the evening rush by arriving just before noon.

Hot Chocolate - Chocolat Chaud (rich cocoa drink) - A luxurious hot chocolate made with dark chocolate, steamed milk, and often topped with whipped cream. Locals enjoy this creamy delight during the chilly winter months, especially after a day of ice skating at Nathan Phillips Square.

Caesar - Ceasar (spiced cocktail) - A savory cocktail crafted with vodka, Clamato juice, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, garnished with a celery stick and lime. It's a staple at brunch, with locals often enjoying it to cure a hangover, and be careful to order "no Clamato" if you're not a fan of the clam flavor!

Bubble Tea - 珍珠奶茶 (tea with tapioca pearls) - This popular drink features tea mixed with milk or fruit flavors, abundant chewy tapioca pearls, and can be served iced. Find it in various popsicle flavors all summer long, with many spotting friends sipping it on hot afternoons in Kensington Market.

Butter Tart - Butter Tart (sweet pastry) - A flaky pastry filled with a gooey mixture of butter, sugar, and eggs, sometimes with raisins or pecans added in. You can't go wrong with one during a cozy afternoon at a local café, where the sweetness often evokes nostalgic memories for many.

Ice Cream Sandwich - Ice Cream Sandwich (chilled treat) - A delightful combination of soft cookies encasing rich ice cream, often innovative flavors like lavender or maple. It's a hit at local summer festivals, and you can even find unique flavor pairings like matcha with dark chocolate cookies, which are always a crowd-pleaser.

By the way, if you're visiting in mid-July, you might catch the Toronto Summer Music Festival—it's the perfect time to indulge in local treats while enjoying some great music!