Must-Try Foods in Toronto ,Canada

Best Dining Experience in Toronto

I'm a budget traveler, always been, and always will be. Sometimes I try to be fancy and spend awful lots of money to try something new. I've thrown in some expensive eats but most on the list are the cheap deals in town. I decided to do a food tour in Toronto before leaving the country. The city is so diverse that there's a lot of food to choose from and it's driving me crazy because the list just goes on and on. I usually make sure my drinks don't pass 10 cad - 15 CAD unless it's a very good alcoholic drink. My meals would be less than 10 CAD or a max of 20 CAD and if I feel like I'm going to die tomorrow then I'll treat myself like a queen for a night.

This food marvel begins in Toronto, a city I'm falling deeper in love with every passing day. My food adventures brought me to different delightful places around the area. Here's a list of some of my favorite spots in the city. Let's go!

1. Street Cart Hotdogs

2 CAD for Hotdog on a bun

Cash only

The most famous place to go is right beside Nathan Philips Square. 

How to go there: Alight at Osgoode station and follow the signs to Nathan Phillips Square.

2. Tacos El Asador

Mixed pupusa 4 CAD

Taco's for 3.99 CAD

Quesadilla for 4.10 CAD

Cash only 

A Salvadorean restaurant located in Koreatown. I first tried the pupusa because that's my husband's favorite treat. They have combo meals starting from 9 CAD - 12 CAD. It comes with drinks too. Not bad! Plus the place looks cool. On my second visit, I ordered taco's and quesadilla and only paid 9 CAD.

How to get here: Alight at Christie Station and walk 3 minutes to your destination. 

Address: 689 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6G 1L3

3. Rancho Relaxo

2 Quesadilla for 10 CAD

3 tacos for 10 CAD

Burrito Bowl (good for 2 pax) 8 CAD

My friend and I were fully satisfied. The burrito and quesadilla were delicious. Our burrito bathed with the hot sauce made it intensely flavourful.

How to get there: Alight at Bathurst Station and walk 2 minutes to the store. The store looks really cool with colourful doodles all over the front building. I doubt you'll miss this awesome place. 

4. Sushi on the Run

Buy one take one sushi

7.99 CAD for two sushi box

Promo starts after 4pm till 8pm, maybe until stocks last. 

How to get there: Alight at College station, exit to College Park, just outside the exit you'll find the sushi store. 

5. Best Poutine Food Truck

4 CAD  for Regular Poutine

Cash only

The most famous place to go is right beside Nathan Philips Square. A food truck that sells the best poutine in town, it literally says on their truck. I've never been a fan of poutine but it all changed when I tried it here.

How to go there: Alight at Osgoode station and follow the signs to Nathan Phillips Square.

6. TCJ Restaurant (All you can eat Thai, Chinese and Japanese food)

25 CAD per person

Cheapest and most affordable buffet I've tried in the city. I don't know how we got here but I have the address listed down for reference. 

Address: 64 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M5B 1Y4

7. Brunch at CN Tower 

120 CAD for two-person

Book @ yelp or call for reservations.

I spent a little much here to surprise my husband for our early morning Christmas Eve celebration with my family. The steak was amazing plus the view creates a romantic atmosphere. It's a perfect place to celebrate special moments in life, the three-course meal is something different from my cheap eats downtown. 

How to get here:

Alight at Union Station and walk for a few minutes to CN tower. 

Address: 301 Front St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2T6

8. David's Tea 

1 CAD for drinks every Tuesday

Any locations all over town. A refreshing, healthy drink for less than 2 dollars. 

9. O.Noir Dine in the dark 

Dinner: 90 CAD for two-person (tax + tip)

Book @ yelp or call for reservations.

We purchased our voucher with GROUPON: Save on activities, spas, restaurants, and events.

The most unique and amazing dining experience I have had in Toronto. Blindfolded while eating is not a usual food trip. If you're looking to explore your palette in a different way this is the thing that you're looking for. We got to try how it feels like to have just 4 senses and how our body is able to cope with it. It's not cheap but as they said you pay for the experience. Well, lucky me all my surprise meals were delectable. 

Address: 620 Church St, Toronto, ON M4Y 2G2

10. Noodle King

10 CAD for an authentic Chinese meal

We got here accidentally as my friend thought it was a restaurant. The food was amazingly delicious, it reminded me of my travels in Asia. 

How to get there: Alight at Oosgode station, walk to Sheraton centre it's right in front of Nathan's Philips Square. Then take the escalator down to the food court. 

11. Gogi-gui @ Korea Town

Korean BBQ or Samgyeopsal: 30 CAD - 50 CAD

How to get there: Alight at Finch Station. There's a whole street of Korean restaurants, parlors, and merchandise. Another Korea Town is right outside Christie TTC station. Exit and behold all kinds of Korean food, cafe, and shops in the area. 

12.Bubbletease

7 CAD for a Regular size bubble tea, Less ice, No sugar (optional)

My favourite bubble tea is in Toronto downtown.

13. Little Sheep Mongolian

20 percent off for our Groupon voucher

Paid 40 CAD for two pax

The best hotpot I've ever tried in Toronto. My friend bought a Groupon voucher to get a meal discount. Check out Groupon on the sidebar/footer for the link. 

Address: 2543 Warden Avenue, Scarborough, M1W 2H5

14.  W Burger Bar

3 CAD tequilla shots

Shots are cheap and the food is great. What more can I ask for?!

How to get there: Walking distance from College Station.

Address: 10 College St, Toronto, ON M5G 1K2 

15. Oxtail Pho - Banh Mi & Vegetarian

Address: 814 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1V3, Canada

16. Sushi Culture

7.86 CAD for Lunch combo (12:00 - 3:30pm)

How to get there: Alight at Bathurst Station and walk few minutes to the restaurant. 
Address: 456 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1X8

17.  Como En Casa
The fish tacos and enchilada were sooo good here. This is the reason why I love small restaurants they put love on their food.

How to get there: Alight at Wellesley Station and walk a few minutes to the restaurant.

Address: 565 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4Y 1Z2, Canada 

18. The Shameful Tiki Room 
Try the Yowza level cocktails which have the highest alcohol strength among the drinks: Tiki Puka Puka and Zombie, 13 CAD each.

I love the tropical feels inside the bar, their unique way of serving the beverage, and most especially the selection of drinks with alcohol levels.

Address:  1378 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6K 1L7

19. Naan and Kabob

Best Afghanistan food I've ever tasted. It's tasty, flavorful and affordable.

How to get here: Walking distance from Bloor-Yonge Station.
Address: 691 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4Y 2B2

20. Aztec Mexican Cuisine

My favorite Mexican restaurant in Toronto, plus it's a walking distance from High Park Station. The Enchilada Verde is made from heaven here, the best one I've ever tried.

Address: 1986 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6R 2Z3

21. Labothery

I'm a milk tea or aka bubble tea addict. When a friend of mine invited me to try out this unique bubble tea store I was all smiles and said yes. It's a make your own kind of bubble tea to your liking, combine all the weird flavors at your own will. 

Address: 717 Bay St unit d, Toronto, ON M5G 2J9


22. Uncle Tetsu's Cheesecake
10 CAD for 1 whole round cheesecake

I'm not a cheesecake lover but I really fell in love with this one. It's fluffy and just enough sweetness that makes you want to have more and eat the whole cake in one go.

Two known branches in Bay Street:
598 Bay St, Toronto, ON M5G 1M5, Canada (Just a steps away from Greyhound/Megabus Terminal Entrance)

191 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M5G 1C7, Canada (Lesser people around here and you can dine in too)

There's another branch opening soon inside the bus terminal, I bet they're open now.

23. Henderson Brewing Co.

Beer tour: 5 CAD (plus tax)

I went on a beer tour and got a free beer! ahahaa. Anyways. They made us try different kinds of beer with levels of strength and flavor. It was a small glass for everyone, no big deal however if you didn't have a full meal and you're not a beer drinker you'll definitely feel the kick after the tour. A great place to learn about malt and the history behind one of the greatest inventions of humankind. Yeah, I love beer! and wine too.

How to get there: Alight at Dundas West station, more than 10 minutes walk to the brewery.

Address: 128 Sterling Rd, Toronto, ON M6R 2B7


24. Tsugiri
I've never been a matcha kind of person but I wanted to try something new, and they said it's healthy too. Check out the Matcha Haven in Downtown Toronto.

How to get here: Nearby Dundas Station.
Address: 147 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M5G 1C5

25. Beer and Cider 

There are tons of bars and restaurants that offer great-tasting beer and cider in Toronto. Be free and don't forget to leave your car at home for goodness sake. 

Address: All over Toronto. 

26. Gourmet Schnitzel House

I had a lovely dinner here with my husband. They serve wine and if you ordered a bottle of wine then forgot you can't bring it home with you, then you have to jug it all to yourself - lucky me I wasn't the designated driver.  It's a small restaurant run by a sweet couple with delicious schnitzel meals.  I didn't know what schnitzel means when I got here, silly me, it's actually a piece of meat, covered with breadcrumbs, a dash of the secret recipe, and fried to perfection. Viola! it's like Crispy chicken...I mean what a schnitzel.

Address: 2286 Kingston Rd, Scarborough, ON M1N 1T6

27. La Rocca's Irish Cream Cheesecake

I'm not a fan of cheesecake but this cake took my heart away too. I tried this for the first time at my friend's birthday party and till now I can still savor its delicious taste in my memory. And all this time I really thought there was alcohol on it because it just tastes soo damn good. 

28. Golden Patty

1.50 CAD - 2 CAD for 1 patty

10 CAD for 1 dozen

Best tasting patty I've ever tried in Toronto. An awesome Jamaican pastry filled with meat and spices and baked inside a flaky shell. 

How to get there: Nearby Chinatown.  It's among the first line of stores you see when you enter Kensington Market.

Address: 187 Baldwin St, Toronto, ON M5T 1L8

29. Ice Cream on Wheels

The park where there's food traffic, like in parks, events and I often see them close nearby Nathan Philips Square. 

30.Jollibee @ Seafood City

The long is wait over for the Filipino community, the most famous and loved fast-food chain in the Philippines finally opened its doors in Mississauga and Scarborough. 

I grew up having Jollibee on birthdays, after church, even when I'm sick, or just any normal given day. Jollibee tastes like Home. A little piece of home that fills each Pinoy and Pinay hearts with happiness. When we got the chance to check out their store I was an excited kid bouncing up and down its doors.

I'm a C3 lover, a meal that consists of spaghetti and one-piece chickenjoy then upgrade drink to pineapple juice. For dessert, I'll have french fries that I'm going to dip individually in a chocolate sundae. To go, I'll get a box of peach-mango pies for my midnight snack.

Address: 800 Boyer Blvd, Mississauga, ON L5V 2Y1

Another branch: 15 William Kitchen Rd, Scarborough, ON M1P 5B7

Bonus Tip: The cheapest way of having a good time and not care about time and space and tips is to stay at home. The only place where you can do whatever you want, get loud as you want and combine all the goods your friends have at their place. 

My favorite patio or camping essentials would be a bottle of wine, the oh-so-good Havarti cheese, and Polish sausage. Add in some fruits, chips, and a great conversation, then there you have a perfect day in the comfort of your home.

Address: Your crib or friend's place

Bonus Note: My hubby's Ultimate Ramen Recipe

Nothing can compare to my husband's ramen, prepared with so much love and pride - lucky me! Dining out gets boring sometimes, cooking at home means some good old alone time with thyself or bonding time with family and friends. Make it a habit to gather your loved ones at the table sometimes, this creates stronger family ties and a wonderful friendship. 

Address: Dining Table @ Home in Toronto

Have fun and be safe ^__^

Do you want more adventure?

If you still have one more day to spare why not go around and Explore the vibrant city of Toronto, Canada.

Where am I going next?
My next adventure is to Los Angeles, California and I have here a survival guide on how to go around the city.