Street Food In Toronto: Explore The Top Spots & Local Favourites

A view of Shawarma Wraps, served with a soda, makes for a perfect street food in Canada.

Toronto is one of the top cities for street food. Vendors will be found providing everything from local favourites to foreign tastes. While some run from carts or food trucks, others are set up in markets. Whether your desire is for something sweet or savoury, Toronto’s streets provide plenty of delectable options. The range is limitless, from full dinners to crispy nibbles. There’s always a decent choice whether you want a meal to savour while strolling about or something fast. Here are a few of Toronto’s top street snacks you should sample.

Top 12 Street Foods In Toronto

From juicy Kebab rolls to grilled Peameal Bacon Sandwich, taste the famous street food in Toronto.

1. Peameal Bacon Sandwich

Roasted Peameal Bacon covered with maple glaze at the St. Lawrence Market in Toronto.

Photo: snowpea&bokchoi / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

This is one of Toronto’s most famous street foods. It’s made with pork loin that’s cured, rolled in cornmeal, and grilled until crispy. The result is a tender, slightly salty meat with a crunchy coating. It’s served in a soft bun, often with mustard, eggs, or cheese. The difference between the crispy bacon and the soft bread makes it incredibly tasty. Many vendors sell different versions of this sandwich. Some add caramelised onions for extra sweetness, while others use spicy sauces for more flavour.

Locations: Carousel Bakery at St. Lawrence Market

2. Poutine

A plate of Poutine at a food stall, containing fresh bacon, sausages, and hollandaise sauce.

Photo: Safyrr / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Poutine is one of Canada’s most loved comfort foods. It’s made with crispy fries, fresh cheese curds, and hot gravy poured on top. The combination is simple but delicious. The fries stay crispy on the outside, while the cheese softens slightly under the heat of the gravy. Many vendors take it up a notch by adding toppings like pulled pork, mushrooms, bacon, or butter chicken. The flavours blend perfectly, making it a great street food option. Whether you want a snack or a full meal, poutine always hits the spot.

Locations: Smoke’s Poutinerie or Nom Nom Nom Poutine

3. Jamaican Patties

A pair of partially eaten Jamaican Beef Patties served with a bowl of sauce at a restaurant.

Photo: stu_spivack / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

These flaky, golden pastries are packed with bold Caribbean flavours. The traditional filling is spicy beef, but you’ll also find chicken, veggie, and jerk chicken patties. The crust is buttery and crispy, while the inside is juicy and full of spices. Some vendors even add cheese for extra richness. Jamaican patties are one of the best grab-and-go street foods. They’re affordable, filling, and easy to eat while walking around. The spice level varies, so you can find mild or extra spicy options.

Locations: Randy’s Take-Out or Patties Express

4. BeaverTails

A group of people stand in front of a BeaverTails food truck near a museum in Toronto.

Photo: AdoTang / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

This deep-fried pastry is a Canadian classic. It’s stretched into a flat, beaver-tail-like shape before being fried to golden perfection. The original version is dusted with cinnamon sugar, but there are many creative toppings to choose from. Some are covered in Nutella, peanut butter, crushed cookies, or even maple syrup. The crisp edges and soft centre make them the perfect mix of textures. Whether you prefer classic flavours or something indulgent, this is a great sweet treat. It’s especially popular in winter when served warm.

Locations: BeaverTails Toronto Waterfront

5. Kebab Rolls

Vendors offer different options like chicken, lamb, or beef, all marinated in flavorful spices.

Photo: Kunal Lakhotia / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Kebab rolls are a great mix of smoky, grilled meat and fresh veggies wrapped in soft pita or naan. Vendors offer different options like chicken, lamb, or beef, all marinated in flavorful spices. The meat is cooked over an open flame, giving it a nice char and juicy texture. The best part about kebab rolls is the sauces. Garlic sauce, tahini, and spicy chutneys take the flavour to the next level. If you’re vegetarian, falafel or grilled paneer rolls are just as delicious.

Locations: Ali Baba’s or Osmow’s

6. Churros

A glimpse of a flowery shape made of sugar-coated, delicious Churros on a plate.

Photo: Juan Emilio Prades Bel / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Churros are a crunchy, deep-fried dessert coated in cinnamon sugar. The outside is crispy, while the inside is soft and fluffy. Some vendors serve them with dipping sauces like chocolate or caramel, while others stuff them with dulce de leche or Nutella. They’re a great snack for any time of day, but they taste even better when eaten fresh and warm. The combination of fried dough and sweet toppings makes them addictive.

Locations: Pancho’s Bakery or Choco Churros

7. Sushi Burritos

A pair of Sushi Burritos, cut in half, are served on a tray and are ready for takeaway.

Photo: Andy Li / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Sushi burritos are perfect if you love sushi but want something more filling. These oversized rolls are packed with fresh fish, rice, veggies, and sauces, all wrapped in seaweed. Unlike regular sushi, they’re big enough to be a full meal. Popular fillings include spicy tuna, salmon, shrimp tempura, and tofu for vegetarians. Each bite is packed with fresh flavors, and the added sauces make it even tastier.

Locations: Rolltation or Su&Bu

8. Corn On The Cob (Elote Style)

An image of a delicious Taco Salad is served with a tart corn on the cob at a restaurant.

Photo: goblinbox_ / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Grilled corn on the cob is a modest but flavorful street food. The Mexican-style version, known as elote, is a favorite. The corn is grilled until slightly charred, then coated with mayo, lime juice, chili powder, and cotija cheese. It has a smoky, tangy, and slightly spicy taste. If you prefer a classic version, you can find vendors selling it with butter and salt. Either way, the grilled flavor makes it a delicious snack. It’s especially popular in the summer when fresh corn is at its best.

Locations: Kensington Market food stalls

9. Dim Sum Buns

A triplet of Dim Sum Coconut flavoured Buns with an exotic topping is served at a restaurant.

Photo: Edsel Little / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Dim sum buns are a delicious street food option for those who love soft, fluffy bread with tasty fillings. These Chinese-style buns come in both sweet and savoury varieties. The savoury ones often have BBQ pork, chicken, or vegetables, while the sweet ones are filled with red bean paste or custard. The outer layer is soft and chewy, making them perfect for a quick bite. Some vendors steam them, while others bake them to get a golden crust.

Locations: Chinatown food stalls and bakeries

10. Shawarma Wraps

A pair of half-cut Chicken Shawarma Wraps is served on a plate at a restaurant in Toronto.

Photo: Andy Li / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Shawarma is one of the best street foods in Toronto. It’s made by layering marinated meat (chicken, beef, or lamb) on a rotating spit and slowly roasting it. The thinly sliced meat is wrapped in soft pita or lavash bread, along with fresh vegetables, garlic sauce, and sometimes pickles. The mix of flavors is incredible. The meat is smoky and tender, while the sauces add a tangy, creamy kick. Some vendors also offer spicy sauces for extra heat.

Locations: Pita Land or Shawarma Empire

11. Korean Fried Chicken

A close-up view of mouth-watering Korean Fried Chicken, a famous street food in Toronto, Canada.

Photo: Startandstar / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Onl

Korean fried chicken is different from regular fried chicken. It’s double-fried, which makes the skin extra crispy while keeping the inside juicy. The best part? It’s coated in flavorful sauces like soy garlic, spicy gochujang, or honey butter. Each bite is packed with crunch and flavour. Unlike traditional fried chicken, Korean-style wings are lighter and not greasy. Some vendors also top them with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for added texture.

Locations: The Fry or Mymy Chicken

12. Takoyaki

Takoyaki is served with delicious sauce toppings at a restaurant, a street food in Toronto.

Photo: Opponent / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Takoyaki is a Japanese street food that’s both crispy and creamy. These round, golden balls are made from a light batter filled with diced octopus, green onions, and tempura bits. They’re cooked in a special pan, making the outside crispy while the inside stays soft. Vendors top them with Japanese mayo, tangy takoyaki sauce, and bonito flakes that move from the heat. Each bite has a mix of textures—crispy, chewy, and creamy. If you’ve never tried them before, they’re a fun and flavorful snack to eat while walking around the city.

Locations: Gushi or Hattendo Toronto

Street food in Toronto is full of exciting flavours. From snacks to sweet treats, there’s something for everyone. The best part? You don’t need a fancy restaurant to enjoy these great foods. Many of these dishes are easy to eat on the go. So, plan your trip to Toronto with TripXL and feast on these popular delicacies on your day out in the city.Cover Photo: Shameel mukkath / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

Not all of them. Many food trucks and stalls operate mainly from spring to fall due to harsh winter conditions. However, some vendors, especially those in food markets or permanent locations, stay open year-round.
Yes! Many vendors offer plant-based options, such as falafel wraps, vegan poutine, and veggie empanadas. Some places also serve dairy-free and gluten-free versions of popular street foods.
Late mornings to early afternoons are best, as you get the freshest food and shorter wait times. If you're visiting a night market or food festival, going early helps avoid long lines.
Most food trucks and market vendors accept credit and debit cards, but some smaller stalls might be cash-only. It’s a good idea to carry some cash, especially when visiting outdoor markets.
Yes! Popular events include Toronto’s Street Eats Market, the Waterfront Night Market, and the TO Food & Drink Fest, where you can try a variety of street foods in one place.
Poutine is a must-try, as it's a classic Canadian dish. If you want something unique to Toronto, go for a peameal bacon sandwich from St. Lawrence Market.

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