Toronto is known for its rich cultural diversity, and nowhere is that more obvious than in its food scene.
From globally inspired bites to homegrown creations, the city is full of iconic dishes that tell the story of neighbourhoods, heritage, and innovation.
Whether you’re a local foodie or a visitor hungry for the city’s greatest hits, here are the must-try Toronto dishes that truly deserve a spot in the Food Hall of Fame:
Peameal Bacon Sandwich from Carousel Bakery
Located inside the bustling St. Lawrence Market, head to Carousel Bakery for a legendary sandwich has earned international fame. The thick-cut, cornmeal-crusted peameal bacon (also known as Canadian bacon) piled on a soft Kaiser roll is a no-frills classic that locals swear by. It’s Toronto’s unofficial signature dish, and a rite of passage for any first-time visitor.
Jamaican Beef Patties from Randy’s Patties or Allwyn’s Bakery
A hot, flaky patty from Randy’s or Allwyn’s is a rite of passage in Toronto. These handheld snacks are stuffed with spicy beef, chicken, or veggie fillings and sold at corner stores and bakeries across the city. Cheap, fast, and full of flavour, they’re a true local icon.
Roti from Island Foods
Toronto’s Caribbean community has long blessed the city with bold, comforting flavours, and the roti from Island Foods is a local legend. The restaurant has been serving up the flaky, house-made flatbread wraps around tender curried chicken, goat, or chickpeas since 1973, and it’s a dish you won’t soon forget.
Gyros on a Bun from Messini
Greektown is home to countless delicious eats, but the flavour-packed gyros sandwich from Messini Authentic Gyros is an undisputed legend. Juicy meat, garlicky tzatziki, fresh tomatoes and onions are wrapped up in a pillowy pita.
Toronto’s take on Detroit-style Pizza from Descendant
Toronto is full of incredible pizza joints, but for a unique spin, Descendant’s Detroit-style pies are at the top of the game. Thick, cheesy, square-shaped and caramelized at the edges, their Caribbean-inspired “Daddy’s Favourite” or signature “Canadian” topped with pepperoni, double-smoked bacon, and house-made ranch sauce are masterpieces in their own right.
Sushi Pizza from Nami Japanese Restaurant
This made-in-Toronto creation is composed of deep-fried rice “crust” topped with spicy mayo, avocado, and sashimi. You can find the local fusion-twist at Nami Japanese Restaurant, along with dozens of other sushi spots across the city.
Jerk Chicken from Chris Jerk, Tropical Joe’s, or Mr. Jerk
Ask a Torontonian where to get the best jerk chicken and you’ll start a passionate debate. But no matter where you land, one thing’s certain: Toronto does jerk chicken right. The smoky, spicy meat often served with rice and peas and plantains is an iconic staple that defines the city’s Caribbean food scene.
Butter Chicken Roti from Roti Mahal
A uniquely Toronto mash-up, this dish brings South Asian flavours into Caribbean form. The creamy butter chicken wrapped in a warm roti has become a beloved favourite for good reason. It’s a fusion dish born in Toronto, and now found citywide and spots like Roti Mahal.
From snack bar legends to internationally inspired creations, these dishes don’t just feed the city, they help define it. If Toronto had a Food Hall of Fame, these are the iconic bites that would be enshrined forever.