5 Dishes That Reflect Toronto’s Cultural Diversity—and Where to Enjoy Them

In Toronto, you’ll never find yourself hungry. As Canada’s most multicultural city, it takes pride in embracing immigrants and their culinary traditions within its communities. Beyond the well-known Little Italy and Chinatown, Toronto's food scene is bursting with international flavors, featuring everything from Somalian sambusas filled with beef and spices to slow-cooked Mexican birria tacos. We consulted with various locals to share their top picks. These five dishes made the cut.

Trinidadian doubles

A beloved street food from Trinidad, doubles consists of two pieces of fried dough filled with madras curried chickpeas, infused with Trinidad green seasoning, turmeric, and cumin, and topped with a selection of fruity chutneys and spicy sauces.

Much like Toronto, Trinidad boasts a rich tradition of cultural fusion reflected in its cuisine, according to food blogger Davindra Ramnarine, who was raised on the island. Doubles draw from Indian influences, while also incorporating elements from Chinese, African, and European cuisines. “My earliest memory of doubles is my dad heading to the market on a Sunday morning to buy them,” he recalls. “Every time I have one, I can envision myself opening that greasy bag.”

Where to Enjoy It

In Trinidad, most folks have a go-to “doubles man” they swear by, and the same goes for Toronto. For those in the city's west end, Ramnarine suggests visiting Leela’s Roti in Mississauga, where the family behind the shop is dedicated to sharing Trinidadian culture with the community. Meanwhile, Mona’s Roti in Scarborough, famed for its jerk chicken, is a favorite for those in the east end.

Somalian sambusa

Freshly made samosas, generously filled with beef, onions, and house spices.

Chef Bashir Munyes, a culinary professor at George Brown College and a Somalian native, runs Supper Clubs that delve into the diverse cuisines of Africa’s 54 nations. He emphasizes that Somalian sambusas are a must-try in Toronto. “They’re completely unique compared to any samosa you might find from Iran, Pakistan, or India,” he notes. “They’re all about the beef—no potatoes, cauliflower, or any other vegetables or legumes.” The meat is seasoned with Xawaash, a distinctive Somalian spice mix that typically includes fragrant elements like cumin, cardamom, coriander, and cloves, akin to East African gram masala.

Where to Find It

The Istar restaurant in Toronto’s West End is Munyes’s favorite place for Somalian food. Originally opened as a coffee shop in the Rexdale area 24 years ago, it serves as a communal hub for the local Somali community, many of whom sought refuge in Canada from conflict. “It’s a space that fosters a sense of belonging,” he explains.

Tibetan momo

A steamed, pan-fried, or deep-fried dumpling filled with a selection of meats or vegetables, accompanied by a dipping sauce.

Private food tour guide Aashim Aggarwal, originally from India, grew up enjoying Tibetan cuisine. He notes that traditional Tibetan momos were a staple food, filled with whatever ingredients were locally available (think yak meat). However, as Tibetans migrated across China, India, and North America, they adapted the basic dumpling concept to fit their new environments. This has led to variations like momos stuffed with tofu or kale, depending on the region and the cook. “I see momos as a culinary canvas that allows the community to establish itself and grow its roots wherever they go,” Aggarwal explains.

Where to Enjoy Them

Loga’s Corner, run by Loga and his wife, Dolma Yangchen, has been a staple in the Parkdale neighborhood since it opened in 2012. Aggarwal recommends trying the steamed beef momo served with pickled radish and house-made hot sauce. He also suggests Momo Ghar in Cabbagetown, where you can customize your filling and cooking style. He enjoys jhol, which is steamed and topped with a Nepalese sauce, or kurkure, which is breaded and fried.

Mexican birria

A slow-cooked stew hailing from Jalisco, typically prepared with goat or beef. It can be enjoyed on its own or used as a filling for tacos, which are often dipped in Mexican consommé—a broth made from the drippings of the birria meat.

Toronto food writer and blogger Andrew Dobson first encountered birria while researching the best tacos in Puerto Vallarta. “It’s a multi-sensory delight. I always find myself needing a stack of napkins when I indulge,” he shares. After returning to Toronto, he made it his mission to discover the best birria while compiling a list of the city’s top Mexican eateries. “Gone are the days when Mexican food in Canada meant a sizzling fajita platter or a Taco Bell imitation burrito,” he reflects.

Where to Find It

Dobson recommends that visitors take a cue from the local Mexicans who gather at Kensington Market for Birria Catrina, co-owned by Lluvia Minton and her boyfriend Abraham Luna, who mastered the dish at just 15. “This affordable gem in Kensington is tucked away at the back of the food hall. You really need insider knowledge to discover it,” Dobson notes.

East European cevapi

A blend of ground beef, veal, lamb, or pork (or a combination) shaped into kebabs and grilled over a barbecue.

Recently, cevapi has gained popularity among a new generation of Torontonians from diverse cultural backgrounds. It’s served alongside lepina, a pita-like flatbread, accompanied by generous spoonfuls of kajmak (creamed cheese), chopped raw onion, and sometimes avjar, a roasted red pepper sauce. While you can enjoy it as a sandwich, most people prefer to break the bread apart to dip it in the sauce or use it to hold the meat.

Where to Enjoy It

For cevapi, head over to Mak European Deli. This family-owned establishment has been serving Toronto’s Eastern European immigrant community for over 20 years. “My dad brought in products from every region in that area, attracting everyone—even if they were divided back home, they unite here,” shares Nadja Makota, the current owner and daughter of the original proprietors. You can enjoy your meal at one of the small tables inside or have your order packed for takeaway.