Five ‘Great’ Dishes To Try in Toronto
With diversity and a vibrant culture that can be appreciated on every corner, Toronto may be one of the most underrated foodie destinations in the world. However, it might not stay that way for long as more people are starting to take note of everything that the city has to offer. Here are five dishes that earned our ‘Great’ rating (dishes that we’d be happy to order again and again) that will leave your expectations for Toronto’s food scene as high as the CN Tower.
Vieiras Crudas | Chica
Chica has been drawing lively crowds of diners since its opening in 2022, and its high-end ingredients combined with an upscale vibe make it a great spot for a night out in Ontario’s capital. One of the restaurant’s appetizers to take note of is the Vierias Crudas, a delicious, raw scallop dish that combines the mollusks with melon and serrano pepper. Despite the typical nature of the ingredients, the dish isn’t too sweet or too spicy. Instead, the melon and pepper combine perfectly and ensure that the scallops are not overpowered. It is a tasty tapa to kick off a meal at this Spanish restaurant.
Chicken 65 | Pukka
With delicious modern Indian food and a relaxed, hipsterish atmosphere, Pukka should be on the list of anyone in Toronto looking for some flavor. Its Chicken 65 appetizer tastes as good as it looks - this deep-fried chicken dish with sriracha, red chiles and tamarind sauce is sweet, spicy and delicious. The chicken is delicate, while the sauces add great flavor that makes you wish the plate never ran out. Enjoy this dish as an appetizer before digging into the rest of Pukka’s unique menu or make it an entrée if you know you’re not going to be able to get enough.
Bœuf Bourguignon | Maison Selby
Looking for a taste of France during your time in Toronto? Maison Selby’s Bœuf Bourguignon is slightly different than the traditional version of the dish but is no less delicious. The restaurant’s version cooks two large pieces of beef in red wine and then tops them with crispy onions, spinach, mashed potatoes, and grilled carrots. The result? Flavorful, creamy, and crunchy delight in every bite. Enjoy this dish while dining in the stunning, late 19th-century historic red brick mansion that you are sitting in.
Chicken Katsu Sandy | Oji Seichi
Located in one of Toronto’s Chinatown areas, Oji Seichi is best known for its ramen which it makes fresh every day on a machine that was imported from Japan. While the ramen is absolutely delicious, its Chicken Katsu Sandy is deserving of some love as well. Crispy panko-fried chicken is placed in between a hamburger bun and is topped with pickled daikon, shredded cabbage, and mayo. The juiciness of the chicken combines with the mouthwatering toppings and soft bun to deliver some great flavor. Don’t forget about the side of tasty onion rings either! The Chicken Katsu Sandy is one of Oji Seichi’s limited-time offerings, so if it isn’t on the menu during your visit, check out our review of some other Oji Seichi menu items.
Khao Soi | Sabai Sabai
Executive Chef Nuit Regular and her partner serve up delicious Northern Thai and Lao food in a fun setting in the downtown/midtown area of Toronto. Sabai Sabai has a large menu with plenty to choose from, but the Khao Soi stood out. A large bowl filled with orange curry mixed with coconut milk, thin egg noodles, fried egg noodles, and braised beef, the Khao Soi packs flavor into every gulp. The beef can also be substituted for chicken or shrimp, so feel free to mix it up to your liking.
Enjoy these tasty dishes during your time in Toronto!
Hungry for more? Check out all our Toronto reviews here.
Gabe Kamins contributed to this article.