Please complete your profile to unlock commenting and other important features.

Please select your date of birth for special perks on your birthday. Your username will be your unique profile link and will be publicly used in comments.
Narcity Pro

This is a Pro feature.

Time to level up your local game with Narcity Pro.

Pro

$5/month

$40/year

  • Everything in the Free plan
  • Ad-free reading and browsing
  • Unlimited access to all content including AI summaries
  • Directly support our local and national reporting and become a Patron
  • Cancel anytime.
For Pro members only Pro
Summary

You're Not A True Torontonian Unless You've Tried At Least 7 Of These 11 Iconic Snacks

Have you tried all these treats?

A person eating a french fry on a patio with a sandwich in front of her. Right: Two arms with tattoos holding two waffle cones with ice cream in it.

A person eating at St. Lawrence Market in Toronto. Right: Ice cream in bubble waffles from Bang Bang Ice Cream.

Writer

Canada is home to many iconic snacks, like butter tarts and Tim Hortons Timbits, but what makes Toronto's food scene so special?

Toronto is a multicultural city filled with authentic foods from all over the world, which means there are so many different foods that make the city unique.

The city shines for its outrageous and oversized snacks, such as caesars, croissants, pizza slices and cookies, and Toronto just has some of the most delicious snacks and treats that every local needs to try.

We've compiled a list of 11 places in Toronto that serve some of the city's most iconic foods and everyone needs to try them at least once to consider themselves a "true Torontonian," at least in our books.

Jamaican Patty

You can't live in Toronto and never try Jamaican Patty. In fact, if you haven't had one yet, go to your nearest Jamaican spot and try one because these cheap snacks are delicious and worth every bite.

Jamaican patties are half-moon-shaped pastry filled with meat and spices. The baked shell is flaky yet soft, freshly baked and warm.

There are many spots to check out, but according to locals, the best three Toronto locations for Jamaican patties are Golden Patty, Allwyn's Bakery, and Patties Express.

Giant pizza slice from Lamanna Bakery

In Toronto, you can get oversized pizza slices but they're not topped wirh you typical cheese and tomato sauce.

Lamanna's Bakery is home to the "big slice," where they serve pizzas larger than your head and come topped with anything your heart desires.

No, seriously, when we say anything your heart desires, we aren't joking.

From cupcakes, to mini Nutella jars, smaller pizza slices, these pizza slices are as creative as it gets.

Street hot dogs

You can't be a tourist in your own city without grabbing a street hot dog. Whether you're at a baseball game or after a night out, those street delis are worth checking out.

One of the most popular street vendors is the hot dog stand outside of the Eaton Centre at Yonge and Dundas and it should be a spot you grab a sandwich from, if you haven't already.

Craig's Cookies

Craig's Cookies are a right of passage in Toronto and they are very popular for their innovative flavours and chunky cookies.

These cookies, which started selling in 2023, took the world by storm and they are still relevant today.

So, if you haven't tried them yet, find your nearest location and give them a taste, you won't regret it.

Seafood from St. Lawrence Market

St. Lawrence Market is one of Toronto's most iconic places to visit because it's filled with hidden gems, like the viral pasta sauce.

Within it lies a popular place seafood spot called Buster's Sea Cove. They have one of the best fish and chips and a very popular lobster roll in the city.

The fish and chips are crispy and fresh, while the lobster roll is colourful, moist and very flavourful.

Also, the plates come loaded with fries, so you'll definitely be full no matter what you order.

Mini donuts from COPS

If you love mini donuts like Tiny Toms from Canada's Wonderland, Toronto's famous Cops Donuts might be the next best thing.

The freshly baked mini donuts that are topped with their special frosting are a Toronto staple and they are perfect for any occasion.

Bang Bang Ice Cream

​Don't let the long line during the summer months discourage you because their ice cream is worth the line.

The ice cream shop is located on Ossington Avenue, close to Trinity Bellwoods Park and they have flavours you won't find anywhere else.

Like the Golden Oreo or the Matcha Tiramisu, the ice cream flavours are crave-worthy. Also, you can upgrade your ice cream to be served in a freshly-made waffle or cookies.

Bubble Tea

Bubble Tea is a famous beverage in Toronto and many locals love sipping on the thirst-quenching beverage no matter how hot or cold it is outside.

One of the most famous places to try the notorious drink is Chatime, but if chains are not your vibe, you can find more local Toronto spots in almost every corner of the city because they're just so popular.

Gyro from Toronto Islands

Are you heading to the Toronto Islands this summer? Don't forget to grab a gyro from the iconic The Island Greek Grill. From the moment you dock on Centre Island, you'll smell the Greek meats cooking.

The gyros are just as good as they smell, but watch out for seagulls, they love the Greek food too.

Slice of pie from Wanda's Pie In The Sky

@wanaroundtown

Have you been to Wanda’s Pie in the Sky at the heart of Kensington Market in Toronto? It’s a go to toronto food spot for desserts, homecooked meals and delicious homemade pies! The pies are baked from scratch everyday and you can choose from many different flavours! Love their coconut cream pie! A must eat when in Toronto’s Kensington Market for sure! #kensingtonmarkettoronto #kensingtonmarketto #torontoeats #torontofoodspots #torontofoodie #torontofood #wheretoeatintoronto #torontodesserts

If you love dessert, you have to check out Wanda's Pie In The Sky. Located in the heart of Kensington Market, it is known for its pies.

They are delicious, creative and affordable.

Try the Key Lime Pie, you won't regret it.

Giant croissant from Little Pebbles

@narcitycanada

Narcity's Mira Nabulsi tried the viral giant croissant in Toronto and it was perfectly flaky but you don't want to know how much butter was in that thing! 🥐👀 Head to the link in bio to read all about it! #croissant #torontorestaurants #giantcroissant #giantcroissanttoronto

Anything oversized is great, especially when it's a French pastry made to order. In Toronto, you can get your hands on a giant croissant that would be a perfect addition to any girl's brunch or birthday party.

Little Pebbles in Kensington Market makes the oversized croissants in Toronto and they are delicious.

  • Writer

    Mira Nabulsi (she/her) was a Writer for Narcity Media with over five years of journalism experience. Before joining the team, she worked at Xtalks and Discovery Channel. Mira graduated from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) with a Master of Journalism and completed her undergraduate degree from York University. But, now she loves to eat and taste all the different cuisines and culinary experiences the world has to offer.
Sponsored Content

This guide shows you how to breakfast like a local & unlock a perfect morning in Toronto

From iconic bites to gorgeous views and more.

Statistics Canada is hiring for census jobs that pay up to $131,000 but you need to apply soon

Application deadlines are approaching for some 2026 census jobs.

This enchanting small town set on a BC island was named among North America's 'most peaceful'

Sandy beaches, ancient forests and a cozy town — anyone?. 🌲

This Ontario gem with waterfront towns and beaches is one of Canada's 'best' spots to live

It has "large" homes "priced much lower" than major Canadian cities.