Around the World in 80 Meals: Cultural Hubs in Toronto
Toronto is one of the most culturally diverse cities in Canada, dubbed the most diverse on a global scale by BBC Radio earlier this summer. With over 51 percent of it’s residents being born outside the country, cultural hubs have become commonplace in the city.
Jennifer Smith is a member of Greektown’s Business Improvement Area (BIA). Covering attractions running along Danforth between Chester and Jones Avenue, the organization works to promote and cultivate events that celebrate all the area has to offer.
“Danforth is known for its selection of shops, storefronts, and of course, restaurants,” says Smith. “With events like Taste of Danforth, we work to bring experiences to others visiting [the area]. It’s important to the diversity of the city… because of the huge Greek community in the area. All the businesses want to do their best to promote their culture.”
From Greektown on Danforth to Little India running across Gerrard, mini nations have taken root, and have ultimately become quintessential parts of what make Toronto, Toronto. With immigration rates steadily rising every year, these communities continue to grow in both size and diversity. Even with the great variations in culture and tradition, the one common practice standing at the heart of all communities is food.
With restaurants specializing in everything from Arepas to Ziti, eating has become a way for settled residents and new comers alike to both preserve their own culture and share that unique experience with each other.
Lalibela is a small Ethiopian restaurant located at Bloor and Ossington. Nestled snugly between a Laundromat and sushi restaurant, the humble establishment serves enjera, kitfo, and other staple dishes from the East African country. For newly weds Yonas and Selam Mulu, who came from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, over 20 years ago, it’s a ‘just like mom use to make’ treat.
“To have food that just tastes like home, I can feel like I just took a plane back without actually leaving the city,” says Selam, “It’s great.”
“It’s been a long time since I left Ethiopia. Political tensions make it hard to visit, but places like [Lalibela Restaurant] help. To see others like me, and listen to the music and eat the food…what more could you ask for?”
For those running these restaurants, it’s the joy of sharing experiences through food that provide motivation. Born and raised in Toronto, Linda Dang decided to bring her Hawaiian experience to the city with her poke spot, North Poke.
“Toronto is a big mixing pot, there’s communities everywhere,” says Dang. “The whole food scene is blowing up, and everyone just wants to get his or her bit out there to share.”
When asked why she chose Kensington out of all the neighbourhoods available in Toronto to set up shop, Dang laughs at how easy the choice was.
“We were looking at other areas, but Kensington has such a big community. Every single restaurant offers something different, and we wanted to be a part of that authentic experience.”
Take an edible tour around the ethnic neighbourhoods in Toronto with Stuffed’s handy guide:
IMAGE: curated list of the biggest ethnic hubs in Toronto made into map graphic, along with the Stuffed team’s food picks from each
