Toronto's First Food Tour: Taste the World in Kensington Market

Toronto , Canada

Toronto's First Food Tour: Taste the World in Kensington Market

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About this experience

Welcome to Tasty Tours, Toronto's first food tour company and your passport to the flavours and stories of Kensington Market! Nestled in the heart of Toronto, this eclectic neighborhood and National Historic Site is home to a diverse community hailing from every corner of the world. What makes Kensington so special? As the first and oldest food tour in Kensington Market, no one else can show you Kensington like we can. In one lunch, we will travel:

1. Around the world, locally - we'll sample a variety of cuisine from various cultures in the multi-cultural enclave of Kensington Market.

2. Through time - we'll trace the history of the market weaved through the stories of the stores we visit.

3. Through perspectives - we've got the insider's edge, from special foods made just for our group, to secret photo spots in the market.

IMPORTANT! Please send a message if you have any questions!

Available options

Toronto's First Food Tour: Taste the World in Kensington Market

What's included

Local guide

All tastings

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Tasty Tours was one of the first to offer food tours of the Kensington Market area, and we’ve been running tours in this neighbourhood for over 10 years now. Kensington Market and it’s neighbouring Chinatown was a natural choice for us to choose for a food tour, as it truly reflects the spirit of Toronto as one of the most multicultural cities in the world. Chinese, Mexican, Canadian…you name it, you can find it here. Kensington Market is an interesting area to visit because it has managed to retain its immigrant, working-class culture in the face of rampant gentrification. As you stroll down the streets of Kensington, you will notice that unlike most other neighbourhoods in Toronto, there is a surprising lack of large corporations in the neighbourhood.

What's not included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.6

65 reviews

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4★

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Tripadvisor 4.9

441 reviews

5★

417

4★

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1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Operates in all weather conditions; please dress appropriately

Meeting point

We'll meet outside Moonbean. Call (no text) if you're late or lost.

IMPORTANT!! Include any dietary restrictions in the 'special requirements' box at the time of booking. If you did not, message us immediately (see Additional Info section for more details).

Important notes

IMPORTANT!! Please include any dietary restrictions in 'special requirements' box at time of booking. We try to accommodate most dietary requirements, but please note that the alternate items may not always match the original samples in quality or quantity. If you have questions about the specific substitutions, contact us.

Call 416-871-7133 (no text) if you are lost or going to be late.

Helpful Notes & Tips
- Come with an appetite (we strongly recommend skipping breakfast or having only a light snack) as there is enough food to substitute lunch. Sample sizes vary from store to store (from nibbles to large portions), but at the end of the tour most people will feel full.
- We highly recommend bringing your own reusable water bottle to keep yourself hydrated. If you choose not to, there are always plenty of options to purchase bottled water during the tour.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes. There is a 2 - 5min walk between stops.
- The end point is a 5min walk from the start point.
- We are a food tour and not a historical tour, so expect a healthy mix of information but leaning more towards food history
- We mainly visit small, local stores, and Kensington Market is a popular local hangout, so it may get a little crowded in some spaces. Because of this, we do not go indoors or sit down at all stores we visit.
- Tours run in all weather conditions. Check the weather forecast beforehand and dress appropriately.

About Toronto

Toronto is Canada's largest city and a vibrant multicultural hub known for its towering skyscrapers, diverse neighborhoods, and rich cultural scene. It's a city where modernity and tradition blend seamlessly, offering a dynamic urban experience with a welcoming atmosphere.

Top Attractions

CN Tower

The CN Tower is an iconic landmark of Toronto and one of the tallest freestanding structures in the world. It offers panoramic views of the city and a thrilling EdgeWalk experience.

Architecture 1-2 hours $38 CAD for general admission

Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)

The ROM is Canada's largest museum of natural history and world cultures. It features a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits, including dinosaur fossils, ancient artifacts, and contemporary art.

Museum 2-3 hours $23 CAD for adults

Toronto Islands

The Toronto Islands offer a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle. With beautiful beaches, scenic trails, and stunning views of the skyline, it's a perfect spot for picnics, cycling, and relaxation.

Nature Half-day to full day $8.25 CAD round trip ferry ticket

Ripley's Aquarium of Canada

Ripley's Aquarium is a fascinating underwater world featuring a wide variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, and penguins. It's an exciting and educational experience for all ages.

Attraction 1-2 hours $42.99 CAD for adults

Distillery District

The Distillery District is a historic and charming neighborhood known for its cobblestone streets, Victorian-era buildings, and vibrant arts scene. It's a great place for shopping, dining, and cultural events.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free to explore, varies for shops and restaurants

Must-Try Local Dishes

Poutine

A classic Canadian dish consisting of French fries topped with cheese curds and gravy.

Main Dish Contains dairy and gluten

Butter Tarts

A sweet pastry filled with a mixture of butter, sugar, syrup, and sometimes raisins or pecans.

Dessert Contains gluten and dairy

Peameal Bacon Sandwich

A Toronto specialty featuring peameal bacon (back bacon rolled in cornmeal) served on a bun.

Breakfast/Lunch Contains pork

Nanaimo Bars

A no-bake dessert square with a crumb base, a light custard-flavored butter icing in the middle, and a chocolate layer on top.

Dessert Contains gluten, dairy, and nuts

Popular Activities

Hiking Skiing Canoeing Spas Yoga Meditation Museums Art Galleries

Best Time to Visit

May to October

This is the best time to visit Toronto for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. The city comes alive with festivals, outdoor dining, and events.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English, French
Widely spoken: English, French, Mandarin, Cantonese, Punjabi, Spanish, Tagalog, Portuguese
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Canadian Dollar (CAD)

Time Zone

GMT-5 (Eastern Standard Time, EST) or GMT-4 (Eastern Daylight Time, EDT)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Toronto is generally considered a safe city, but like any major urban center, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs
• Avoid walking alone late at night in isolated areas

Getting there

By air

Toronto Pearson International Airport • 22.5 km from city center
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport • 3 km from city center

By train

Toronto Union Station

By bus

Toronto Coach Terminal, Union Station Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The TTC subway system is efficient and widely used. It consists of four lines that connect major attractions and neighborhoods.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Toronto Kensington Market Chinatown The Annex Leslieville

Day trips

Niagara Falls

130 km from Toronto • Full day

Niagara Falls is one of the world's most famous natural wonders, offering breathtaking views, boat tours, and a variety of attractions.

Niagara-on-the-Lake

135 km from Toronto • Full day

Niagara-on-the-Lake is a charming town known for its historic sites, wineries, and beautiful architecture.

Blue Mountain

150 km from Toronto • Full day or overnight

Blue Mountain is a popular year-round destination offering skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and a charming village with shops and restaurants.

Festivals

Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) • September Pride Toronto • June Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) • August

Pro tips

Visit the Toronto Islands for a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle
Explore the Distillery District for its charming cobblestone streets and vibrant arts scene
Try local craft beers at one of the city's many breweries
Visit during the Toronto Christmas Market for a magical and festive experience
Take a stroll along the waterfront for stunning views of the city skyline