Toronto’s Chinatown is a special place in the city, bustling with a sense of vibrancy and life that seems to never stop.
With a long-storied past and one of North America’s largest, Chinatown has been growing and changing ever since its early days back in The Ward.
Some of the city’s first Chinese families put down their roots starting in the 1900s. It was actually in 1878 that Sam Ching, Toronto’s first recorded Chinese resident, opened his laundry on Adelaide Street.
Since then, persevering by self-sufficient businesses and neighbours, Chinatown is more than just a neighbourhood; it’s an important part of our history.
Though it would take much longer than a thousand words to describe and recommend Chinatown’s best, we’ve attempted to do so. For this one, we stuck with the Chinatown proper boundaries, excluding the nearby Kensington Market and focusing on the workings of Spadina from College to Queen and around.
Ready? Here’s your ultimate guide to Toronto’s Old Chinatown.
Culinary treats
To list out all of the amazing restaurants in Chinatown would be an almost impossible task. Since practically every corner boasts at least a handful of must-visits, you’d have a hard time picking just one.
With that said, here are some classic and city favourites to try out! Right off the top, the iconic Rol San is always a must-visit. Living up to its 30+-year history as a community institution, it features classic Chinese dim sum, adorable LED fish in the window display, and late-night hours.
Keep with the same no-fuss, late-night vibes, Swatow at 309 Spadina has also been serving up classic Chinese plates to loyal customers for the last 40 years.
My favourite Vietnamese spot is Pho Huong, right at the corner of Spadina Ave. and St. Andrew St. Hot, slurpable bowls of pho and vermicelli reign king here! Extras? The grilled pork, spring rolls, and mango milkshake only elevate your meal.
For dumplings, you have a truly remarkable number of options. My favs include Juicy Dumpling, Mother’s Dumplings, and Dumpling House Restaurant. Don’t forget dim sum at Rosewood, Sky Dragon, or Dim Sum King.
And for a little sweet treat, there are many great bakeries to grab a coconut or taro bun from! Rounding out the top for me are Chinese Bakery and Hong Kong Island Dim Sum, which always quell my sugar cravings.
Visit these other Chinatown restaurants like
Pho Pasteur
Mashion Bakery
The Famous Owl of Minerva
House of Gourmet
Grandma Kitchen
Hey Noodles
Taste of China Seafood Restaurant
Mom’s Pan-Fried Bun
Cafes and bars
We had to include a separate section of Chinatown’s A1 cafes and bars! Grossman’s Tavern has been a local watering hole since 1943, and for good reason. Live jazz performances mark the nights here, as Toronto’s unofficial Home of the Blues.
Big Trouble is a cute, funky bar with craft cocktails that’s always playing groovy tunes. The El Mocambo is another legendary Chinatown venue, hosting iconic acts (like The Rolling Stones and The Ramones) since 1948. Check out ChaTraMue’s first Toronto location for delicious and authentic Thai milk tea, while Cafe Leon is your spot for Basque Cheesecake, artisan coffee, tiramisu, and more sweet treats.
Stores
Chinatown shopping is an experience unlike anywhere else in the city. Starting from the top, my absolute favourite store in Chinatown is Tap Phong. Selling all kinds of restaurant and culinary needs, you can always find unique baking supplies, cocktailware, and appliances.
Lucky Moose is an instantly recognizable market, offering fresh produce, pantry staples, and fresh meats at some seriously good prices. Keeping that same vibe, Kai Wei Supermarket is another Chinatown favourite, peddling meats, veggies, and fruits, also with unbeatable deals.
Devoted record lovers will for sure have a great time shopping in Chinatown, given that the neighbourhood is home to three top-rated record shops. My go-to, Play de Record, is a self-proclaimed “DJ shop” that sells vinyl, turntables, equipment, and more. Extra points are awarded to Play de Record for having some stars stop in, like the one-and-only Nas.
Sonic Boom brings a more modern take on record shops, shelling out the latest albums and mixes from some of today’s top artists, while Invisible City is the spot for unique and rare musical finds.
Gwartzman’s Art Supply has been providing Toronto’s artists and creators with quality and affordable supplies for more than 80 years, proving itself a household name.
And of course, if you don’t know where to go, just take yourself to Dragon City Mall for just about anything you’ll ever want to buy.
Visit Toronto’s Chinatown for a one-of-a-kind adventure!
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