For the second time this month, another long-standing restaurant in Toronto’s Kensington Market has officially closed its doors for good.
Hungary Thai, formerly located at 196 Augusta Ave., offered a rare combination of Hungarian and Thai dishes under one roof, earning it a loyal following since opening back in 2001.
The building it occupied, which was constructed in 1888, holds its own historical significance and was first occupied by Stephen H. Chapman, manager of the Ontario Pump Company (Ontario Wind Engine and Pump Company Ltd.), according to the Architectural Conservancy Ontario.
The restaurant was known for its unorthodox pairing of Thai staples like Pad Thai and tom yum alongside Hungarian classics on its menu, including goulash and schnitzel. The restaurant did not make a formal post announcing its closure and has slowly auctioned off its furniture and equipment.
News of Hungary Thai’s closure quickly spread in local community Facebook groups, where many loyal customers took time to leave kind notes for the restaurant’s staff, and also discussed the neighbourhood’s evolving landscape.
“Nooo! I wish we’d gotten a heads up, the community could have come out and had a last celebratory meal together,” one customer wrote.
This most recent closure marks another significant loss for the area, following last week’s permanent closure of the Kensington Market fixture, Amadeu’s Restaurant, which shut down after 36 years in business.
