By Alexandria Bipatnath
Known as one of the most multicultural cities in the world, Toronto is also one of my favorite places to eat. From classic feel-good menus to Caribbean spice and French-inspired desserts, I’ve mapped a day’s worth of eating for your next visit.
Krispy Krunch French Toast at School Restaurant, photo by Alexandria Bipatnath.
A Torontonian’s cult favorite, School Restaurant is considered one of the best brunch spots in the city. Located on Fraser Avenue in a restored industrial space, the eatery’s decor stays true to the name, with analog clocks on the wall, lined-paper menus, glass beakers, and other classroom-inspired vibes. My all-time favorite dish, and one I’ve been ordering for the past five years, is their Krispy Krunch French Toast. A crispy outer layer rolled in Krispy Krunch cereal, paired with a raspberry and peach compote and a drizzle of maple syrup, makes for an insanely delicious dish that will ensure no crumb is left behind.
Roti at Ali’s Roti, photo by Alexandria Bipatnath.
For lunch, my Caribbean go-to is Ali’s Roti shop on Queen Street West. I’ve been going to this shop for years and the smell of the curry behind the service counter reminds me of walking into my grandparents’ kitchen. Growing up in a West Indian household, my grandparents, immigrants from Guyana, always had something
delicious cooking on their stovetop for when visitors came by. Many curries are on the market, from Jamaican to Indian to Trinidadian, and not all are equal in their taste and flavor profile. At Ali’s, the rotis taste just like the ones my grandmother prepared. I love the curry goat dhalpuri roti and the pumpkin shrimp dhalpuri roti. Originating from India, dhalpuri roti is a flatbread that is filled with split peas and often served with curries. It is soft and malleable and comes with your curry wrapped inside, neatly folded for easy handheld eating. If you favor heat, be sure to ask for extra pepper sauce. Made from the Jamaican scotch bonnet pepper, its heat will dance on your lips and tongue.
Pandan Coconut Chiffon Cake at Roselle, photo courtesy of Roselle.
The finale of this food tour is the chef’s kiss of desserts. Roselle sells small-batch, French-inspired pastries Friday through Sunday from their King Street East storefront. This shop is far from average, and their team never comes up short with their special menu offerings (announced on Instagram), which only last four to six weeks. Walking up to their cute service window, you will find a display of irresistible desserts—and will no doubt leave with a few extras. Daily offerings include delectable madeleines, cookies, and shortbreads, to name a few. Their seasonal pandan coconut chiffon cake is a beautifully light and fluffy green cake topped with coconut milk glaze and toasted coconut flakes. Anything you order is guaranteed to be a divine and one-of-a-kind tasting experience.
Alexandria Bipatnath
Alexandria Bipatnath is Anishinaabe and Guyanese from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She is a clinical integrative nutritionist and chef who specializes in First Nation fusion foods. Bipatnath founded The Wholesome Conscious in 2018, which began as a catering company and now offers a wide variety of services.