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Raymond Cua, a Toronto based food blogger, is behind Travelling Foodie, a website about all the amazing food he’s eating around the world. With over 25 countries traveled, Raymond’s indulged at some of the world’s best restaurants such as Alinea in Chicago and El Celler de Can Roca in Spain.
When it comes to food, Raymond’s passion is evident, wanting the readers to follow in his footsteps in traveling the world and experiencing a destination through its cuisine.
Growing up was a nonstop food adventure for Raymond, with his parents running a fried chicken fast food restaurant in the Philippines. Every summer, Raymond vacationed with his family and grew a love for travel.
In 2014, Raymond began documenting his travels and recorded his thoughts on the restaurants he visited and the food he enjoyed. Over time, Traveling Foodie grew into a multimedia platform with posts updated regularly on all social media platforms.
Toronto is not only the largest city in Canada but the fifth largest city in North America. The diversity of culture in Toronto rivals that of other more notable places such as New York City and Los Angeles.
Despite its size and notable proximity to the United States, most Americans overlook Toronto for their trips seeking other culinary destinations in Europe as a priority. My ignorance took me to over 20 countries and 40 States without even considering Toronto as a culinary contender.
Never again! I am converted!
Must Try Canadian Foods
Peameal Bacon Sandwich – Invented in Toronto, this wet cured unsmoked back bacon is rolled in cornmeal and fried up to delicious perfection, and served in a bun. Try the one at Carousel Bakery in St. Lawrence Market where Anthony Bourdain and Bobby Flay both scarfed down the legendary sandwich.
Carousel Bakery
93 Front St E, Toronto, ON M5E 1C3, Canada
Poutine – Quintessential traditional Canadian dish composed of french fries, topped with cheese curds and drizzled with dark brown gravy. Although it’s a chain, Smokes Poutinerie is a beloved institution with consistent results with no flaws. For a poutine with flare, try SumiLicious, which dishes up a smoked meat poutine from a chef and owner who worked at the famous Schwartz’s Deli in Montreal.
Smokes Poutinerie
218 Adelaide St W, Toronto, ON M5H 1W7, Canada
SumiLicious
5631 Steeles Ave E #5, Scarborough, ON M1V 5P6, Canada
Beaver Tails – Made with love for Canada’s mascot, beaver tails are a fried pastry stretched into the shape of, you guessed it, a beaver tail that is dressed with various toppings. It comes in both sweet and savory versions. Visit BeaverTails to try the original.
BeaverTails
145 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2H4, Canada
Butter Tarts – One of the most popular Canadian treats, these sweet tarts are made from butter, sugar, syrup, and eggs that hold the sweetness level in check. Raymond’s favorite is at Charmaine Sweet.
Charmaine Sweet
115 Vanderhoof Ave, East York, ON M4G 4B4, Canada
The Best Restaurants in Toronto, Canada
Toronto is an international city with diversity filling the food culture to the brim with unique and authentic foods. During our talk, Raymond mentions a few local Canadian favorites but hones his focus on the international food scene. Immigrants are bringing their food to Toronto and every traveler must invest their time in exploring the individual neighborhoods that highlight these other cultures.
Bella’s Lechon – Raymonds’s go-to for Filipino Food. Be sure to try the sisig, lichen kawaii, chicken Inasal and squid tentacles.
1145 Morningside Ave #17&18, Scarborough, ON M1B 0A7, Canada
Pai – Northern Thai Restaurant with over 9,000 google reviews. Eat the Khao Soi, Pad Gra Mao, and Thai Iced Tea
18 Duncan St, Toronto, ON M5H 3G8, Canada
Maker Pizza – Order the Dr. Pepperoni, Raymond’s favorite pepperoni pizza with the crispy cupped pepperoni.
59 Cameron St, Toronto, ON M5T 2H1, Canada
Matsuda – All you can eat Japanese
1300 Don Mills Rd. Unit #2, North York, ON M3B 2W6, Canada
Famiglia Baldassarre – Best pasta in Toronto with the menu changing daily. Go early before they run out!
122 Geary Ave, Toronto, ON M6H 4H1, Canada
New Orleans Seafood and Steakhouse – Get the Jambalaya and Crab Cakes
267 Scarlett Rd, York, ON M6N 4K9, Canada
Gus Tacos – Chow down on Chorizo Tacos and Lamb Barbacoa Tacos.
1533 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6R 1A7, Canada
Bar Isabel – Grilled Razor Clams, Percebes (gooseneck barnacles), and Basque Cake
797 College St, Toronto, ON M6G 1C7, Canada
Peking Duck Kitchen – From Chef Quan Ju De in Bejing, everyone must try the legendary Peking Duck
1 Glen Watford Dr #1, Scarborough, ON M1S 2B7, Canada
Best Cocktails and Unique Spirits in Toronto, Canada
CC Lounge and Whisky Bar – Whiskey Sour
45 Front St E, Toronto, ON M5E 1B3, Canada
Bandit Brewery for Barrel Aged Program – Beer and wine aged in bourbon barrels
2125 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6R 1X1, Canada
Mill Street Brewery – Organic Kombucha Radler
21 Tank House Lane, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4, Canada
Spirit of York Distillery for Hawthorn Berry Gin – Super unique gin that tastes like a dessert
12 Trinity St, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4, Canada
Best Experiences and Things to Do in Toronto, Canada
Kensington Market – Hip and diverse area where Raymond suggests a food crawl, eating at various food stalls with a large variety to choose from.
Tasting Menu at Alo – (Now Number 98 in World’s 50 Best in 2021)
Scarborough Bluffs – Mix of nature and waterfront
Second City – Comedy club. Make sure to look at matinee prices
Allan Gardens Conservatory – Indoor garden free to the public
Trinity Bellwoods Park and Area – Perfect area for walking in a beautiful nature park, but with so many restaurants and food joints nearby makes a perfect sport for a food crawl.
Other Notable Resources from Raymond
Toronto Food & Drinks to Try
Top Restaurant picks in Toronto
Toronto Restaurants Signature Recipes
Where to Eat in Tokyo
Tasting Menu at Alo
Follow Raymond Cua
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Chris Kretzer has traveled the world visiting over 35 countries and eating his way through every city. With his wife Tiarra, they explore different food cultures and create food guides, podcasts, and travel articles helping everyone experience the world through food.