Toronto may be the world’s most multicultural city, but after long enough, even the ethnic food offerings tend to get repetitive. To help you find some truly new flavours, we dug deep into the city’s smallest expat communities to bring you five of the city’s finest – and most obscure – ethnic eats.
Nicaragua
La Bella Managua, named for Nicaragua’s capital, offers distinctly Central American eats, including divine citrus- and chili-kicked ceviche, raw fish poached in lime juice, and nacatamal: a slightly peppery dumpling made with pork, corn, potatoes, peppers, onions and tomatoes. Mains, $9.95 – $11.95. 872 Bloor St. W. 416-913-4227.
Tanzania
Simba Grill, Toronto’s only Tanzanian restaurant, offers ugali, a thick, porridge-like starch made from cornmeal that’s downright delectable with a rich curry of beef, fish, spinach or beans. Mains, $9 – $17.50. 375 Donlands Ave. 416-429-6057.
Mauritius
The island nation of Mauritius isn’t much bigger than the Blue Bay Café, which serves up the country’s unique mix of Indian, African and French styles, best executed in okra fricassee or curried shrimp with green mango. Mains, $12 – $14. 2243 Dundas St. W. 416-533-8838.
Malta
Malta Bake Shop is known for its pastizzi – samosa-like pastries stuffed with cheese, spinach, meat or split peas. Pastizzi, $7/dozen. 3256 Dundas St. W. 416-769-2174.
Japan
Forget sushi: Okonomi House serves okonomiyaki (pictured above), a kind of Japanese pancake that’s a mix of egg batter, cabbage and whatever else you desire (meat, seafood, etc.); okonomi translates as “to your liking.” Okonomiyaki, $5.25 – $9.95. 23 Charles St. W. 416-925-6176.
Did we miss one? Help us create a follow-up story by suggesting the least known – and tastiest – ethnic eats.
Image courtesy of avlxyz on Flickr.
