Discover Toronto's favorite street snack

Credit: Arjun Yadav

Toronto, Canada’s largest city, is just an hour’s flight from New York and Chicago. With over half its residents born abroad, it ranks among the world’s most diverse cities. Naturally, its food scene is just as varied. While poutine is the beloved Canadian classic (crispy fries, rich gravy, and squeaky cheese curds—what’s not to love?), the real go-to street snack for many locals is the Jamaican patty. These golden, half-moon pastries, filled with spiced meat or veggies, have earned their place as the city’s favorite grab-and-go bite.

The patty's rocky pathway to greatness

So how did this humble snack become a Toronto staple? Beyond its bold flavors, the patty is loved for its convenience—found everywhere from variety stores to transit stations. Savory, satisfying, and perfectly portable, they’re the go-to snack for a morning commute, midday craving, or late-night refuel. 

Despite their popularity today, patties faced hurdles in the 1980s when federal inspectors ruled that “beef patty” didn’t meet the Meat Inspection Act’s definition, as it included a dough casing. Businesses were ordered to change their signage, sparking debate and pushback from vendors and consumers. 

Jamaican business owners, including Michael Davidson of Kensington Patty Palace, argued that the name was central to the food’s cultural identity. After a meeting with politicians on February 19, 1985, they secured the right to continue selling Jamaican patties under their original name.

Pioneers like Davidson not only defended the patty but also inspired a new wave of Caribbean chefs. Today, Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen in King West is a favorite for its classic jerk flavors, while Rasta Pasta in Kensington Market blends Jamaican and Italian influences in dishes like jerk chicken lasagna. The Real Jerk, a Toronto institution since 1984, continues serving up jerk, roti, and island staples in Leslieville and Little Italy.

Toronto’s Caribbean chefs are constantly evolving the city’s food scene, offering new ways to enjoy the flavors of home.

Today's favorite patty destinations

For a true taste of Toronto’s favorite street snack, start at Patty King Bakery in Scarborough, owned by Michael Davidson, a key figure in the patty’s history. His patties are stocked at convenience stores and food counters across the city.

In Little Portugal, Fahmee Bakery is a go-to for flaky, square-shaped patties in beef, chicken, and veggie flavors. They also bake fresh coco bread, perfect for turning a patty into a sandwich. You’ll find their patties at several subway stops, making them a convenient grab-and-go option.

For a twist on tradition, When the Pig Came Home in The Junction serves Norma’s Patties alongside deli sandwiches and barbecue. Many shops sell patties by the dozen, so you can stock up and reheat at home.

Where to experience more Jamaican flavors

Toronto’s Little Jamaica on Eglinton Avenue West has been a hub for Caribbean food and culture since the 1950s. Stop by Sheryl’s Caribbean Cuisine for jerk chicken and curried goat, or grab a patty from Spence’s Bakery and Randy’s Patties. In 2023, the neighborhood launched Toronto Patty Fest, a family-friendly celebration of patties, reggae, and soca music.

For an even bigger taste of Jamaican flavors, visit Jerkfest, North America’s longest-running jerk food and music festival. Held in August at Centennial Park, this three-day event combines smoky grills, live soca and dancehall music, and performances from international artists.

Toronto’s diverse neighborhoods make it a paradise for food lovers. Along with Little Jamaica, explore Little Italy, Chinatown, and Little India, where global flavors are on every corner. But first, start with a patty.