The best cheap eats in Toronto, according to the city’s chefs
Including $3 barbecue pork buns and $4 Jamaican patties
Related: Toronto’s 20 best, most affordable bites
Anthony Rose
Co-owner, Fat Pasha, Fet Zun, Schmaltz Appetizing
“I could eat Free Times Cafe’s latkes with sour cream and applesauce all day long—they’re some of the best in the city.” $8.50 for three
Nuit Regular
Chef and co-owner, Pai, Kiin, Chaiyo, Sukhothai
“Whenever I’m at Gerrard Square, I always grab a few barbecue pork buns from Kin-Kin Bakery. They make for a quick and delicious snack.” $3 each
Kate Chomyshyn
Co-owner and chef, Fonda Balam
“The rice balls at Omusubi Bar Suzume are the perfect lunch. They have multiple flavours in meat and veg.” $4 each
Ann Kim
Co-owner, Donna’s and Golden Peacock
“Fiesta Farms bundles the ends of different cheeses and meats for around $5. Tack on one of the Blackbird baguettes, and that’s a decent, affordable snack board.” $10 or less
Michael Lam
Chef and co-owner, Good Behaviour
“Gaucho Pie Co.’s crispy empanadas are perfectly crafted. Each one has a unique crimping pattern, offering delightful variation.” $3.75 each
David Schwartz
Co-owner and chef, Sunnys and Mimi Chinese
“I love any meat roasted on a vertical spit—and jerk chicken is something I eat often—so Chris Jerk’s chicken shawarma wrap is perfect for me.” $9.50
Related: Where chef David Schwartz eats Chinese food in Scarborough and North York
Victor Ugwueke
Owner and chef, Afrobeat Kitchen
“Trying a patty at Caribbean Queen of Patties for the first time was a revelation. They’re full of juicy meat—no grey paste here—in a freshly baked pastry shell. Ms. Georgina makes each one all by herself. She’s a legend.” $4 each
David Adjey
Owner and chef, Bouffe by Adjey
“The quesabirria and consomé from Taqueria El Valiente is the ultimate soup and sandwich. After you devour the taco—with the consomé bowl held under your mouth to catch every dropped morsel—you can slam the remaining liquid.” $9
Conor Joerin
Co-owner Sugo and Bar Sugo
“The bo la lot at 416 Snack Bar is a small dish with big flavour. Lemongrass beef is wrapped in betel leaf, then grilled. It’s a classic Vietnamese snack that’s hard to find— and a steal at $10.”
