{"id":24477,"date":"2019-08-04T11:21:44","date_gmt":"2019-08-04T15:21:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.toeuropeandbeyond.com\/?p=24477"},"modified":"2019-11-10T11:44:36","modified_gmt":"2019-11-10T16:44:36","slug":"kensington-market-toronto","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.toeuropeandbeyond.com\/kensington-market-toronto\/","title":{"rendered":"What to do and see in Toronto&#8217;s Kensington Market"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"dropcap\">S<\/span><\/p>\n<p>panning Kensington Market is not just a market, but a vibrant, living community, home to numerous waves of immigrants over the years.When visiting, I was struck by how many different people from all walks of life gather here to work, eat, live and play. With so many cultures and generations all layered on top of each other, the whole place has a DIY feel you don&#8217;t really find anywhere else.<\/p>\n<p>As a destination for art, global street food and community events, there is so much life tucked into every corner of this bustling neighbourhood. It&#8217;s nearly impossible to take it all in at once&#8230; so, where to start?<\/p>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\">Make the Most of Kensington Market<\/h1>\n<figure id=\"attachment_24516\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-24516\" style=\"width: 1280px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-24516\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toeuropeandbeyond.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/HEAD-Golden-Patty.jpg\" alt=\"Couple eating outside of Golden Patty in Kensington Market Toronto\" width=\"1280\" height=\"854\" data-credits=\"\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-24516\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Golden Patty<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h1>Eat your way through a world of food<\/h1>\n<p>Although Kensington Market has some finer dining establishments such as <a href=\"http:\/\/www.greygardens.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Grey Gardens<\/strong><\/a>, more casual spots that only specialize in one or two items are really where it&#8217;s at. True to the market&#8217;s immigrant roots, you&#8217;ll find mom and pop restaurants serving quick street food and authentically cooked meals that bring a taste of their home countries to you.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/sevenlives.restaurantsnapshot.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Seven Lives<\/strong><\/a> is a neighbourhood favourite for getting Baja-style tacos, and they&#8217;re in demand. This cash only counter has mouthwatering tacos loaded with all the right toppings, and lots of hot sauce options to pick from. Another popular street food, empanadas, are perfect for a quick and affordable snack. At <a href=\"http:\/\/www.jumboempanadas.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Jumbo Empanada<\/strong><\/a>, you can get a taste of Chile for as little as $1.75 for one of their mini pastries.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_24502\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-24502\" style=\"width: 875px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-24502\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toeuropeandbeyond.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Fish-n-Chips-875x583.jpg\" alt=\"Fish and Chips from Fresco's Fish and Chips from Fresco's in Kensington Market Toronto\" width=\"875\" height=\"583\" data-credits=\"\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-24502\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fish and Chips from Fresco&#8217;s<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>As a Montrealer I also have to mention <a href=\"http:\/\/nubugel.com\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>NU B\u00fcgel<\/strong><\/a>. They serve classic Montreal bagels wood fired to perfection and topped with the works, if you wish. <a href=\"https:\/\/frescosfishandchips.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Fresco&#8217;s Fish and Chips<\/strong><\/a> has meanwhile mastered and upgraded a British classic with an optional extra crispy batter made from Miss Vickie&#8217;s &#8220;crisps.&#8221; Then, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/GoldenPattyBakery\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Golden Patty<\/strong><\/a> will deliver on all your flaky, spicy, delicious, beefy needs.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"letter-spacing: 0em;\">Kensington Market also has a lot of options for vegetarian and vegan eats. Options like <\/span><strong style=\"letter-spacing: 0em;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.herbivore.to\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Urban Herbivore<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"letter-spacing: 0em;\">,&nbsp; <\/span><a style=\"background-color: #f4f5f7; letter-spacing: 0em;\" href=\"http:\/\/hibiscuscafe.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Hibiscus<\/strong><\/a><span style=\"letter-spacing: 0em;\"> and <\/span><a style=\"background-color: #f4f5f7; letter-spacing: 0em;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/pages\/Kings-Cafe\/124101170965249\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>King&#8217;s Cafe<\/strong><\/a><span style=\"letter-spacing: 0em;\"> are sure to make your little plant-based hearts sing.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_24518\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-24518\" style=\"width: 1280px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-24518\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toeuropeandbeyond.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/HEAD-Tour-Group.jpg\" alt=\"Chinatown &amp; Kensington Market Toronto Food Tour exploring the back alleys\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" data-credits=\"\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-24518\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Kensington Market &amp; Chinatown Toronto Food Tour exploring the back alleys<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h1>Take the Kensington Market and Chinatown Toronto Food Tour<\/h1>\n<p>If you&#8217;re new in the area or want to get to know it from a different perspective, taking a tour can be the perfect way to connect with the place. You&#8217;ll get to know the stories and the history that helped make Kensington Market the way it is today, and get a taste of what a community like this really means. Plus, it&#8217;s clear there&#8217;s a lot to taste in this high density foodie destination.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_24511\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-24511\" style=\"width: 875px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-24511 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toeuropeandbeyond.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Food-Sampling-875x583.jpg\" alt=\"Food samples on the Chinatown &amp; Kensington Market Toronto Food Tour \" width=\"875\" height=\"583\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-24511\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Food samples on the Kensington Market &amp; Chinatown Toronto Food Tour<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>On the <a href=\"https:\/\/localfoodtours.com\/toronto\/tours\/kensington-market-toronto-food-tour\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Kensington Market &amp; Chinatown Toronto Food Tour<\/strong><\/a>, you&#8217;ll have the chance to visit 7+ different food stops to taste delicacies that are inspired by global cuisines, and yet take root at a small local business, each with its own story. No single restaurant could bring you a seven course meal this diverse! You&#8217;ll definitely get plenty to eat, but you&#8217;ll also be enriched by the guide&#8217;s insider knowledge as they take you to explore off the main streets and into the real heart of Kensington Market. Have a look at <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/localfoodtours.com\/toronto\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Local Toronto Food Tours.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_24515\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-24515\" style=\"width: 1280px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-24515\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toeuropeandbeyond.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/HEAD-FIKA.jpg\" alt=\"Exterior of FIKA cafe in Kensington Market Toronto\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" data-credits=\"\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-24515\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Outside FIKA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h1>Take it easy at a local cafe<\/h1>\n<p>You might need some extra energy to soak in as much as you can of Kensington Market, so why not treat yourself to a delicious cup of coffee, and maybe a scone?<\/p>\n<p>My favourite place to refresh as I explore the market is <a href=\"http:\/\/www.moonbeancoffee.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Moonbean<\/strong><\/span><\/a>. The locally owned coffee shop and roastery brings the streets&#8217; energy inside with a sprawling chalkboard menu, loose leaf teas lining the walls, and a cozy art-filled room in the back. They also have two patios, front and back, plentiful baked goods, and just about every drink you can think of, even smoothies. Plus, if you need to make another kind of rest stop, you&#8217;ll find kind messages from strangers scrawled all over the bathroom walls.<\/p>\n<p>Another great coffee shop is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fika.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>FIKA<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, a bright and stylish Sweden-inspired spot that&#8217;s a favourite for studying, reading a book, or simply taking it easy. They serve specialty drinks such as a spiced cardamom latte, lavender white hot chocolate, and a mean iced coffee, too &#8211; perfect for enjoying on their airy patio in the summer.<\/p>\n<p>Other local favourites include famed Toronto chain <a href=\"http:\/\/www.jimmyscoffee.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Jimmy&#8217;s Coffee<\/strong><\/span><\/a>&nbsp;as well as <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/idealcoffee.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">i deal coffee<\/a><\/strong><\/span>, <a href=\"http:\/\/cafepamenar.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Cafe Pamenar<\/strong><\/span><\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.livelihoodproject.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Livelihood Cafe<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_24513\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-24513\" style=\"width: 1280px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-24513\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toeuropeandbeyond.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/HEAD-Alleyway.jpg\" alt=\"Alleyway in Kensington Market Toronto\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" data-credits=\"\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-24513\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Exploring the alleyways of Kensington Pl.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h1>See where creativity spills onto the streets<\/h1>\n<p>Music, street performances, murals and more fill the streets of Kensington Market with endless inspiration and photo opportunities. With so many artists around, you&#8217;ll be pressed to find wall space that doesn&#8217;t boast even a speck of paint. They&#8217;ve truly made Kensington their own.<\/p>\n<p>Some of my favourite murals are a photo collage on Kensington Ave off St Andrew and a huge Alphonse Mucha inspired mural at Augusta and Oxford. Parked in front the latter, you&#8217;ll also find Yvonne Bambrick\u2019s infamous <a href=\"http:\/\/yvonnebambrick.com\/garden-car\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Garden Car<\/strong><\/a>, a teeny tiny city park\/community art project which has been sprouting in the same spot each summer since &#8217;07. Make sure you keep your eyes up as you explore hidden corners and back alleys, you never know what else you&#8217;ll find!<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_24499\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-24499\" style=\"width: 875px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-24499 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toeuropeandbeyond.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Band-on-Street-875x583.jpg\" alt=\"Band performing on street in in Kensington Market Toronto\" width=\"875\" height=\"583\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-24499\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Street performers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>While street performers and pop-up concerts may be a little harder to track, if the sun is out you&#8217;re sure to stumble upon some talented buskers at Bellevue Square Park. To increase your odds, come by for Pedestrian Sundays. The whole market is blocked off from traffic on the last Sunday of every summer month, opening it up for people and their experimentations. Support artists directly, too, by checking out the <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/keep6.ca\/kmaf\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kensington Market Art Fair<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Winter Solstice Festival also takes over the market annually on December 21st, lighting up the longest night of the year with creativity and passion.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_24527\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-24527\" style=\"width: 1280px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-24527\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toeuropeandbeyond.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/HEAD-Vintage-Store-Lanterns.jpg\" alt=\"Lanterns on display at Dancing Days in Kensington Market Toronto\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" data-credits=\"\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-24527\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Lanterns on display at Dancing Days<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h1>Shop around for locally made goods<\/h1>\n<p>Naturally, the storefronts in Kensington Market sell products by people just as diverse as its residents. Creativity is concentrated at a few charming stores offering handmade and locally produced goods that range from artwork to accessories to home decor, and more.<\/p>\n<p>First off, <a href=\"https:\/\/kidicarus.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Kid Icarus<\/strong><\/a> is a sweet, stylish screen printing studio and gift shop all in one. They focus on paper products like greeting cards and stationary, but you&#8217;ll find pins, soap and other creative crafts, too. Everything in store is made by Canadian artists and artisans, and it&#8217;s irresistibly cute.<\/p>\n\t<div class=\"gridable gridable--row\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"gridable--col col-6\" >\n\t\t<p><figure id=\"attachment_24526\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-24526\" style=\"width: 720px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-24526\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toeuropeandbeyond.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Painted-House.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"1080\" data-credits=\"\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-24526\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Painted house<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/p>\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"gridable--col col-6\" >\n\t\t<p><figure id=\"attachment_24525\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-24525\" style=\"width: 720px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-24525\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toeuropeandbeyond.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Dancing-Day-House.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"1080\" data-credits=\"\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-24525\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Outside of Dancing Days<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/p>\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n<p>Another good place to pick up Canadian-made gifts is <a href=\"https:\/\/blue-banana-market.myshopify.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>The Blue Banana Market<\/strong><\/a>. The giant store is practically a warehouse for locally made goods and novelty items from around the globe. Then, for comic book lovers, manga fans, and graphic novel enthusiasts, there&#8217;s <a href=\"http:\/\/www.beguilingbooksandart.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>The Beguiling<\/strong><\/a>. You&#8217;ll find the famed comic book store just a couple steps from the market on College Ave. Even if you weren&#8217;t looking for any of those, there&#8217;s something about it that just draws you in.<\/p>\n<p>Finally, if you&#8217;re looking for some unique jewellery, you&#8217;re in luck. One Love is one man&#8217;s tiny storefront selling handcrafted goods and jewellery, with a smile. You can also find other similarly handmade pieces displayed on tabletops around the market. Follow your instinct as you stroll the streets and see what speaks to you!<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_24512\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-24512\" style=\"width: 1280px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-24512\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toeuropeandbeyond.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/HEAD-Walking-by-Produce.jpg\" alt=\"One of the many fruit stands in Kensington Market Toronto\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" data-credits=\"\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-24512\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">One of Kensington Market&#8217;s many fruit stands<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h1>Pick up some specialty ingredients<\/h1>\n<p>Grocery shopping might be an underrated form of entertainment, but one of the big draw-ins of Kensington Market is its high density of specialty grocers. There&#8217;s nothing better than treating yourself to some of the freshest ingredients you can get. Whether you&#8217;re cooking up a special meal or just having a snack, you&#8217;ll see the difference that freshness makes.<\/p>\n<p>Even if you don&#8217;t have a kitchen at your disposal, these spots can help you feel right at home. There&#8217;s nothing better than fresh bread from Toronto&#8217;s favourite <a href=\"http:\/\/blackbirdbakingco.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Blackbird Baking Co. <\/strong><\/a>topped with your favourite creamy delight from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/GlobalCheese\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Global Cheese Shoppe<\/strong><\/a> just around the corner.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_24504\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-24504\" style=\"width: 875px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-24504 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toeuropeandbeyond.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Global-Cheese-875x583.jpg\" alt=\"Exterior of Global Cheese in Kensington Market Toronto\" width=\"875\" height=\"583\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-24504\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Global Cheese<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>For carnivores, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.sanagansmeatlocker.com\/home\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Sanagan\u2019s Meat Locker<\/strong><\/a> is your local go-to. They emphasize building relationships with farmers, meaning you can trace everything in store back to its source. All that&#8217;s left to do is let the helpful staff guide you to picking the perfect cut.&nbsp;Next, you&#8217;ll find fruit and vegetable stands all around the market to add a little colour to your meal, while House of Spice will help bring the flavour. You&#8217;re sure to discover something new while you&#8217;re in there, too.<\/p>\n<p>If you&#8217;re looking for place to shop that&#8217;s a little better rounded, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/4lifenaturalfoods\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>4 Life Natural Foods<\/strong><\/a> has it all when it comes to organic goods. With spacious aisles, wooden shelves and so many ethically sourced food options, the whole experience of being there is simply a pleasure.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_24517\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-24517\" style=\"width: 1280px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-24517\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toeuropeandbeyond.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/HEAD-Kensington-Mall.jpg\" alt=\"Kensington Mall in Kensington Market Toronto\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" data-credits=\"\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-24517\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Kensington Mall<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h1>Discover the wonder of thrift shops<\/h1>\n<p>Kensington Market is truly a haven for lovers of vintage. With shops selling unique finds around every corner, its no wonder the area&#8217;s residents all look so cool. Plus, buying secondhand clothes is a simple way to take it easy on Mother Earth.<\/p>\n<p>Perhaps the most well-known vintage shop in the area is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/cececourage\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Courage My Love<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, a cozy and colourful store perfect for finding cashmere pieces, theatrical accessories, beads, buttons and other DIY necessities, as well as the perfect pair of cowboy boots. Another favourite is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.subrosavintage.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Sub Rosa Vintage<\/strong><\/span><\/a> just next door, which boasts a hand picked selection of clothes more in line with today&#8217;s fashion trends. Meanwhile, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vintage-depot.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Vintage Depot<\/strong><\/span><\/a> has top tier threads in just about any shape or colour, including some designer finds, <a href=\"http:\/\/exilevintage.ca.s174961.gridserver.com\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Exile<\/strong><\/a> delivers on the costume department and <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bungalow.to\/Default.asp?id=home&amp;l=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Bungalow<\/strong><\/span><\/a> mixes the old with the new making it a one-stop shop for any lover of retro style.<\/p>\n<p>If you&#8217;re in the mood for a little shopping spree, you&#8217;ll find the highest concentration of other vintage shops on Kensington Ave around Courage My Love and Sub Rosa.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_24514\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-24514\" style=\"width: 1280px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-24514\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toeuropeandbeyond.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/HEAD-CN-Tower-From-Chinatown.jpg\" alt=\"CN Tower seen from Chinatown\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" data-credits=\"\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-24514\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">CN Tower seen from Chinatown<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h1>Explore neighbouring Chinatown<\/h1>\n<p>A mere block away from the heart of Kensington Market is another bustling urban community. Chinatown is full of family-owned business of all sorts, but the main attraction is definitely the food. While the number of restaurants serving different variations on the same cuisine was a little overwhelming at first, after a little exploring I&#8217;ve narrowed down my favourite spots, depending on what you&#8217;re looking for.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_24507\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-24507\" style=\"width: 875px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-24507 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toeuropeandbeyond.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Mothers-Dumplings-Chefs-875x583.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"875\" height=\"583\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-24507\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Chefs working at Mother&#8217;s Dumplings<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Dumplings? Try <a href=\"http:\/\/www.mothersdumplings.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Mother\u2019s Dumplings<\/strong><\/a>, and watch the little bundles of flavour be made right in front of your eyes. Noodles? Despite the name, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.chinesetraditionalbuns.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Chinese Traditional Buns<\/strong><\/a> serves some awesome Dan Dan Noodles, without the frills. Soup? <a href=\"http:\/\/phohung.ca\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Ph\u1edf H\u01b0ng<\/strong><\/a> has all you could want, and more. Sandwich? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/pages\/Banh-Mi-Nguyen-Huong\/189967021118373\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Banh Mi Nguyen Huong<\/strong><\/a> serves Banh Mi that&#8217;s quick, cheap and most of all delicious. Buns? Now, those are top-tier at&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/pages\/Mashion-Bakery\/650598404969611\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Mashion Bakery<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>S panning Kensington Market is not just a market, but a vibrant, living community, home to numerous waves of immigrants&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[3550,220,207,3549,223],"class_list":["post-24477","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-canada","tag-foodie-toronto","tag-things-to-do-in-toronto","tag-toronto","tag-toronto-food-tours","tag-where-to-eat-in-toronto"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>17+ Awesome Things to do in Kensington Market Toronto [Full guide]<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Kensington Market is a bustling bohemian hub in the heart of Downtown Toronto. 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