The world’s No. 1 food market is right here—the St. Lawrence Market in Toronto!

Text and photos by /Dad Seahorse

Walking down the streets of Toronto, ask any passerby where to go for a bite when you’re hungry. No matter their skin color, gender, or age, “St. Lawrence Market” is likely to be the only answer you get.

Located in the old lakeside district of Toronto and established in 1803, the St. Lawrence Market has a history of over 200 years. It was named the world’s No. 1 food market by National Geographic in 2012. The market is divided into two main buildings: the North Market and the South Market. The South Market is usually closed on weekdays but opens as a farmers’ market on Saturdays, where colorful produce stalls fill up an area about half the size of a football field. Stalls selling dairy products, jams and preserves, handmade bread, and flowers are especially popular among local housewives.

Every Sunday, the North Market transforms into an antique trading market. Anything even remotely “old” can be found here. From ancient Chinese jade and bronze ware, yellowed Japanese ukiyo-e prints, all kinds of vintage cameras, Coca-Cola bottles from various decades of the last century, private old photographs, medieval European armor, coins from around the world, to vintage vinyl records... if you added up the ages of all the dazzling old items, you might just go back to the Jurassic period. Dad Seahorse once found a piece of Taiwanese history at one of the stalls—a photo of a foreign soldier posing with a sign that read “Kinmen,” likely taken during the WWII era when U.S. troops were stationed in Taiwan.

If you’re a foodie, the South Market of St. Lawrence is absolutely your paradise. No matter which entrance you use, the scent of spices, sizzling cooked food, and faint shouts of vendors float through the 10-meter-high space... This is the aroma of life. The market has two levels, with over 120 eateries, delis, bakeries, and grocery stores coexisting harmoniously on the first floor and in the basement. Being an old building, the internal layout is rather confusing, and first-time visitors can easily get lost in this maze of aromas—but isn’t that also an adventure for the taste buds?

If you’re new to the market and not sure where to start, why not try one of the popular places with a line?

Carousel Bakery’s variety of breads are mouthwatering, but the most famous item is the Peameal Bacon on a Bun. Thin slices of pork are cured, then coated in cornmeal and peas before being pan-fried and served in a bun. It may look unassuming, but the taste is perfectly balanced—savory yet light, and not greasy at all.

Buster’s Sea Cove, with its ship anchor sign and a decent-sized dining area, is often fully occupied, and the line for takeout still snakes around. Their seafood chowder and fish and chips are crowd favorites. If you have time, consider adding grilled squid or homemade crab cakes to your meal for a full seafood experience.

Uno Mustachio, located on the basement level, serves a uniquely Italian-style burger with a filling of chicken, liver, and eggplant. One big bite reveals layers of flavor and texture that put McDonald’s burgers to shame.

Beyond burgers and seafood, Canada’s famous dessert, the Butter Tart, tempts visitors with its rich variety of flavors. Upscale caviar shops exude class, while Italian pasta restaurants not only serve dine-in and takeaway meals, but also generously offer samples of different sauces for customers to try.

Taiwan is internationally known for its night market foods; the St. Lawrence Market is a collection of Toronto’s local street eats. A visit to the St. Lawrence Market gives you a taste of what Torontonians love.

St. Lawrence Market
Address: 92- 95 Front St East, Toronto, Ontario, M5E 1C3
Phone: (416) 392-7219
Website: www.stlawrencemarket.com

Dad Seahorse
A Gemini man born under the air sign, he worked as a senior marketing and PR executive for multinational corporations before turning 45. After that, he moved to Canada. Alongside his teenage sons, he plays the role of a father amid foreign springs of cherry blossoms, summers of sunlight, autumns of maple leaves, and winters of rain and snow, while documenting his experiences in Vancouver.

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