Toronto Kensington Market: International Food Tour & Family Tastings

Summary

Toronto’s global flavors come alive in Kensington Market with every step

You’ll wander through Kensington Market tasting dishes from Colombia to Persia with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. Expect laughter over bao buns, vegetarian-friendly options at every stop, and moments where Toronto’s diversity suddenly feels real. You might leave with new favorites—and maybe even forget to check your phone.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to smell fresh cilantro and then, two doors down, something like cardamom and frying dough. That was my first ten minutes on this international food tour in Toronto’s Kensington Market — honestly, I thought I knew the city but apparently not. Our guide (her name was Priya) grinned when she saw my face at the first stop — Colombian empanadas, still warm, a little flaky on the outside. She told us her parents ran a shop nearby when she was a kid, so she knows everyone here. I liked that.

The thing is, it wasn’t just about eating. We’d walk a bit, pause under those tangled fire escapes or beside some mural (I never caught all the artists’ names), and Priya would point out how each spot came to be — like how the Trinidadian bakery started with just one family recipe. She handed me something sweet and sticky (can’t remember the name), and I tried to say thank you in Mandarin at the next place; Li behind the counter laughed so hard I almost dropped my bao. It felt less like a tour and more like being invited into someone’s neighborhood for lunch.

By stop four or five, I lost track of which country we were “in.” There was music spilling out of one shop — reggae mixed with traffic noise — and later, someone’s grandma waved us over for samosas (vegetarian, thankfully). The weather kept shifting between sun and drizzle but nobody seemed to care; we just ducked under awnings or kept walking. At one point I realized I hadn’t checked my phone in over an hour. That never happens.

I still think about that bite of Persian rice pudding at the end — cinnamon on top, cold metal spoon against my tongue — and how Priya said this street has always been about sharing what you miss from home. So yeah, if you’re looking for an international food tour in Toronto that actually feels personal (and includes pickup if you want), this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Kensington Market and food tasting

• Walk around Kensington Market
• Discover Toronto's eclectic neighbourhood
• Taste foods from 6+ countries
• Enjoy kid-friendly international flavours
• Experience vegetarian and no pork options

Top questions

How many countries are included in the international food tour?

The tour includes tastings from 6 or more countries during your walk through Kensington Market.

Is there a vegetarian option available on this Toronto food tour?

Yes, vegetarian options are available—just let them know when booking.

Does this international food tour include pork dishes?

No pork is served on this tour; it’s pork-free by design.

Can vegans or people with gluten/nut allergies join?

No, unfortunately vegan/gluten-free/nut-free diets cannot be accommodated on this experience.

Where does the food tour take place in Toronto?

The tour takes place in Kensington Market, northwest of downtown Toronto.

Are infants or small children allowed on the tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join—prams or strollers are welcome—but infant meals aren’t included.

Is pickup included for this Toronto international food tour?

No hotel pickup is included as standard; contact directly if you need private arrangements.

How long is the walking distance during the food tour?

The route covers several blocks within Kensington Market—moderate fitness is recommended as there will be walking between stops.

What’s included

Your day includes guided walks through historic Kensington Market, tastings from six or more countries (with great vegetarian options), guaranteed line-skipping at each spot so you’re never waiting around hungry, plus all stories and laughs along the way with your local guide before heading off full and happy.