Whether it’s your very first time in Toronto or another return visit, there’s always something to try at St. Lawrence Market. The indoor market has over 120 food vendors, merchants, and artisans.
The market has three main buildings – the South Market, the North Market and St. Lawrence Hall. The main and lower levels of the South Market contain over 120 specialty vendors known for the variety of fresh vegetables, fruit, meat, fish, grains, baked goods and dairy products.
The North Market is primarily known for its Saturday Farmers’ Market. On Sundays, it features various antique dealers.
I had to try the world famous peameal bacon sandwich at Carousel Bakery. There was a decent line, but it moved fairly quick.
A lot of people were ordering the breakfast sandwich which is the peameal style bacon with a fried egg and melted cheese, but I just wanted to try it by itself.
I ordered the sandwich and a lemonade. There’s hot sauce and mustard on the side of the counter to enjoy with your peameal bacon. I put some mustard on mine.
The sandwich was nice and warm. The peameal bacon was soft and tender. It was not overly salty and the mustard went perfectly with it. This is the one thing you’ll want to try if you’re visiting the market. Next time, I’ll go for the breakfast version.
Another famous item seems to be the Italian sandwiches from Uno Mustachio located in the basement level. Your choice of freshly made chicken cutlets, veal, or eggplant are placed on a fresh Italian kaiser roll and topped with their signature tomato sauce and cheese. You can also have sweet peppers, onions, mushrooms, and hot peppers put on as well.
I know the veal parmesan is probably the best seller, but I ordered a combination of chicken and eggplant with sauce and provolone cheese.
Another item I had to try was the Portuguese custard tart called pastel de nata. There are a few bakeries where you can get this treat, I happen to just try one at a bakery on the main floor. It was slightly sweet and creamy. The tart was crisp and flaky. It was oh so good!
It was extremely tempting to try a few other things or at least order something for later, but I had to hold back and just wandered around the rest of the market.
It was a few hours well spent at the St. Lawrence Market. Be sure to check their website for hours and events. It was a warm sunny day, so I took a walk towards the CN Tower afterwards.
St. Lawrence Market
92- 95 Front Street East
Toronto, Ontario, M5E 1C3
(416) 392-7219
Website