Toronto, a melting pot of cultures, offers a culinary journey around the globe, and among its hidden gems are the top Sri Lankan restaurants in Toronto. As you explore the rich flavors of Sri Lankan cuisine in Toronto, delve deeper into what the city has to offer with our ultimate guide to living in Toronto, a resource for newcomers and locals alike. These eateries serve up a tantalizing mix of aromatic spices, rich flavors, and unique dishes that reflect the island’s vibrant heritage. Whether you’re craving the coconut-infused warmth of a traditional curry or the delicate hopper, a visit to Toronto’s best Sri Lankan restaurants promises an unforgettable dining experience. Dive into our guide to discover where to find the most exquisite Sri Lankan dining places in Toronto and embark on a spicy, savory adventure that you won’t find anywhere else!
7 Best Sri Lankan Restaurants in Toronto
- Babu
- Samosa King
- Hopper Hut
- Gasa Restaurant
- Quality Bread
- Canbe Foods
- Saffron Spice Kitchen
Babu
Babu, nestled in Scarborough, Toronto, stands as a beacon for Sri Lankan cuisine enthusiasts. Renowned for its diverse range of South Asian delicacies, all meticulously prepared in-house, Babu caters to every meal of the day. A specialty that draws crowds is the fluffy Sri Lankan dosa, an epitome of taste and texture. Another unique offering is the aromatic banana leaf-wrapped lamprais, a dish that encapsulates the authentic flavors of Sri Lanka.
The restaurant prides itself on affordability without compromising quality or variety. This ethos is evident in the extensive menu that promises a new experience with each visit. The ambiance at Babu is straightforward and unpretentious, focusing more on the culinary experience than elaborate decor. This simplicity, combined with the sheer number of culinary options, ensures a consistent flow of patrons eager to explore the tastes of Sri Lanka. The restaurant’s commitment to authenticity and variety makes it the best Sri Lankan restaurant in Toronto.
Address: 4800 Sheppard Ave E Unit #201 -204, Toronto, ON M1S 4N5, Canada
Contact: +1 416-298-2228
Samosa King
Samosa King, located on Finch Avenue East in Toronto, has carved out a niche for itself in the realm of Sri Lankan cuisine, particularly with its signature dish: the samosa. These perfectly crunchy delights, sold at an irresistibly affordable price (four for $1 as of the latest information), are the main attraction. The samosas’ popularity is a testament to their quality and the mastery of the chefs.
The restaurant’s menu extends beyond these iconic snacks. Traditional Sri Lankan idli, typically consumed for breakfast, and an array of lunchtime curries add to the culinary tapestry of Samosa King. The ambiance here is casual and focused on takeout, offering a quick and satisfying option for those on the move or seeking a taste of Sri Lanka at home.
Samosa King’s dedication to providing quality food at pocket-friendly prices, coupled with a menu that includes both traditional and unique items, makes it one of the best Sri Lankan dining places in Toronto. Its popularity isn’t just in the food but in the experience of grabbing a quick, delicious bite that resonates with the authentic flavors of Sri Lanka.
Address: 5210 Finch Ave E, Toronto
Hopper Hut
Hopper Hut, on Ellesmere Road, stands out as one of Toronto’s best Sri Lankan restaurants, celebrated for its unique specialization in hoppers, a quintessential Sri Lankan dish. This restaurant offers an array of hoppers, including the sought-after string hoppers, served with various gravies and sides like squid or mutton. The ambiance at Hopper Hut is an authentic reflection of Sri Lankan culture, providing a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Known for its culinary excellence and dedication to authenticity, Hopper Hut is a must-visit for those exploring the top Sri Lankan dining places in Toronto.
Address: 880 Ellesmere Rd, Scarborough, ON M1P 2L8, Canada
Contact: +1 416-299-4311
Gasa Restaurant
Broaden your culinary horizons by checking out top dining spots in Markham’s Unionville, each with its unique charm and menu. Gasa Restaurant, nestled in Markham and managed by the Shanmuganandam family since 1992, has cemented its status as one of the best Sri Lankan eateries in Toronto. Renowned for its kothu roti and masala dosai, Gasa offers a menu that captures the essence of Sri Lankan cuisine. Despite its small size, the bustling atmosphere of the restaurant mirrors the vibrancy of Sri Lankan culture. As one of Toronto’s best Sri Lankan restaurants, Gasa Restaurant is celebrated for its commitment to delivering authentic and flavorful Sri Lankan culinary experiences.
Address: 50 New Delhi Dr, Markham, Ontario L3S 0B5 Canada.
Quality Bread
Quality Bread, located on Markham Road, is one of the best Sri Lankan restaurants in Toronto, renowned for its exceptional bakery offerings. It stands out with its mutton roti rolls and the delectably fried mithivedi, affirming the restaurant’s name as a symbol of quality. The ambiance of Quality Bread is warm and welcoming, focusing on providing a comfortable space where guests can enjoy freshly made delights. This bakery distinguishes itself by consistently delivering freshly prepared foods, making it a top choice for those seeking authentic Sri Lankan baked goods in Toronto.
Address: 1970 Ellesmere Rd Units 12 & 13, Scarborough, ON M1H 2W1, Canada
Contact: +1 416-431-9829
Canbe Foods
Canbe Foods, situated on Ellesmere Road, is recognized as one of Toronto’s best Sri Lankan dining places. It’s particularly famous for its affordable yet delicious $5 curries, mutton kothu roti, and buttery dosas. The restaurant’s vast space accommodates a steady flow of customers, drawn by its reputation for offering quality Sri Lankan cuisine at reasonable prices. Canbe Foods features an easy-going, functional ambiance, focusing more on the food than elaborate decor. The option to buy snacks in bulk from its fridges adds a unique aspect to the dining experience, making it a go-to spot for Sri Lankan food aficionados in Toronto. Complement your exploration of Toronto’s Sri Lankan cuisine by discovering the sweet side of the city with the top dessert places in Scarborough.
Address: 1760 Ellesmere Rd, Scarborough, ON M1H 2T9, Canada
Contact: +1 416-298-2219
Saffron Spice Kitchen
Saffron Spice Kitchen, conveniently located near the corner of Queen and Spadina in Toronto, is a top choice for Sri Lankan and Indian cuisine. This restaurant, led by Chef Johnny, has a family connection to Esther’s Soup Kitchen, renowned for its mulligatawny. This mentorship reflects in the quality and authenticity of the dishes at Saffron Spice Kitchen. The menu boasts crowd-pleasers like butter chicken and tandoori wraps, all expertly spiced and made to order. Notably, their dishes don’t use ghee, cream, or butter, offering a healthier take on traditional recipes.
Popular items include the crisp and sweetly spiced samosas, the Thai Pumpkin soup with a perfect balance of flavors, and the Kothu Roti, a favorite among patrons. The roti is freshly made, chopped, and mixed with heavily spiced vegetables and a choice of meats or egg. For a refreshing complement, the mango lassi is a must-try, naturally sweetened and not too thick. Their lunch menu, served daily, provides an affordable dining option without sacrificing quality or taste.
Address: 459 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2A9, Canada
Contact: +1 416-203-0222
What To Know Before You Go
When dining in top Sri Lankan restaurants in Toronto, it’s essential to understand some cultural etiquettes such as using your right hand for eating and accepting food. It’s customary to wait until the host invites you to start eating. For a better dining experience, consider trying a variety of dishes as Sri Lankan cuisine is known for its rich flavors and spices. Be open to spice levels and communicate your preferences. Lastly, appreciating the food and hospitality can enrich your dining experience, as Sri Lankan culture values graciousness and respect in social and dining settings.
Key Takeaways
- Toronto boasts a vibrant scene of Sri Lankan restaurants, each with its unique specialties.
- Babu offers a diverse range of South Asian eats made in-house.
- Samosa King is famous for its crunchy samosas and breakfast idli.
- Hopper Hut specializes in hoppers, including string hoppers with savory gravies.
- Gasa Restaurant is known for kothu roti and masala dosai.
- Quality Bread stands out with mutton roti rolls and fried mithivedi.
- Canbe Foods offers $5 curries, mutton kothu roti, and buttery dosas.
- Saffron Spice Kitchen provides healthier versions of Indian and Sri Lankan dishes.
- Ruchi Takeout offers over 30 types of dosas and affordable appam.
- Dining etiquette in Sri Lankan restaurants includes using the right hand and waiting for the host’s invitation.
- Exploring a variety of dishes and appreciating the flavors and hospitality enhances the dining experience.
FAQs
- What are some must-try dishes at Toronto’s Sri Lankan restaurants?
Try the mutton roti rolls at Quality Bread or the kothu roti at Gasa Restaurant. - What’s the specialty of Samosa King in Toronto?
Samosa King is famous for its crunchy samosas and breakfast idli. - Are there vegetarian options available at these restaurants?
Yes, many Sri Lankan restaurants offer delicious vegetarian dishes like dosas and samosas. Expand your taste experiences beyond Sri Lankan cuisine by visiting some of Toronto’s top vegetarian Indian restaurants, where traditional and modern dishes come together to delight vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. - What’s the unique feature of Saffron Spice Kitchen?
Saffron Spice Kitchen provides healthier versions of Indian and Sri Lankan dishes without ghee, cream, or butter.
- Can I explore a variety of spice levels in Sri Lankan cuisine?
Yes, you can usually choose your spice level, so don’t hesitate to customize your meal.
- Which restaurant offers an affordable lunch menu in Toronto?
Hopper Hut serves an affordable lunch menu daily from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm. Enhance your gastronomic journey through Toronto’s Sri Lankan eateries with a detour to downtown’s best lunch restaurants.
- Are there options for those who prefer mild spice levels?
Yes, you can usually request milder spice levels to suit your taste.
- What’s the standout item on Canbe Foods’ menu?
The appams at Canbe Foods are a must-try, known for their fluffy and porous texture.
- Do these restaurants offer delivery or takeout options?
Yes, many of them offer takeout and some even provide delivery services. Explore the convenience of the city’s top meal delivery services for those nights you prefer dining at home, or satisfy your sweet cravings with a selection from the best dessert takeout stores in Toronto.
- What’s the signature dish at Saffron Spice Kitchen?
Saffron Spice Kitchen is known for its mulligatawny soup, Thai Pumpkin soup, and Kothu Roti.
- Are there any vegetarian options available for those with dietary preferences?
Absolutely, you can find a variety of vegetarian dishes such as dosas and vegetable curries at these Sri Lankan restaurants.