Kensington Market! A vibrant neighbourhood that is well visited by most tourists and residents in Toronto. The place is a melting pot of different restaurants, local markets and cultures that draws everyone, especially during the summertime. Usually, I can find products that I cannot find from a big grocery store, and such as a watermelon radish. The only neighbourhood I can find cotija cheese and other varieties of cheese.
One of the interesting facts about this neighbourhood is the amount of taqueria in this area alone. As you walk around Augusta Avenue, there are multiple small shops offering good-looking tacos. I decided to try as many taquerias that are available in this neighbourhood. The project took a couple of visits to Kensington Market as I couldn't count how many Taqueria are out there.
La Chilaca Taqueria
214 Augusta Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2L6
Times Visited:2
A small food stall is located right beside Pico De Gallo and KO'OX Hana. The tacos are about $4-6 each but have specials that change daily. Food quality is pretty good with a generous portion of meat. In my opinion, 2 tacos from this place will satisfy your taco cravings. Pastor taco is my preferred order and I usually, come here during lunchtime at work. Side note, if you want some heat to try the banana pepper without the hot sauce.
Pico De Gallo
214 Augusta Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2L6
Times Visited:3
Once you walk into 214 Augusta this is the first taco joint you see on your left. A very cool person making the tacos the way you like it. They offer three kinds of hot sauce you can choose from. When you look at the menu the tacos are served in three portions but you can mix and match 3 tacos for $12. I would recommend trying the Carnita taco as the pork is nicely cooked with a generous amount of cilantro and onions.
Gus Tacos
225 Augusta Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2L4
Times Visited: 2
Just in the corner of Baldwin and Augusta Ave, this joint has all their tacos for $5 each. I believe this place recently open in the area, but apparently a patio in the back.
The place offers a variety of tacos, and different hot sauces based on how much heat you can take. I would say the lamb barbacoa has this deep flavour profile that you need to order when you visit this place. The mushroom taco is simple but not crazy compare to the cactus taco.
El Trompo
277 Augusta Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2L7
Times:4
One of my favourite food trucks that parks around University Avenue. However, they have a location by Kensington that's located two blocks from the main taqueria shops. The Al Pastor which is their specialty a must-try at this place. I really love the deep flavour on the marinated chicken and topped off with some pineapples. The portions are great that you walk around the city while having a taco. I also love how the chicken is cooked on a vertical spit. Another taco recommendation would be Bistec which is just grilled beef with onions.
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