ISLAND FOODS
Cuisine: Trinidad & Tobago
(1182 King Street West, Liberty Village, M6K 1E6
; 416.532.6298)
Island Foods has been a staple in Toronto’s core, at the edge of the Liberty Village neighbourhood since 1974. The large restaurant space accommodates couples to families that stumble in throughout the day for piping hot roti fllled with tender curry goat, bright channa and spicy potatoes. Jerk chicken and curry oxtail entrees are stacked high on plates, complete with cole slaw and rice and peas.
Owned and operated by the Sawh family, Island Foods is authentic Trinidadian cuisine. There isn’t any aloo pie or sahina, but the doubles are classic. With fluffy bara, perfectly cooked channa, and a hint of chutney, it’s one of the best takeout treats you’ll find on King Street.
The restaurant is fully licensed, serving an array of mixed drinks, and Caribbean beers like Red Stripe, Carib and Dragon Stout. They’re also known for their booth at the Canadian National Exhibition Food building, where they’ve been selling hot, cheap eats for nearly 30 years. For island heat in the East end, visit their takeout location at 1310 Don Mills Road.
