What’s new in the big cuisine list

Changes to the big cuisine list:

  • 2024-10-12
    • Bosnia and Herzegovina: Somun Superstar closed on 2024-06-22.
    • Nepal: Replaced Jimbu Himalayan Thakali Kitchen with The Nanglo because the latter has better thakali.
    • Tanzania: Muchachos Grill closed in July 2024. Jikoni Grill becomes the next best.
    • Turkey: Added Pink Ice Cream and Helvaci Ali 1900.
    • United Kingdom: Added The Dorset.
  • 2024-10-05
    • Peru: Removed Mira, which has been closed since spring 2024. Added El Inka.
    • Singapore: Added I’m a little hot crab.
    • South Korea: Added Diner Seoul.
    • Taiwan: Replaced Wei’s Taiwanese Food with Taiwanese Style Railway Bento Box, since it has more sumptuous bentos. Added Sunny Taiwanese Breakfast Club.
    • Tanzania: Added Bongo Swahili.
    • Hawaii, United States: Miss Thing’s closed in Summer 2023.
  • 2024-09-27
    • Indonesia: Removed Warung Kampung since it hasn’t opened for almost a year. Added Little Jakarta.
    • American/Canadian-Italian, Italy: Added Papamio’s.
    • Calabria, Italy: Added Morellina’s.
    • National, Japan: Added Sasaki Fine Pastry.
    • Kyushu, Japan: Added Kyushu Yakitori Izakaya.
    • Lebanon: Miss Aida closed on 27 April 2024. Added another high-end restaurant, Amal.
    • Nicaragua: Added Nicaroma Cafe.
  • 2024-09-25
    • Himalayan North, India: New category that subsumes Jammu and Kashmir. Added Straight Outta Shimla.
    • Punjab, India: Added The Tale Indian Cuisine.
    • Delhi and Mughlai, India: Added Gwalia Sweets.
    • Rajasthan, India: Removed Rasovara, which closed in late 2023.
    • Gujarat, India: Removed Sabras, which closed in late 2023. Added S. Motiram Sweets and Restaurant.
    • Mumbai and Parsi, India: Mumbai Frankie closed in late 2023. Bombay Frankies takes its mantle.
    • West Bengal, India: Replaced Chaska Express with BHK Roll because the latter has superior preparations.
    • Andhra (Telugu), India: Godavari closed in May 2024. Added Andhra Bhavan.
  • 2024-09-24
    • Shandong (Lu), Dongbei, and Beijing, China: Added Happy Valley Village.
    • Yunnan, Guangxi, and Hainan, China: Dream Yunnan closed in summer 2023. Added the first Hainanese entry, Hainan Noodles.
    • Costa Rica: Replaced El Mae Restaurant with Pura Vida because the latter has a bigger menu and better executed dishes.
    • Cuba: CubaLambé closed at the end of 2023. Replaced La Cubana with Havana Sanguich because it has heartier sandwiches.
    • Dominican Republic: Replaced Aquarela Restaurant with Cabacoa which has better cooking.
  • 2024-09-23
    • Atlantic Canada, Canada: Added Lola’s Gelato and Seaport Merchants.
    • Pacific Canada, Canada: Added Japadog.
    • Shandong (Lu), Dongbei, and Beijing, China: Replaced Gou Bu Li with Baozi Ke because the latter has tastier buns. Added Tianjin Auntie’s Steamed Bun.
    • Sichuan and Chongqing, China: Replaced Hey Noodles with Modu Three Brothers, which has superior noodles.
    • Shaanxi, China: Artisan Plus closed in January 2024. Rougamo and Noodles closed in May 2023. Added Wowow Delight.
  • 2024-08-30
    • Belgium: Removed Lekker, which closed in April 2024. Added Postman Waffles.
    • Guangzhou and Hong Kong (Cantonese, Yue), China: Added Hou Kee.
    • Mumbai and Parsi, India: Added Chaat Ter Box.
    • Poland: Added Basket of Bread.
    • Portugal: Added Bimbas in Toronto.
  • 2024-05-03
    • Pacific Canada, Canada: Replaced Dufflet with Tuck Shop Provisions, as Dufflet’s goods are harder to access since they became a pure wholesaler.
    • Guyana: Added Naraine’s Bakery.
    • Saudi Arabia: Replaced Kabsa Mandi with Daymi because the latter has a more gourmet kabsa.
    • South Africa: Added Hyperama.
    • South Korea: Added 156 Cumberland.
    • Yemen: Added Mutabak Karak and Matari Coffee.
  • 2024-03-27
    • Australia: Added DoDoner and Electric Bill.
    • Guangzhou and Hong Kong (Cantonese, Yue), China: Beef King Noodle ended its short run in March 2024.
    • Fujian (Min, Hokkien), China: Putian Lor Mee closed in the autumn of 2023. Added a different type of Fujian restaurant, Hui Xiang Fujian Cuisine.
    • National, United States: Replaced Frenchie’s Doughnuts with Better Days Coffee and Donuts which has incredibly moist cake doughnuts.
  • 2024-02-23
    • Guangzhou and Hong Kong (Cantonese, Yue), China: Added Cafe De Hong Kong.
    • Xinjiang, Qinghai, and Gansu, China: Replaced Kroran Uyghur Cuisine with Oguz Uyghur Cuisine because the latter has superior cooking.
    • Greece: Replaced Athens Pastries with Filosophy Pastry and Espresso Bar which has more flavourful pastries.
    • Lebanon: Added Miss Aida.
    • Mexico: Added La Unica Panaderia.
    • Canadian-Vietnamese, Vietnam: Added Konia Kitchen and Bar.
  • 2024-02-21
    • Armenia: Ani Ristorante closed in the autumn of 2023. Lavash Restaurant is the next best casual spot.
    • Azerbaijan: Removed Baku Bakery since it hasn’t stayed open in years.
    • Sichuan and Chongqing, China: Szechuan Legend closed in February 2024. Added Nian Yi Kuai Zi, which has more authentic flavours.
    • Germany: Little Bavaria closed in the autumn of 2023. There are very few German restaurants left in Toronto. The Golden Pigeon Beerhall takes its place as the top German spot.
  • 2023-11-14
    • National, China: New sub-cuisine for the rare, good Chinese restaurants that don’t specialize in any regional foods. Like Fuji Wonton House.
    • Guadeloupe, France: Bokits are back in Toronto, courtesy of Riko Bokito.
    • Iran: Added Gandom Bakery.
    • Kansai, Japan. Added Ushi Shabu Shabu.
    • Canadian-American, United States: New sub-cuisine for one-off Toronto creations whose closest relatives are American. Added Grandma Loves You and One Night Only Pizza.
  • 2023-11-13
    • West Bengal, India: Added Flavors of Kolkata.
    • Sicily, Italy: Added Futura Granita and Gelato.
    • Canadian-Japanese, Japan: Added Nakamori Japanese Restaurant.
    • Mexico: Added Tacos Casa Sonora.
    • South Korea: Added Dessert Fox.
    • Venezuela: Added Dulcinella.
  • 2023-11-07
    • Yunnan and Guangxi, China: Added One Restaurant.
    • Greece: Added Fat Fork.
    • Tokyo, Japan. Added Ramen Buta-Nibo.
    • Nepal: Replaced Mt Everest Restaurant with Jimbu Himalayan Thakali Kitchen because the latter has more interesting dishes and tastier cooking.
    • South Korea: Added Guksu.
    • Turkey: Added MaBelle Baklavacisi.
  • 2023-11-05
    • Brazil: Paulo’s Cake Shop closed in October 2023.
    • Guangzhou and Hong Kong (Cantonese, Yue), China: Added Beef King Noodle.
    • Georgia: Added SunnyCheese Grill and Bakery.
    • Grenada: Added Nutmeg Spiced.
    • Nigeria: Added BSTO.
    • Spain: Added Spanish Pig.
    • United Kingdom: Added Baker and Scone.
  • 2023-09-26
    • Atlantic Canada, Canada: Continuing the curse of donair restaurants in the GTA, Halifax Donair closed on 2023-07-29.
    • Costa Rica: New cuisine! Added El Mae Restaurant.
    • Côte d’Ivoire: Replaced Le Plato with Instant du Palais because the latter has superior cooking and more menu offerings.
    • Haiti: Alabon Libon closed in late spring 2023. Boukan now remains as the sole authentic Haitian restaurant.
    • Morocco: Replaced Morocco House with Morocco’s Kitchen which has more authentic food.
    • Singapore: The owners of Lion City retired on 2023-07-02. Added Kiss My Pans, the only Singaporean restaurant left in the GTA.
    • South Korea: Replaced Chaban with Bap.zip because their bibimbap is slightly more vibrant.
    • Tanzania: Pili Pili closed on 2023-04-27. Added Muchachos Grill.
    • Louisiana (Creole, Cajun), United States: Added Upper Beaches Bourbon House.
  • 2023-09-16
    • Armenia: Replaced Mayrik with Taline for a top-end pick because it has superior cooking and more Armenian dishes.
    • Tibet, China: Tibet Kitchen closed in March 2023. Good news is that a better restaurant, Shambhala Kitchen has taken the mantle for range and quality of Tibetan cuisine.
    • Hyderabad (Nizami), India: Replaced Bawarchi with 4 Seasons Indian Cuisine which has a larger menu and not just biryanis.
    • Lebanon: Added Laylak.
    • Philippines: Added Mineral.
  • 2023-07-21
    • Philippines: Removed Lamesa which closed on 2023-06-25.
    • South Korea: Added Myeongdong Gyoza Kalguksu and Yubu.
    • Taiwan: Added Simpl Things.
    • Northeast (Isan), Thailand: This regional cuisine returns with Som Tum Jinda.
    • National, United States: Added Frenchie’s Doughnuts and The Donuterie.
    • South, United States: Added Cubano Kings.
  • 2023-07-19
    • Emilia-Romagna, Italy: New regional cuisine! Added Rimini Rimini.
    • Chubu, Japan: New regional cuisine! Added Megumi Mazesoba.
    • National, Japan: Added Bloom Cafe and STuu STuu.
    • Laos: Added Lao Lao Bar.
  • 2023-07-18
    • Colombia: Added La Mulata.
    • Cuba: Added CubaLambé.
    • Bretagne, France: New regional cuisine! Added Chez Paul.
    • Iran: Added Mr Dizi.
    • Canadian-Japanese, Japan: Added Tatsu’s Bread.
  • 2023-04-11
    • Brazil: Added Tapi Go!.
    • Quebec, Canada: Replaced Centre Street Deli with Dave’s Genuine Deli.
    • Shandong, Dongbei, and Beijing: Added Yang’s Braised Chicken Rice.
    • Somalia: Replaced Sahan with Istar.
    • South, United States: Added Oklahoma Burgers.
    • South, Vietnam: Added I Love Pho.
  • 2023-04-02
    • Azerbaijan: Replaced Baku Life with Old Avenue Restaurant because the latter has more Azeri dishes that are prepared slightly better.
    • Jamaica: Replaced Nicey’s Takeout & Eatery with Smoke ‘N’ Roti because the latter has smoky jerk chicken and better sides.
    • Philippines: Added Perlas de Pilipinas.
    • Russia: Added Victoria K Cakes.
    • Sri Lanka: Added Quality Bread Bakery.
    • South Korea: Replaced Mymy Chicken with BBQ Chicken & Pub. Mymy had the best Korean Fried Chicken until a few years ago, when BBQ Chicken expanded into Canada.
  • 2023-03-20
    • Argentina: Added Gaucho Pie Co.
    • Canadian-Indian, India: Added Curryish Tavern.
    • Guyana: Added Lucky Lin’s Restaurant.
    • South Korea: Added Woojoo Bunsik.
    • Trinidad and Tobago: Added Miss Likklemore’s.
  • 2023-03-03. New additions for the new year.
    • Congo: Added back Congo Coffee and Beignets.
    • Jammu and Kashmir, India: Added Kashmiri Kitchen.
    • Mumbai and Parsi, India: Added Mumbai Frankie.
    • Andhra, India: Added Godavari, a USA chain not to be confused with an earlier Mississauga restaurant of the same name.
  • 2023-03-02. Big update after a winter hiatus. Sad number of closures.
    • Bolivia: The only Bolivian food place, Munay, closed on 2023-01-28.
    • Cameroon: Ariilon closed in Summer 2022.
    • Shandong, Dongbei, and Beijing: SanTong Snack Bar closed in 2022.
    • Congo: Cassava Cuisine closed in 2022.
    • Estonia: Estonian House’s lease is up and is awaiting to move to their new premises, whose construction was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
    • Germany: Otto’s Bierhalle closed on 2023-01-31.
    • Jammu and Kashmir, India: Removed Kishmini as they have been inactive for a long time.
    • Mumbai and Parsi, India: Bombay Snack Bar closed in Autumn 2022.
    • Andhra, India: Godavari closed in Autumn 2020.
    • North Macedonia: Macedonian Secrets closed on 2022-12-23.
    • Philippines: Chef George Breakfast and Lunch closed on 2022-12-24. They might be back in a part-time capacity in future.
    • Northeast, United States: Momofuku Toronto closed on 2022-12-23.
    • South, United States: The Stockyards closed on 2022-10-30.
    • Uzbekistan: Samarkand Hall closed on 2022-11-28.
    • Vietnam: Forget Me Not closed on 2022-11-30.
  • 2022-11-18
    • Brazil: Added Rio 40 and Geladona.
    • Guangzhou and Hong Kong, China: Added Cho-Kwok-Lat.
    • Egypt: Added Masrawy Egyptian Kitchen.
    • Sudan: After a short 2-year run, Zoal Restaurant, the only Sudanese restaurant in the Toronto region closed in September 2022.
    • Venezuela: Added Latin Dough.
  • 2022-09-25
    • Australia: Removed Kanga Pies because it hasn’t re-opened after a year.
    • Anhui, China: Toronto lost Old Taste, its only Anhui restaurant, in September 2022.
    • Osaka, Japan: Naniwa Taro closed in August 2022 and Gushi takes the top spot for takoyaki again.
    • Mexico: Added Sinaloa Factory.
    • Philippines: Added Bao Mama and iSLAS Filipino BBQ and Bar. iSLAS replaces Sampaguita for traditional Filipino dishes.
    • Canadian-Thai, Thailand: Added Lamoon Thai Cafe.
    • Zimbabwe: Added Mnandi Pies. They seem to be doing fine without a storefront.
  • 2022-08-29
    • Brazil: Added Paulo’s Cake Shop.
    • Xinjiang, Qinghai, and Gansu, China: Replaced GB Hand-pulled Noodles with Big Beef Bowl. The latter has a deeper broth, though GB is still the king downtown.
    • Israel: Added Eisenbergs Sandwich.
    • Sicily, Italy: Added Holy Cannoli.
    • Trinidad and Tobago: Added Chadon Beni.
  • 2022-08-18
    • Fujian, China: Added Putian Lor Mee.
    • Shandong, Dongbei, and Beijing, China: Added Yu Henan Cuisine.
    • Guyana: Removed Sa-Fire Restaurant and Bar after it closed in spring 2022.
    • Nepal: Removed Gorkha Durbar after it closed in June 2022. Added Mt Everest Restaurant back.
    • Hawaii, United States: Removed North Poke since it looks like it’s not going to re-open. Added Umami Poke in its place.
  • 2022-07-25
    • Brazil: Removed Sabor Brasil after its last day on 21st June 2022.
    • Modern Canadian, Canada: Added Lake Inez.
    • Guangzhou and Hong Kong, China: Added Good Taste Casserole Rice.
    • New sub-cuisine: Hakka, China. Actual Hakka, not the Indian-Chinese version. Hong Kong Chicken is the lone representative.
    • National, United States: Removed Jeneral’s after it closed in June 2022. It survived only 3 months in this brutal industry.
  • 2022-07-04
    • Prairies Canada, Canada: Added Hy’s Steakhouse.
    • Guangzhou and Hong Kong, China: Added The Noodle Bar.
    • Colombia: Added The Toston.
    • Jamaica: Removed Randy’s Take-Out since it closed in 26th February 2022 and Drake’s offer to save it hasn’t panned out. Added Pattie World Bakery, which is even better than Randy’s.
    • Mauritius: Leo’s Cuisine brings Mauritian cuisine back from extinction in the Toronto area.
  • 2022-06-17
    • Jiangsu and Shanghai, China: Added Shanghai Shao Mai Guan.
    • Croatia: Croatia Restaurant is back!
    • Sri Lanka: Added Bhai Biryani.
  • 2022-05-03
    • Atlantic Canada, Canada: Continuing the curse of donairs in Toronto, Jessy’s Pizza closed in April 2022 after its owner moved back to Halifax.
    • Prairies Canada, Canada: Added OEB Breakfast Co.
  • 2022-04-26
    • Bangladesh: Replaced Gharoa Restaurant with Adda Bengali Kitchen because Adda has superior food and ambience.
    • Colombia: Replaced Columbus Bakery with Delicious Empanadas because the latter has, well, more delicious empanadas.
    • Spain: Replaced Bar Raval with Madrina Bar y Tapas because Madrina has more innovative tapas at the same (expensive) price point.
  • 2022-04-05
    • Pacific Canada, Canada: Added Dufflet.
    • Cuba : Removed El Habanero and Churrobar after it closed on 2022-03-31.
    • Northeast, United States: Added Pizzeria Badiali.
    • Catch-all American cuisine finally finds a home in the latest sub-cuisine: National, United States. Added Burger Drops, Jeneral, and White Lily Diner.
  • 2022-02-26
    • New sub-cuisine: Shikoku, Japan. Added Zen Sanuki Udon.
    • New sub-cuisine: Okinawa, Japan. Added Tondou Ramen.
    • Tokyo, Japan: Added Katsuya.
    • Kansai, Japan: Replaced Gushi with Naniwa Taro because the latter is more traditional.
  • 2022-01-27
    • Ontario, Canada: Added Antler Kitchen & Bar
    • Ireland: Added The George Street Diner. Removed Brennan, which only had frozen cured meats.
    • Northeast, United States: Added Illstyl3 Sammies.
    • Midwest, United States: Added Marq’s Chicago Beef.
  • 2022-01-17
    • Say ohayo-san to Kansai, the newest sub-cuisine entry for Japan.
      Added Gushi, Okonomi House, and Raku.
    • Hokkaido, Japan: Added Pablo Cheese Tart.
    • Tokyo, Japan: Added Fuwa Fuwa.
  • 2022-01-07
    • Quebec, Canada: Replaced St Urbain Bagel Bakery with Bagels on Fire because the latter has better bagels.
    • Yunnan and Guangxi, China: Removed Yunnan Steamed Fish Pot as it was more a novelty than traditional Yunnan cuisine. Added Dream Yunnan.
    • Colombia: Added Esto es Colombia.
    • Ecuador: Added Las Fronteras Restaurant.
    • El Salvador: Added Amanecer Salvadoreño Restaurant.
  • 2021-12-15
    • Greece: Removed Folia Grill which closed last year.
    • Taiwan: Replaced ChiChop with Monga Fried Chicken after the former closed in Fall 2021.
    • Northeast (Isan), Thailand: Siri Kitchen closed in Summer 2021.
  • 2021-12-14
    • Belgium: Wafels & More rebranded as Lekker in September 2020.
    • Guangzhou and Hong Kong, China: Replaced Casa Imperial with Yang’s Fine Chinese Cuisine as the latter has more innovative and tasty dim sum.
    • Colombia: Removed Mi Tierra after owners retired in May 2021.
    • Ecuador: Removed Cocina de Doña Julia after owners retired in August 2021.
    • National, Japan: Added Patisserie 27.
    • Portugal: Added Mercado Negro. Removed Moliceiro Restaurant which closed in May 2021 because of COVID-19 difficulties.
  • 2021-11-07
    • Greece: Added Ballissimo Loukoumades Bar.
    • Karnataka, India: Replaced Udupi Palace with Radha Krushna because of a larger range of Karnatakan specialties and better consistency.
    • Lebanon: Added Patisserie Royale.
    • Nepal: Replaced Mt Everest Restaurant with Gorkha Durbar because of tastier Nepali entrées.
    • Uruguay: Replaced Marjo Bakery with Montevideo Bakery and Cafe because of wider selection of Uruguayan savoury items.
  • 2021-10-12
    • Ontario, Canada: Added Ambassador Pizza Co.
    • Xinjiang, Qinghai, and Gansu, China: Replaced Xin Jiang Restaurant with Charcoal Kebab House because of better cooking.
    • Kerala, India: Added Oruma Indian Takeout & Bakers and Thanima Kerala Kitchen. Removed Kairali as the selection, flavours, and prices are better at the other two.
    • Mumbai and Parsi, India: Added Bombay Snack Bar.
    • Mexico: Added Tita’s Mexican Food. Removed Tacos El Asador as they don’t comply with health and safety requirements.
    • South, United States: Added Kansas King BBQ.
  • 2021-09-13
    • Hunan, China: Replaced Panpan Noodle Bar with Wuhan Noodle 1950 because the latter has a more flavourful sauce for its re gan noodles.
    • Gujarat, India: Replaced Govardhan Thal with Sabras because the latter is tastier and has greater variety.
    • Andhra, India: Added Minerva Tiffins.
    • Jordan: Added Zaad.
    • Ukraine: Replaced Golden Lion with Barrel House Korchma because the latter has bigger variety and better cooking.
    • South, United States: Added Memphis BBQ.
    • Canadian-Vietnamese, Vietnam: Added Baguette & Co.
  • 2021-08-26
    • Île de France and Paris, France: Replaced Tasso with Le Beau because the latter is more puff and not too crisp.
    • Singapore: Added My Pandan Cake.
    • Taiwan: Added Maeli Market.
    • Trinidad and Tobago: Replaced ACR Hot Roti & Doubles with Leela’s Roti and Doubles because it has bigger variety and better flavours.
  • 2021-08-10
    • Angola: Removed Yauca’s Lounge because it closed and hasn’t hosted any Angolan events since the pandemic.
    • Hungary: Added Rhapsody Continental Hungarian Cuisine.
    • Thailand: Added Favorites Thai.
  • 2021-07-22
    • Croatia: Added Joso’s. Removed Croatia Restaurant as they are selling the restaurant and only accepting large takeout orders.
    • Mumbai and Parsi, India: Added Bombay Bakers and Milan. Removed Colaba Junction since both were better for chaat.
    • West Bengal, India: Added Chaska Express.
  • 2021-07-10
    • Israel: Added Limon.
    • Serbia: Added Fancy Kafana.
    • South, United States: Removed Uncle Ray’s because they have closed. The lone surviving branch is the original in Hamilton. But some menu items live on in Union Chicken.
  • 2021-06-20
    • Cameroon: Added African Village.
    • Fujian, China: Added Lao Fu Zhou Xiang Wei.
    • Ghana: Replaced Golden Gate Restaurant with African Chop Bar because the latter has tastier food.
    • Uzbekistan: Added Puff Samosa. Taj Restaurant was renamed to Samarkand Hall after new owners took over.
  • 2021-06-09
    • Dominican Republic, El Salvador: Moved Sazón Latino from El Salvador to Dominican Republic because its menu is more Dominican than Salvadoran.
    • El Salvador: Added La Guanaquita
    • Guatemala: Added El Quetzal Bakery and Restaurant
  • 2021-05-29
    • Indonesia: Added Samara Kitchen.
    • Jamaica: Removed Albert’s Real Jamaican as there are better restaurants with the same menu.
    • Lebanon: Added Maro’s Bistro.
    • Palestine, Lebanon: Moved Shawarma Empire from Lebanon to Palestine since it is Palestinian style.
  • 2021-05-24
    • Barbados: Removed Street Shak since they haven’t resumed business after pivoting to the patty business (Street Bites) in August 2020. Added The Bajan Kitchen.
    • El Salvador: Removed Emporium Latino because they haven’t re-opened after the big fire in October 2020.
  • 2021-05-16
    • Fujian, China: Removed Lao Fu Zhou (at Silver Star Boulevard) because it closed.
    • Serbia: Added new supermarket, Pop’s Market.
  • 2021-05-09
    • Azerbaijan: Baku Life added.
    • North Macedonia: California Restaurant added.
    • Poland: Izba replaced with Kovalsky Restaurant, with better food.