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Toronto's dining scene has never been healthier, with shiny new brasseries, swanky cocktail lounges and glorious wine bars popping up on every corner. We should be satisfied — yet, our insatiable appetite for new food and dining experiences means that we’re always looking over our shoulders for the next incredible meal.
Your next fabulous food experience isn’t as far as you think. You don’t have to hop on a plane for a global exploration of flavours: Markham, just 20 minutes outside Toronto, has one of the most diverse culinary landscapes in Canada and is home to more than 800 restaurants serving authentic and fusion cuisines. Though culinary offerings in Markham are varied, it’s most renowned for its incredible Asian food scene, and is home to many high-quality, authentic eateries which are reflective of the city’s vibrant culture.
Markham’s chefs are known for making food with deep ties to their heritage. Find authentic Szechuan, Cantonese and Taiwanese plates, as well as regional Japanese, Korean and Southeast Asian flavours. The food court at Pacific Mall is one of the best examples of Markham’s diversity, where hungry visitors will find wallet-friendly dumplings and lamb kebob alongside onigiri and Hong Kong egg waffles. Head to one of Markham’s many dim sum destinations for made-to-order shumai and har gow, dig into banchan and charcoal-smoked Korean barbecue or devour karaage and soba noodles to rival any of those at Toronto’s Japanese izakaya restaurants.
Local chefs in Markham are constantly innovating and giving traditional flavours a twist to offer something for every palate. From sushi pizza to Korean tacos, chefs draw inspiration from every corner of the globe, resulting in inventive dishes that are a tribute to Markham’s multicultural influence. Plus, due to its position in Ontario’s heartland, Markham has embraced farm-to-table and sustainability, with many restaurants adopting locally sourced and eco-friendly practices. Isn't it time you took your appetite to Markham?
Four must-try Markham eateries
Zen Japanese Restaurant
7634 Woodbine Ave.
Omakase fans will be delighted to stumble across Zen, a Michelin-recommended sushi spot inside an unassuming Markham strip mall. Sit at the chef's counter and gobble up delectable scallops and uni flown directly from Japan.
Taste of Asia
Kennedy Road, beside Pacific Mall
Experience the smells, sounds and tastes of an authentic night market at North America's largest outdoor Asian festival. Take your pick from more than 150 food vendors, and listen to live music and guest speakers at this three-day extravaganza which takes place every June.
Ambiyan
149 Main St., Unionville
Meaning 'green mangoes,' Ambiyan is likewise known for its fresh take on Indian cuisine. Head to the Unionville institution, open since 2009, for classic biryanis and tandoor dishes prepared in a clay oven.
Glass Kitchen
505 Highway 7 (unit 98-99)
Award-winning chef Keith Pears leads the menu at this Asian-fusion restaurant in Markham. Savour lobster bennies for brunch or dig into Jakarta lamb skewers for dinner.
To start planning your Markham trip, head to visitmarkham.ca
