5 great places to sample indigenous cuisine in Toronto

This tiny restaurant in the heart of Kensington Market takes traditional indigenous pow wow food and gives it a new life. The menu is small but delicious. Come to the Pow Wow Cafe to sample Ojibwe tacos. They also serve a killer brunch on Sundays filled with recipes rooted in indigenous Canadian culture.

NishDish began as a catering service and later took root in this small marketeria-type venue. The meals are all based on traditional Anishnabae cuisine and culture. Come here to sample items like Cedar Tea, Bison Sausage or Three Sisters’ Soup, which uses the three staple foods of the Anishnabae diet; corn, beans and squash.

Tea-N-Bannock is a cozy place to stop by and purchase something different. Indigenous people developed a cuisine based on the seasonal offerings of mother nature and also government rations. Sample fry bread or try Trapper’s Snack.

This pow wow takes place in September. Held on the grounds of Ryerson University, it’s easily accessible from anywhere in the city. There are all types of vendors at the pow wow that bring delicious indigenous food. Sample the food and watch some of the dancing. The location tends to vary so check the website.

Held during June to celebrate National Aboriginal Day as well as the summer solstice, this pow wow is a larger event hosted by the Native Men’s Residence. It’s a free event as well as family-friendly. Please note all indigenous events are alcohol-free. Check the current year’s poster for the location.