Toronto's breakfast sandwich renaissance
oh you like breakfast? here, we put it on a bun
If you’ve been on social media, stepped outside of your home, or simply have had a pulse in the past few months, you’d know that we’re living in the golden age of breakfast sandwiches in Toronto.
They’re everywhere. Seriously. Unexpected places are re-jigging their menus so they don’t get lost or washed away by this large wave of eggs, meat, cheese and complex carbs.
And to be fair, I don’t blame them. Who doesn’t love a good breakfast sandweech? I’ve never had a more consistent companion bring me back from the shadow realm after a night of nefarious activities. That first bite at noon has the same feeling as that sip of water at 3 am — absolutely glorious.
Here is a small list of some of the major players in the breakfast on a bun game:
When The Pig Came Home — Fully Loaded Peameal on a Bun
When you’re craving something extra patriotic.
Masa Deli — Corned Beef Hash Brown special
You’re not going to be wrong choosing any of the breakfast sandwiches from Masa. But, if you catch this special they run every now and then, you’re in for a treat.
Alma Y Gil — Pepperoni Scotch Egg Sando special
Ever thought you’d hear those words put together in a sentence while describing a gosh darn SANDWICH? We neither, but it has happened and it’s beautiful.
Good Behaviour — Tamago “Egg Salad”
Oh, to be a jammy egg just chilling on a bed of your salad-ified compatriots. Wait no. That doesn’t sound right. You know what does sound (and tastes) right though? This fricking sando.
Emmer — Collards Breakfast Sandwich
Yes we tried to sneak some greens in here. Yes it’s delicious. Yes you need to try this.
Primrose Bagel — Bodega Bagel
It’s a Toronto staple. Don’t be freaked out by the lettuce, it makes it!
Lazy Daisy’s — Rise N’ Fry
There is great debate on whether a breakfast sandwich belongs on a buttermilk biscuit. The Rise N’ Fry is enough to end that conversation once and for all.
Vilda’s — Brekky Bun
They’ve got kosher salami, a baked egg, cheddar and mixed pickles on a sesame bun from Harbord. You know what else they’ve got? Happy customers.
Brick Street Bakery — Piggy’s Cluck Sandwich
We’re by no means snooty people. Sometimes you just have to take it back to basics, and this affordable and no-frills offering is earmarked for those particular days. Can’t go wrong.
Hot Pork — Smoked Beef Brisket breakfast sandwich
A new entrant in the game, Hot Pork has already garnered a notoriety from the get-go. This BBQ combo breakfast sandwich feels like a cheat code almost.
Gold Standard — Gold Standard Sandwich
Has and always will be the OG in the breakfast sandwich game. Thankfully, it lives up to its name. It’s like Midas himself touched this breakfast sandwich.
Manita — Manita Breakfast Sandwich
While known for a lot of other food, Manita actually does a pretty dope breakfast sandwich with braised kale, bacon, over-easy eggs, aioli and hot sauce. Here’s Exhibit A:
Honourable mentions: Coco’s, Donna’s, White Lily Diner, Saving Gigi, Union, Sleepy Pete’s, Grandma Loves You.
Obviously there are so many more breakfast sandwiches that you love that aren’t on this list. Don’t hate us. We’re trying our best. We just want you to eat some great food. Love ya!
- Abhi
Did we miss any must-try breakfast sandwiches? Lets chat about it!
