Chinatown, Toronto ON

One of the oldest and largest Chinatown's in North America situated in the downtown core.

Chinatown, a neighbourhood in Toronto, is a cultural and culinary hub that you definitely don’t want to miss. Chinatown is located in the downtown core of Toronto, along Spadina Avenue and Dundas Street West. It’s actually one of the largest and oldest Chinatowns in North America, so you can imagine how rich and diverse the experience is.

Chinatown is actually one of the more affordable neighbourhoods in Toronto, which is great news. You’ll find a variety of housing options, from detached houses and townhouses to condos and apartments. According to bode.ca1, a website that allows homeowners to sell their properties without a REALTOR®, the average sold price of homes in Kensington-Chinatown (the official name of the neighbourhood) was around $890,000 in March 2023, and the average days on the market was 23 days2. It’s a neighbourhood with some affordable options compared to other parts of the city.

Chinatown has a great selection of public and private schools for students of all ages. From Ogden Junior Public School3 to Harbord Collegiate Institute4 to Toronto Metropolitan University5, there are plenty of educational opportunities in the area.

 

Now, let’s dive into the exciting part: the food scene in Chinatown. You’ll find an incredible variety of cuisines from different regions of China and other Asian countries. Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting dim sum brunch, a flavourful noodle soup lunch, or an interactive hot pot dinner, Chinatown has got you covered. Mother’s Dumplings6 is a great option for delicious Northern Chinese comfort food based on family recipes. Dim Sum King7 is another fantastic spot serving a wide array of dim sum dishes. If you’re up for a fun dining experience, Happy Lamb Hot Pot is the place to go, where you can cook your own food in a pot of boiling broth. And for fusion cuisine with Chinese, Thai, and Vietnamese flavours, Red Room is a trendy spot worth checking out. Pho Xe Lua8 is perfect for authentic Vietnamese dishes like pho and banh mi, while Buddha’s Vegan Restaurant9 offers ethical and health-conscious vegan versions of Chinese classics.


In terms of business, Chinatown is a vibrant and dynamic neighbourhood with a wide range of sectors and industries represented. From retail and services to arts and entertainment, there’s something for everyone. 


Chinatown is a neighbourhood that truly offers a wealth of benefits, from its rich history and diverse culture to its delectable cuisine and thriving economy. It’s a place where you can experience the best of both worlds and have an incredible time exploring and immersing yourself in its vibrant atmosphere.

(1) Bōde Canada | Buy or Sell your home with a realtor. https://bode.ca/

(2) Market Data | Understand the real estate market | Bode Canada. https://bode.ca/market-data

(3) Ogden Junior Public School | Toronto District School Board. https://schoolweb.tdsb.on.ca/ogden

(4) Harbord Collegiate Institute | Toronto District School Board. https://schoolweb.tdsb.on.ca/harbordci/

(5) Toronto Metropolitan University. https://www.torontomu.ca/

(6) Mother’s Dumplings. https://mothersdumplings.com/
(7) Dim Sum King | Seafood Restaurant. https://dimsumkingtoronto.com/
(8) Pho Xe Lua | Vietnamese Cuisine. https://www.phoxelua.ca/
(9) Buddha’s Vegan Restaurant. https://www.buddharestaurant.ca/