Chinatown 0 and Chinatown 1 (5.1 km)

What's there to eat when dining out on Christmas day? Chinese food of course. Chinese restaurants are one of the few places that are open on Christmas. Join the secular tradition of checking out Chinese and other Asian cuisines.

The most compact place to graze is at downtown Chinatown. It started off where City Hall now stands, so I guess we can call that Chinatown Zero. It moved west to Spadina and continues as the oldest Chinatown in Toronto. It's also thriving, unlike other Chinatowns in North America. Some restaurants are comparable to the well-regarded spots in Scarborough, Richmond Hill, and Markham. There are also public art, historic houses, and other attractions in the neighbourhood.

This is the final installment in our Chinatown series. For reference, we've been to other Chinatowns in previous hikes.

• Chinatown 2: Gerrard St East
• Chiantown 3: Agincourt
• Chinatown 4: Milliken
• Chinatown 5: Richmond Hill Hwy 7
• Chinatown 6: Markham Hwy 7
• Chinatown 7: Mississuaga Chinese Centre
• Chinatown 8: Erindale

Highlights

1. Nathan Phillips Square Christmas tree (depart 12pm)
2. Sansotei Ramen / Mom's Pan-Fried Buns
3. Murals and public art around Grange Park
4. Yummy Yummy Dumplings / Tianjin Auntie's Steamed Bun / Tang's Lamb and Beef
5. Lucky Moose Food Mart
6. OCAD / AGO / Toronto Chinese Baptist Church
7. Ban Bu Dian / Icha Tea (depart 12:50pm)
8. Dragon City Mall
9. Swatow Restaurant / Banh Mi Nguyen Huong
10. Mashion Bakery / Yin Ji Chang Fen
11. Anh Dao Restaurant / Cecil Community Centre
12. A Szechuan Restaurant / El Mocambo
13. Corner Crepe Co
14. Dak Lak Cafe
15. T&T supermarket
16. The Kiever Shul
17. Fudao Noodle House / Rol San / Yeah Yeah Thai (arrive 1:45pm)

Neighbourhoods
Bay Steet Corridor > Grange Park > Chinatown > Kensington Market

Map
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1dAsx4-ve4L9pSmEwDYbbyAB2l2i1efE&usp=sharing

How it works
Hike starts punctually. Late or can't do the whole route? Meet us at scheduled checkpoints.

We'll browse many food places but won't linger long. Grab ready-made food, or see the route in advance, organize takeout, then pickup along the way.

Not sure what to try? Join our omakase for $5, which gives a tiny sample from different restaurants. Payment on the day of event by cash or e-transfer to [email protected]. No refunds after orders are placed. Details of sampled food will be uploaded after the hike.

Limited cutlery provided. Highly recommended to bring cutlery and containers for omakase and bringing back leftovers.

See our About section for more info.