The Best Peameal Bacon Sandwiches In Toronto

Peameal bacon was invented in Toronto by William Davies. Davies moved to Canada from United Kingdom in 1854 and ran a pork processing plant. Davies needed to preserve pork and discovered a way to cure it by rolling it in crushed yellow peas and so it was that peameal bacon was born. This classic sandwich has been called Toronto’s signature dish by Mayor John Tory, and here are some of the best places to grab the Hogtown delicacy.

1. Carousal Bakery

Market, Food Stand, Canadian

Ask anyone in Toronto where to get the best peameal bacon sandwich, and they will tell you to go to Carousel Bakery at St. Lawrence Market. This simple ensemble of meat and mustard on a kaiser bun has even been enjoyed by celebrity chefs Bobby Flay and Anthony Bourdain.

2. Rashers

Sandwich Shop, Canadian

This peameal sandwich can be found in two locations, Ossington and Leslieville. Rashers takes a slightly artisanal route with Toronto’s signature dish by adding a dollop of homemade ale mustard to their rendition. They also have a number of other toppings you can add to personalize this classic sandwich.

3. Paddington's Pump

Market, Canadian

Carousel Bakery has a little friendly peameal competition in St. Lawrence Market. Located in the northwest corner, Paddington’s Pump is renowned for stuffing golden buns with their own signature peameal bacon.

4. The Merseyside

Cafe, Canadian, Coffee, Soup, Pastries

At The Merseyside, the house-cured peameal bacon breakfast sandwich comes buttered and loaded with real Ontario eggs and cheese. Owner Todd Delaney grew up just outside of Liverpool and lived there until he was 16, though he trained as formal opera singer, he felt that cooking and coffee were his true calling.

5. TLP Sandwich Co.

Sandwich Shop, Canadian, Steakhouse, Contemporary

TLP Sandwich Co. on Elm Street is an homage to classic Canadian comfort food and run by the same team as Barberian’s. Their peameal sandwich is served BLT style, with tomato and lettuce on a Portuguese bun, but they just call it the TLP sandwich.

6. When The Pig Came Home

Deli, Canadian, European

When The Pig Came Home is a throw-back to old school Eastern European delis. While you might come here for a peameal sandwich, you’ll definitely be tempted by the other smoked and cured meats on offer. Their original peameal sandwich features house-cured, nitrate-free pork loin on a fluffy white bun and can be loaded with bacon, eggs and cheese for a little extra.

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