The largest South Asian commercial district outside of India and Bangladesh — 15 blocks of sari shops, spice importers, sweet shops, jewellers, and restaurants. The food alone justifies the trip from anywhere in the GTA.
Neighbourhood: Gerrard/Coxwell · Address: Gerrard St E from Greenwood Ave to Coxwell Ave, Toronto, ON · Hours: Mon–Sat 24 hours | Sun 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Why Visit
Gerrard India Bazaar is the city’s go-to neighbourhood for authentic South Asian eats, sari shops, and one-of-a-kind spice stores spread out over 15 blocks. Craving fresh jalebi or browsing Bollywood DVDs? You’ll find it all here.
What Makes It Unique
Unlike Little India strips in other cities, this district is an active hub for the local South Asian community—most stores are family-run and skew to imported goods you can't find elsewhere in Toronto. The sheer concentration of businesses, embroidered fabrics, and regional snacks goes way beyond typical ‘ethnic’ areas.
Outside of South Asia itself, you'd have to look hard to find a more concentrated stretch of South Asian commercial culture than Gerrard Street East between Coxwell and Greenwood. Toronto's Gerrard India Bazaar — sometimes called the "Little India" of Toronto — is 15 blocks of sari shops, spice importers, jewellery stores, sweet shops, and restaurants that form the commercial heart of Toronto's enormous South Asian community.
The food is the primary reason to make the trip. Lahore Tikka House at the centre of the strip is one of the most celebrated Pakistani restaurants in Canada — lamb karahi cooked in massive clay ovens, chicken biryani that's aromatic from across the street, garlic naan that emerges blistering from the tandoor. Open until midnight daily, wildly popular on weekend nights, reasonably priced, and absolutely worth it. Across the street, the mithai shops (Indian sweet stores) sell dozens of varieties of burfi, laddoo, jalebi, rasgulla, and halwa by the weight — bring a bag and experiment.
The spice shops are a destination in their own right for anyone who cooks. Bulk cumin, coriander, dried chilies in 20 varieties, tamarind, whole spices, fresh turmeric root — at prices the organic grocery stores would laugh at. The sari shops stock fabrics and embroidered garments from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh in an enormous range.
The India Bazaar Streetfest happens in August along Gerrard and is one of Toronto's most vibrant free cultural festivals — food stalls, live music, Bollywood dance, cultural programming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Gerrard India Bazaar in Toronto?
Gerrard India Bazaar is on Gerrard Street East between Greenwood Avenue and Coxwell Avenue in the east end of Toronto. It's accessible via the 506 Carlton streetcar (stop at Gerrard & Coxwell) or a short walk from Coxwell subway station (Line 2). The strip runs approximately 15 blocks and is most vibrant on weekend afternoons and evenings.
What should I eat at Gerrard India Bazaar?
Lahore Tikka House is the landmark restaurant — the lamb karahi and chicken biryani are essential orders. For snacks and sweets, any of the mithai shops along the strip sell outstanding Indian sweets (burfi, laddoo, jalebi) by weight. Smaller restaurants and dhabas serve chaat, samosas, and South Indian dishes throughout the strip.
Is Gerrard India Bazaar the largest South Asian commercial district in Canada?
Gerrard India Bazaar is frequently described as the largest South Asian commercial district outside of India and Bangladesh, with over 100 South Asian-owned businesses along the 15-block strip. Toronto's overall South Asian population is one of the largest outside South Asia, making the city home to multiple South Asian commercial districts (including Mississauga's Malton neighbourhood).
What is the India Bazaar Streetfest?
The India Bazaar Streetfest is a free annual street festival held on Gerrard Street East in August, featuring South Asian food vendors, live music (Bollywood, classical Indian, bhangra), cultural performances, dance, and traditional art demonstrations. It's one of Toronto's most immersive cultural festivals. The street is closed to traffic for the event weekend.