Chinatown, Toronto (must see)

Toronto's Chinatown, also known as Downtown Chinatown or West Chinatown, is one of the largest ethnic Chinese enclaves in North America. Centered at the intersections of Spadina Avenue and Dundas Street West, this neighbourhood evolved from a small Chinese community in the 1950s-1960s in what was then a predominantly Jewish district.

Originally, the area was inhabited by the natives of southern China and Hong Kong. However, starting from the late 1990s, following the transfer of Hong Kong to the People's Republic of China, the number of migrants from mainland China have prevailed. In recent decades, Chinatown has redefined itself in the face of changing demographics and gentrification, prompted, among other factors, by the increased interest from urban professionals and the young folk working in the Financial District.

Most of the once-famed restaurants and barbecue shops on Dundas Street West have closed down as a result, but the majority of grocery stores remained. Among them are major Chinese malls like Dragon City and Chinatown Centre. Nowadays, alongside Chinese establishments, you will find a diverse set of shops and restaurants from other East Asian cultures, such as Vietnamese, Thai, and Japanese.

Amid all these changes, however, there are some establishments still in place that have been operational since before the neighbourhood became known as Chinatown. One such is the El Mocambo live music spot, which opened in the 1940s. Other “evergreens” include the animated open-air markets and shops lining Spadina Avenue, offering fresh fruits and vegetables as well as herbal medicine and souvenirs.

Chinese New Year celebrations - traditionally accompanied by live stage shows, martial arts demonstrations, and lion dances - are yet another local attraction, drawing tourists and locals in their numbers.

The overload of Chinese signs makes this exotic neighborhood an interesting place for a stroll. Also, adding to its appeal, especially late at night, is the plethora of inexpensive eateries with menus ranging from dim sum to pho to modern fusion. And if you're looking for a gift to take home, the available options at Chinatown are diverse and sufficiently cheaper than elsewhere in the city centre.