Hawker: Must Try Plant-Based Vegan Restaurant in Kensington
Looking for a vegan restaurant that redefines plant-based dining? Hawker, in the heart of Kensington Market, is shaking up the vegan scene with its bold, plant-based flavors. This spot isn’t just about food—it’s an experience. From the creative menu to the artsy, vibey atmosphere, every detail is designed to keep you coming back for more.
At Hawker, Chefs Jeff Merkel and Leah Steduto breathe life into their naturalistic ideology, showcasing Southeast Asian-inspired vegan dishes that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Each plate is meticulously crafted to highlight the vibrant flavors of plant-based ingredients, pushing the boundaries of what vegan cuisine can be. It’s an eatery where every dish tells a story, and where the plating is just as enticing as the flavors.
- Location: 291 Augusta Ave, Toronto
- Price Range: $-$$
- Social Media: @hawker.to
The Vibe
The ambiance complements the food perfectly. Inside, you’ll find cozy earth tones of dark wood and moss, while outside, the back patio offers a romantic setting naturally decorated with ivy. Prefer a livelier scene? The front patio provides a prime spot to soak up the energy of Kensington Market.
Hawker Wala Lunch
Menus:
We got to try their lunch menu and left extremely satisfied. Their plant-based lunch menu offers $10 sandwiches, mushroom wings, and chips for sides. For the sandwiches, we got their AAA Mushroom Sandwich and AAA Eggplant Sandwich, which were both served on sourdough bread. Each bite was a symphony of flavours that highlighted the mushrooms and eggplants. There were notes of smoky and earthiness with hints of tart from tomatoes.
But the star of the show had to be their mushroom wings. We got both the oyster mushroom (with yaga sauce) and lion’s mane wings (with sweet chili sauce) which were fried to crispy perfection. Each bite was perfectly crunchy and saucy. We will definitely be coming back for these wings.
What We Tried
- AAA Mushroom Sandwich
- AAA Eggplant Sandwich
- Oyster Mushroom Wings w/ Yaga Sauce
- Lion’s Mane Wings w/ Sweet Chili Sauce
- Root Vegetable Chips
- Boylan Cane Sugar Soda: Gingerale and Cherry
Six-Course Tasting Menu at Hawker
- Reserve: 6-Course Tasting Menu
If you want to experience the full range of Hawker’s culinary creativity, their six-course tasting menu is a must-try. Inspired by their à la carte offerings, each course is served and explained directly by the chef, creating a personal and intimate dining experience. With a focus on naturalism, these artfully plated vegan small plates are sure to surprise and delight.
Don’t forget to explore their curated cocktail list and selection of vegan wines, perfectly paired to complement the vibrant dishes.
Whether you’re enjoying the lively market vibes on the front patio or savoring an intimate dinner on the ivy-covered back patio, Hawker is more than just a vegan restaurant—it’s a transformative dining experience. Ready to discover the beauty of plant-based cuisine? Make your reservation today and let Hawker redefine your expectations.
References
- https://www.hawker.to/
- https://torontolife.com/food/whats-on-the-menu-at-hawker-kensington-markets-new-spot-for-fancy-plant-based-fare/
- https://www.opentable.ca/r/hawker-toronto
