With a tour guide waving the Philippine flag at the front of a group of over fifty people, organizers from the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Toronto (UPAAT) and Kababayan Multicultural Centre (KMC) led participants on a free walking and food-tasting tour in “Little Manila” (Bathurst and Wilson Streets) last Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Toronto, Ont.
Fresh-off-the-grill saucy pork bbq’s, full-sized, pull-apart soft ensaymadas, lumpia rolls with mild red chili sauce and mini-hot cocoas with whipped cream and bite-sized chocolate chip cookies were handed out to attendees at each of the four stops on the tour.
Co-hosted by UPAAT, an alumni network supporting scholarships and Filipino community projects and KMC, a long-standing newcomer/settlement agency in Toronto, the tour spotlighted four Filipino community favourites.
Stop 1: Dean & Ruby’s Café, 369 Wilson Ave.
Newly opened Dean & Ruby’s Cafe poured warmth from the first hello—bite-size cookies, petite desserts, and hot chocolate shots crowned with whipped cream.
The space feels like a living room for Little Manila: bright, friendly, and already a neighbourhood meet-up spot.
Owners Dean and Ruby served the samples and led the short program in the Night Bar area, where we were serenaded by a talented singer.
Stand-outs include their Filipino products such as Ube Ooh-La-La Latte, Ube Crinkle cookies and even a very purple Ube pie, with a taste similar to an egg pie.
They also serve sandwiches, Italian espresso and French pastries.
Stop 2: Daily Bread Bakery, 332 Wilson Ave.
A Little Manila staple for 23 years, Daily Bread brought the nostalgia—Spanish bread, pandesal, and ensaymada that taste like Sunday merienda at home.
On the tour, they handed out pillowy ensaymada so soft and sweet, with a buttery-sugar topping, that was promptly gobbled by the attendees.
Bakery owner Judy Leal recommended the hefty, new-to-the-Daily-Bread world ube marble loaf—purple swirls, soft crumb, lightly sweet topping—ideal for breakfast or pasalubong.
Try to come in when they’ve just baked Spanish bread, though.
The cream filling, paired with the almost Brioche-like pull-apart consistency of this hotdog-bun shaped bread is absolutely heavenly.
The bakery has no social media presence or website.
Stop 3: Republika RestoBar & Grill, 288-A Wilson Ave.
At Republika, the team went classic Pinoy street-party: huge morsels of pork BBQ skewers—caramelized edges, tender inside, that just-right smokiness.
The place is equal parts kitchen and stage, known for karaoke nights, live music and an all-welcome vibe.
Republika has deep roots in Little Manila and a menu that swings from sisig pizza to grilled platters; it’s family hangout by day, karaoke-friendly by night.
Stop 4: Kabalen, 3778 Bathurst Ave.
Tour finale: Kabalen, where we sampled crisp spring rolls dipped in red chili sauce, and juicy chicken BBQ—Kapampangan comfort done homestyle.
Kabalen has been serving Toronto since 2012, carrying the culinary pride of Pampanga with a menu that’s generous, bold, and best shared.
The turo-turo (point-point) style of ordering is elevated here: the menu looks fresh, hot, and beautifully displayed.
Right next door sits Bale Kapampangan, a newer, upscale spot with modern interiors and a seafood-forward grill—think elegant plates, date-night lighting, and that “we’re celebrating” feel.
It’s a stylish complement to Kabalen’s classic fare; together they anchor a lively corner of Little Manila.
Little Manila’s secret isn’t just the food—it’s the welcome. Come hungry, leave connected.
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