Milliken Chinatown's Food Plazas Through the Ages

David and Rebecca

Milliken was one of the centres of Chinese immigration in the 1990s and emerged as the fourth Chinatown in the GTA. As the demographics of the neighbourhood changed, so has the character of its commercial areas. Nowhere is this more evident than along Midland Avenue, between McNicoll and Finch Avenues. A mishmash of plazas, built in different decades, dot the area.

From the Hong Kong plazas of the 1990s to the Mainland Chinese strip malls of the 2020s, what's remained constant is the obsession with food. There's the largest Asian supermarket in the GTA selling luxury fruits ($288 watermelons, anyone?). A sprawling strip mall with more than 10 bubble tea shops. Seafood wholesalers. Plazas for late night dining. Meals under $8. And over 200 dining establishments representing nearly all regions of China.

The walk starts at the newest plaza and ends at one of the oldest one. Along the way, we'll learn a bit about the history of the area but mostly it'll be about food. Some of the best restaurants in Toronto are found here, and we'll point out notable ones. There will be time to browse bakeries and markets. Participants are encouraged to share their own experiences.

The walk ends around dinner time. It's a perfect opportunity to try any of the restaurants you find interesting along the route. Please bring cash because many places do not accept card payments.

Come earlier to check out the supermarket at the start, because we'll not be going inside. This is a one-way walk. We will not return to the start point but it's an easy bus ride back.

Map
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1VwSqeIpkADWFVws92wXYI9JeWyCC49Q&usp=sharing

Walk Start:

East side of Asia Foodmart, outside the supermarket and close to Silver Star Blvd. Nearest intersection is McNicoll and Midland Ave.

Finch Midland Centre

Walk End: