Street vendors selling hot dogs and sausages are a part of the Toronto landscape. However in an effort to diversify and offer ethnic cuisine and healthy alternatives, the City of Toronto will be unveiling a new program in food carts during the May long weekend called ‘A La Carte’. This program is a three-year pilot project that will introduce ethnic selections including Pad Thai, Jerk Chicken, Souvlaki, Biryani, Kimchee, Salsa Karahi and healthy alternatives including bagels, pretzels and veggie burgers. Prices will range from $1.50 - $7.00.

The bizarre part of this is that the existing hot dog vendors were not allowed to compete for the A La Carte program in spite of the fact that they represent over 25 different ethnicities. Why the City of Toronto chose to ignore the existing members of the Street Food Vendors Association is a mystery. The application process for new vendors was apparently arduous. They had to demonstrate compliance with safety standards and pass an assessment by the city’s executive chefs. Of 19 applicants, 8 have been chosen.
- Nancy Senawong will be serving pad Thai with fresh rolls at Mel Lastman Square
- Noorullah Iman will be serving Afghan/central Asian chapli kebabs at Metro Hall
- Seemab Ahmad will be serving central Asian/Persian biryani at Nathan Phillips Square
- Blair Bonivento will be serving Greek souvlaki at Nathan Phillips Square
- Issa Ashtarieh will be serving Middle Eastern chicken and beef kebab wraps at Queen’s Park
- Andnet Zere will be serving Eritrean injera at Roundhouse Park
- Young Jin Kim will be serving Korean bulgogi with seasonal kimchee at Yonge and Eglinton
- Bridgette Pinder will be serving Caribbean fusion jerk chicken at Yonge and St. Clair