Vegan
International
Asian
Offers small plate shareable dishes. Plant-based cuisine inspired by scenes from nature. Open Mon-Sun 11:00am-3:00pm, Wed-Thu 5:00pm-10:00pm, Fri-Sat 5:00pm-11:00pm, Sun 5:00pm-9:00pm. Last seating is 1 hour before closing. Closed Mon-Tue.
30 Reviews
First Review by LaurieDee
Veganup
Points +2304
Love Hawker! - Edit
Hawker is my favourite restaurant in Toronto. Although some items were better than others, I appreciate the inventiveness of the food. For the most part it was pretty wonderful. We had the Chef’s tasting menu. The first item was a papadam wedge topped with eggplant, fermented chickpea and fennel. The second item was a wonderful dish of mushrooms on a carrot purée with smoked shepherd peppers. The third item was runner beans with a really tasty red pepper sauce and pine nuts. Fourth was a dish of cooked Ontario Concord grapes with cashew yogurt and Brussels sprouts leaves. Fifth was a perilla leaf with smoked cabbage, pickled mushrooms, beet reduction, chili cream and pistachios. This dish was a big disappointment because there was some sort of hot spicy flavour that was so strong it over road the other flavours in the dish. Dessert was a sticky date cake with fermented pear and tahini caramel. Personally I felt it would have been better with a dollop of whipped cream to lighten it. We enjoyed dinner so much that we returned on Sunday for brunch. For brunch we had sunchokes with pine cream, salsa matcha and sumac, and buckwheat pancakes with fermented strawberries, birch syrup and spruce tip ice cream. Again, the food was really good and the best and most innovative vegan brunch I’ve ever had.
Read morePros: Innovative food, Lots of fresh local produce, Close to public transit
Cons: Small restaurant so make a reservation!
Guest
smalone
Points +42
Fabulous Food - Edit
I took myself here for the tasting menu and had 6 amazing courses. I love how much thought went into each dish and I really enjoyed the presentation and flavours. I don’t even normally like desert but it blew me away.
Read moreThe server was super welcoming and friendly and the restaurant had a great vibe. Would definitely recommend either the tasting menu or al a carte.
Pros: Delicious flavour combos, Unique dishes, Amazing presentation
Guest
boleroroe
Points +43
Left feeling hungry - Edit
My husband and I had high hopes for Hawker, especially after hearing all the great things about this restaurant. Although the food was presented nicely, we left feeling hungry. This was unfortunate considering the amount we spent on this meal. The flavors were also nothing special.
Read morePros: The presentation
Cons: The portion size, Lack of AC
Guest
EmdotAlice
Points +5975
Fantastic tasting menu - Edit
I came solo and got the tasting menu so that I’d have a chance to get a bit of everything. They also have an a la cart menu. There is a lot of overlap, but some items are only on one or the other. The tasting menu was a great option for me as a solo diner. They also let me substitute one of the savory dishes (turnip cake) for dessert because I don’t like sweets. 🥰 Turnip cake is my favorite dim sum dish so this was a real treat for me.
Read moreThe papadam with eggplant was an amazing first bite. My favorite dish was the runner beans. The red pepper sauce was so flavorful. That is, until I tried the grapes. I wasn’t sure if I would like this, because grapes are often too sweet for me, but these were delicious! They paired well with the tangy cashew yogurt and savory Brussels sprouts. Such an amazing dish.
Overall I had a great time here and it’ll be high on my list of places to return to.
Pros: Unique dishes that pack a flavor punch, The kitchen was kind and flexible
Guest
ScrambledMegs
Points +1395
Loved the Chef’s Table Tasting Menu experience! - Edit
If you’re considering Hawker’s 6-course tasting menu, I definitely recommend choosing the Chef’s Table experience and wine pairing. The dishes were all so delicious and it was very cool to observe the kitchen in action. Each course was served and explained by the Chef or a member of the kitchen staff - I loved the Grapes course in particular. The wine pairing was lovely and the Orange in Alsace was a real highlight. Not part of the wine pairing, but the Sky Roller ‘sparkling’ red was also really unique. I would definitely recommend this experience for a special occasion! I thought the ‘vegetable forward’ approach set it apart from Avelo’s tasting menu, so it’s worth trying both.
Read moreGuest
Bailey88
Points +267
Definitely not blown away - Edit
Heard great things, so we went for Summerlicious.
Read moreThe meal was decent but incredibly bread/carb heavy, (usually fine by me!) however, the only available starters were deep fried mushrooms, deep fried sourdough bread, and the sandwich main was the same deep fried mushroom, in the same very thick sourdough. Tasty, but a salad or vegetable forward course would have been significantly more cohesive, especially since it’s a small, set menu. Dessert was a very underwhelming single scoop of coconut ice cream that didn’t taste of spruce whatsoever as advertised. My dining companion was given the wrong flavour. They also forgot our drinks, though they were put on the bill. A fine sandwich on its own, but won’t be going back.
Guest
SLCVeganista
Points +109
Love It! - Edit
We were just walking around Toronto aimlessly, with no real direction. We like to tour like locals wherever we go😄We came across Hawker and love to support local all vegan eateries first! We love that they also source locally too!
Read morePros: Location! In a very walkable neighborhood :), Delicious! , Knowledgeable & friendly
Cons: They were out of lots of things;, Popular items can go fast
Guest
NomnomForever
Points +47
Unique flavours on small plates - Edit
A very nice variety of vegan dishes. Not just solely relying on soy or tofu.
Read moreI had the Spring (dosa with fava beans and sweet potato post) and the Valley (turnip cake) with the kombucha.
Really enjoyed the Spring. The Valley was mid. But the kombucha was downright worse than store brands.
Portion sizes were quite small for the price. It's true they're supposed to be "small plates" but the size didn't align with the price.
Guest
PlantBasedFilipino
Points +67
Great food, great vibes - Edit
Went here for dinner with a friend and we had a great time. The food was delicious, the atmosphere was great, and the service was friendly & professional. I highly recommend it!
Read moreMy only comment is that all the dishes are small plates. And while they’re absolutely delicious (and also plated beautifully), they aren’t cheap. So it’s easy to rack up a high bill here if you’re not careful. But if you’re mindful about what you’re ordering, it’s a very nice experience.
Pros: Delicious Food, Vibe of the restaurant, Friendly staff
Guest
ZacharyBisnath
Points +34
Great food! - Edit
Small but filling portions. Great price for value
Read moreGuest
nitalj
Points +48
One of the top vegan spots in the city - Edit
Everything about this place is awesome. Ambiance, food and staff.
Read moreTry the paratha even if it isn't automatically served with one of your dishes. The lunch grilled sandwiches are also fantastic. And on weekends, try the ras malai ice cream.
10-15% off with VegTO discount card, too (veg.ca).
It's a smaller spot so make reservations. Back patio is a vibe. Re: accessibility: only bathroom is downstairs and during colder months, can't sit out front which means there are a few stairs up, too.
Updated from previous review on 2025-03-19
Guest
Ajolote
Points +1753
Tasty - Edit
I like places that prepare dishes around a vegetable and enhance their flavors. Hawker does this beautifully. Friendly staff and fun to sit at the counter where you can watch the chef prepare dishes.
Read morePros: Vegetable forward
Guest
tee1
Points +126
Amazing food with cozy and atmosphere - Edit
It was the first time so I decided to try out during Winterlicious. Despite my initial unfavorable reception, I tried again. This time John was our greeter, server and made our experience worthwhile. It was a 3 course menu and options were delicious The chef can be seen prepping meals [live action kitchen] which adds a lil character also.
Read moreNote that it's a small kinda intimate restaurant with 7 tables and bar seating; possibly 4 people.
I'm only rating 4 star because of my initial unfavorable experience
Guest
deeeBeee
Points +38
Lunch special is magic - Edit
The lunch special at Hawker is amazing. It's sandwiches, but all of them (I've tried them all now) are freaking deelish. And only ten bucks!
Read moreGuest
NeilF123
Points +65
Soooo Delicious - Edit
Stopped in for lunch, not knowing it is totally plant-based. Had one of the lunch special sandwiches and I've never had such a delicious sandwich before. Took home an order of wings that were enjoyed as a side for 2 dinners. Priced well, staff friendly, food outstanding!
Read morePros: Food with so many options, Price, Staff
Cons: None
Guest
smileykylie
Points +354
Upscale and high quality - Edit
Hawker was a wonderful vegan fine dining experience. The small but elegant space felt very on-theme with the Earthy aesthetic of the menu. We did the 6-course tasting experience with wine pairings. I was blown away by the artful pairing of flavors and textures. The serves kept a good pace with the tasting and were willing to adjust the items to account for food allergies if needed. While quite expensive, the quality of food was definitely worth the price and we walked away full and happy.
Read morePros: Artfully plated, Upscale vegan experience, Helpful staff
Guest
willan83
Points +267
Just ok - Edit
Food was nice and presentation good but I left hungry after the tasting menu and had to get a banh mi on my way home from Saigon Lotus. Also got the wine flight and the glasses were brought to the table already poured and the only explanation was the type of wine and the notes. I would expect to see the bottle, the wine poured at the table and have an explanation of where it was produced and also how it was paired to the dishes. We also didn't see a menu which would've be nice to look at as well the description from the servers. The standout dishes were the hummus and the biryani. Wouldn't return as there are much better options and value to be found in the city.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2024-06-07
Pros: Nice ambiance, Pleasant servers
Cons: Overpriced, Left hungry
Guest
BarefootSoyBoi
Points +68
Small Bites & Fast Service - Edit
Loved the food and how quickly things came out. I believe we sat down and the food was at our table in 3 minutes. Modern style Indian dishes with an upscale look and feel. The bread dish will have you asking for the recipe and seconds!
Read moreGuest
brookestilla
Points +126
Excellent tasting menu!! - Edit
excellent tasting menu for a reasonable price too!! dishes that i probably wouldn't have tried otherwise. staff were friendly and kind, the decide is cute, love the dried flowers hanging from the ceiling.
Read moreeveryone in the restaurant sang happy birthday for one another. they do a little ice cream bowl with a candle, which i thought was sweet! will be back to try the indie brunch!
Pros: incredible food, small and intimate , reasonable pricing for the experience
Cons: wish there were more courses :P
Guest
villain
Points +9370
Unique brunch - Edit
Unique Indian brunch, I'm glad to have tried it once. We weren't given a menu, so I'm not sure exactly what the dishes were. But the one with rice and red flower petals on it was my favorite. The ice cream for dessert was one of the best ice creams I've had!
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2023-11-19
Guest
PaulaVegan!
Points +44
Soooo expensive, tiny dishes, food is ok - Edit
Some dishes were pretty good, others not. Very tiny dishes, like smaller than any place I've ever been to. Expect to order a lot or leave hungry.
Read moreI guess if the food was really outstanding it would be worth it, but it's not. It's sort of Indian food, but modified and served in a fancier way.
Pros: Cute place, Nice location in Kensington market
Cons: Price!, I like actual Indian food better
Guest
Candice127
Points +360
Great brunch spot - Edit
We loved this brunch. It came with 7 courses and they were all very tasty and flavourful. Would definitely go back
Read morePros: Variety , Flavour profile, Location
Guest
vegangrocerygrabs
Points +1722
5-Star Vegan Brunch - Edit
Wow wow wow! The Hawker brunch tasting menu was such an amazing treat. It was a set price of $40 for three courses and dessert. In addition to our meal we got a hot chai and an epiphany cocktail. Such an elevated dining experience with profound Indian flavors. We also loved sitting on the garden patio-it was so peaceful and inviting. Highly recommend checking out Hawker for any occasion-I will definitely be back.
Read moreGuest
nmich
Points +1507
Delicious food and cocktails - Edit
Unique flavours, very well presented. It is a bit upscale - a little bit of a contrast next to all of the casual options in Kensington Market. Overall a wonderful experience!
Read moreGuest
tylers131
Points +181
Super tasty small bites - Edit
The food and cocktails here were amazing! Very great flavors with 3-5 dishes needed per person. A somewhat upscale spot great for special occasions.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2023-07-09
Pros: Amazing flavors, Healthy, Fresh
Cons: Small portions, Expensive
Guest
ferocious_vegan
Points +219
Hidden gem - Edit
I've loved every iteration of this restaurant (when it was TVX take out, the TVX restaurant, and now Hawker). Hawker clearly takes pride in the vegan food experience, everyone I've taken here has been blown away and recommended to their friends, regardless of whether they were vegan.
Read morePros: Amazing, unique vegan food, Reasonable price point for quality of food, Great back patio
Guest
Floramac
Points +100
What a tiny gem of a restaurant - Edit
Fantastic food in a great space
Read morePros: Plant based menu, Artful chef creations, Delicious
Guest
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