Carousel Bakery (Peameal Bacon Sandwich)

The St. Lawrence Market stall that made the peameal bacon sandwich a Toronto icon — a simple bun stacked with griddled back bacon. Worth trying once for the ritual. Caveat: it's cash-friendly, often has a line, and it's very much a one-hit tourist landmark inside the market.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

When is Carousel open?

It follows the market's South Market schedule — closed Mondays, open Tuesday through Saturday (and it's inside the main building). Get there in the morning; it's a breakfast-and-lunch spot, not an evening one.

Can vegetarians eat here?

Not really — this is a bacon sandwich stall, full stop. If you're not eating meat, the wider St. Lawrence Market has plenty of other vendors to feed you.

What is a peameal bacon sandwich?

It's Toronto's signature: unsmoked, cornmeal-crusted back bacon (peameal) griddled and piled on a soft bun, usually with a squirt of mustard. Carousel Bakery is the stall that made it famous.

Should I add anything to the sandwich?

Purists keep it simple with mustard, which lets the peameal shine. There are condiments on hand if you want more, but the classic version is the one to order first.

How much does it cost?

It's an inexpensive counter sandwich — roughly ten dollars. Bring a bit of cash to keep the line moving, even though cards are generally accepted at the market.

Where exactly is it?

It's a stall inside the St. Lawrence Market's South Market building on Front Street East. Head to the upper level and follow the smell of griddled bacon.

Is there a line?

Often, especially Saturday mornings and midday. Come right at market opening or on a weekday morning to grab yours without much of a wait.

Is it worth the hype?

For a first-time Toronto visitor, yes — it's a cheap, tasty rite of passage. Locals will tell you it's a bit of a tourist ritual now, so go in for the experience rather than expecting a life-changing sandwich.

Nearby in Ask Toronto

• St. Lawrence MarketMarket0 km · 0 min walk
• SukhothaiRestaurant0.25 km · 3 min walk
• Hockey Hall of FameMuseum0.5 km · 6 min walk
• Redpath Sugar MuseumMuseum0.65 km · 8 min walk
• Canoe Restaurant & BarRestaurant0.76 km · 9 min walk