📍Jaffna Street Food – Village on the Grange Food Court, 275 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M5T 3J9
🌍Country: Sri Lanka    
🔥Must-try dish: Mutton Kothu.
🪑Seating: Indoor only. 
👍The high: Experiencing a modern twist on Sri Lankan cuisine was interesting, and felt healthier than usual. 
👎The low: The operations side felt a bit disorganized, though it may have simply been due to being understaffed on a Saturday.

The Grange is buzzing on weekdays, with international food stalls representing flavours from all over the world. It has a food-court vibe, so most spots serve quick, takeaway-style dishes, but there are plenty of tables and seats if you want to settle in and make a meal of it.

What really sets Jaffna apart from other Sri Lankan spots in the city is how they’ve modernized classic dishes to suit a wide range of palates. It makes Sri Lankan cuisine more approachable, inviting in people who might not otherwise try it and turning a first visit into a delicious introduction.

Located right beside the OCAD campus, the Grange is a go-to for students looking for quick, satisfying meals. Jaffna leans into that energy with options like wraps and build-your-own bowls, which are perfect for grabbing on the go. It’s an excellent way to still have traditional Sri Lanka recipes for the masses but in a lighter way. 

Most of the menu comes in both mini and regular sizes, and if you want to try a little bit of everything, the minis are the move. Just don’t be fooled by the name, these “minis” are still generous portions. The order below comfortably feeds about four people.And the most important thing to remember is that when the menu reads “mutton”, it really means goat. 

Snacks: 

• Mutton Roll: This handheld wonder is like butting into a savoury, edible cloud. The crust is crunchy, and the inside is a blend of mutton, potato, and spices. Honestly for a quick bite, this is the way to go. It’s not a meal but it will tide you over. 
• Chicken Roll: Pretty much the same thing as the mutton roll, but with a less meat-forward taste. Personally, the mutton is better but for those who like chicken, this one’s for you! 
• Chicken Patty: At first glance, this could be an empanada or a pizza pocket, but it truly is more once you bite into it. There’s less of a flavour punch, so for anyone just getting into South Asian spices, this should be your first stop at Jaffna. 

Bigger snacks:

• Classic Sambal Toastie: This spicy handheld sandwich features sambal as its base – a spicy yet sweet paste made from coconut and caramalized onion. For a less spicy alternative, get the one with cheese to balance the flavours out. 

Mains dishes: 

• Mutton Kothu Bowl: One of the country’s most famous dishes, you can never go wrong with kothu, especially when there’s goat involved. The tender meat is slow-cooked with curry leaves, spices, onions, leeks, and then topped with a fried egg. It packs a punch and there’s a lot of heat so come ready for a dunamic marriage of flavour and spice. 
• Amma’s Chicken Rice Bowl: Comfort food in a bowl. The meat has a zesty taste without too much spice, vegetables, and rice. It has less character than some of the other dishes but it’s also reliable. 
• Vegan Kari Wrap: Don’t dismiss this too quickly, this was a medley of marinated soya, beets, carrots, lentils and rice wrapped up in a pita. Every bite had its own character with the crunch, the flavour, and the freshness. It’s a heavy roll, and is filling. This is a perfect thing to eat throughout the day that tastes great, and also makes you feel great. 

Desserts: 

• Mango Pudding: This is exactly how it sounds – fresh, light, and silky. On Saturdays, all the desserts are reduced to $3 each, so have your pick! 

Drinks: 

• As a tea drinker, this was an obvious choice. It’s a black tea mixed with milk and sweetener. Although this sounds simple enough, it’s actually one of the highlights of the meal. Whether cardamon is your vibe or not, this is a must-try while at Jaffana. 

When it comes to South Asian food, Sri Lankan cuisine has a flavour profile all its own: bold, vibrant, and full of personality. Putting a modern spin on traditional recipes makes it easier for more people to dive in, especially those who might be trying Sri Lankan food for the first time. The vegan options are a standout too, letting the spices and core ingredients really shine while appealing to the students and office crowd around the Grange. A more classic Sri Lankan dinner is in our future, look out Scarborough! 

Eat with you soon!