Lami by Mama Linda's

10/01/2026

Curious to try what The New York Times described as one of the “four culinary highlights of multicultural Toronto”? You’ve got a chance on October 30th - tap to get your ticket :) The Depanneur

09/19/2026

The Depanneur in The New York Times

"A Dinner Party with Locals

During a Saturday evening supper club gathering at the Depanneur, a cooking school and culinary event space in Toronto’s downtown Chinatown, I sat with six other diners at a long table covered with banana leaves. On top of those Len Senater, the owner, and an assistant spooned a long mound of rice they then topped with a series of Filipino dishes, including smoked eggplant salad, green papaya in vinegar, tofu with mushrooms, coconut squash, twice-cooked chicken and slices of pork roast stuffed with aromatics, like a Southeast Asian version of porchetta.

“Tonight is a unique style of Philippines dining called kamayan, which means, ‘by hand,’” Mr. Senater said, introducing a meal prepared by the chef Maria Polotan — who was busy in the kitchen during service — meant to be eaten without utensils. “It came out of the army barracks,” he said.

In addition to classes and culinary talks, the Depanneur holds periodic dinner parties such as this one, presented by budding entrepreneurs, culinary instructors and everyday cooking enthusiasts across the ethnic spectrum.

“It’s the way I would like to travel,” Mr. Senater told me during a break in the meal at the loft-like space with wood floors, whitewashed brick walls and exposed ductwork. “I could go to a restaurant, but I’d rather go to a dinner party with a bunch of locals.”

The pop-up event (79 Canadian dollars, or about $57) was B.Y.O.B., and offered a chance not only to try Filipino foods but to meet my table-mates, who were all from Toronto and offered generous tips on what to do in town.

After the dessert of sticky rice in coconut milk, my new friends and I walked it off on lively Spadina Avenue, chatting about where to eat next."

Multicultural neighborhoods, market tours and dinner parties offer culinary intrigue in Canada’s largest city.

11/29/2025

Your Christmas treats: sorted! Have a taste of the tropics from Mama Linda’s this holiday season 🥳

08/06/2025

very excited for my first cooking class at ! Join us on September 6th for an intimate lesson in Filipino home cooking. Tap on the photo for tickers!

04/26/2025

Mother’s Day Brunch Pop Up Alert ‼️‼️‼️🚨 join us at on May 11th for your favorite Filipino brunch. Bring your mamas. Get your tickets at the ! Three seatings available: 10am, 12pm, 2pm

07/05/2024

Tocino-Silog is back at tomorrow! Along with your other favorites like Corned Beef Silog and Ginataang Manok. See you there :)

06/21/2024

This Saturday ay — longanisa silog. pulled pork, Sesame-Peanut Noodles with Chicken and Cucumbers- perfect for the hot, hot weather. Cool down with a Quinoa-Farro Salad. See you at !

06/13/2024

This weekend, a menu of your favourites! Tuck into Tapa Silog, Humba, Pad Kra Pao, Butter Chicken 😋😋

06/06/2024

Market season is here - we’re back at this Saturday! Come get your Longsanisa Silog and Corned Beef Silog ;)

03/04/2024

Join us for a Kamayan Feast on March 22nd, at the Henderson Brewery! In collaboration with . Can’t wait! for tickets :)