Pearson International Airport, Canada’s largest and busiest airport, is surrounded by numerous authentic Indian and Pakistani food venues.ISTOCK.COM
For many travellers, an airport is just a jumping-off point on the way to and from a main destination. However, experiences at and around airports can serve to either enhance or reduce enjoyment and comfort along the journey.
Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), serving the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and located in Mississauga, has been voted the “best large airport in North America” by Airports Council International (ACI) World, the global trade representative of the world’s airports, for the fifth year in a row. The ranking is part of the ACI World’s airport service quality program, which recognizes airports across the globe that deliver the best customer experience based on the opinion of passengers.
In typical years, 50 million people fly in and out of YYZ, and more than 49,000 work at what is Canada’s largest and busiest airport. With such a major hub of activity – for travellers, the people who drop them off and pick them up and the personnel providing services and goods for and at the facility – it’s no wonder that a vibrant food scene has flourished in close proximity.
Since a large Indian population lives nearby, many Indian and Pakistani restaurants have sprung up over the past three decades. Many offer “grab and go” fare that appeals to workers on a lunch break or layover travellers looking for a quick snack before the next leg of their journey.
It started with a place on Tranmere Drive, right next to airplane hangars, where a warehouse facility was converted into a food venue producing samosas. Soon, more restaurants opened up, with mainstays being vegetarian snacks and Indian sweets.
Today, the neighbourhood has about 25 to 30 restaurants, known for serving authentic and excellent food. They provide a welcome and quick stop for locals as well as those travelling to and from the over 180 destinations around the globe that are connected to YYZ.
Advertising feature produced by Randall Anthony Communications. The Globe’s editorial department was not involved.