This week I worked on a production that was shooting on Gerrard Street East, which is home to one of the largest South Asian marketplaces in North America. There are over 100 Indian, Pakistani, Nepali, Bangladeshi and Sri Lankan shops, restaurants, and small businesses that make up the Gerrard India Bazaar, which stretches from Coxwell to Glenside.
Also referred to as “Little India,” the Gerrard India Bazaar has a history dating back to the 1970s. The area began to develop as South Asian immigrants, primarily from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, settled in the neighbourhood and opened shops and businesses catering to the tastes and needs of their community. Over the years, the area transformed into a bustling hub of South Asian culture, featuring a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural events like the Festival of South Asia.
The vibrant atmosphere has made it a lovely destination for both locals and tourists looking to experience the sights, sounds, and flavours of South Asia in Toronto.
Follow the Gerrard India Bazaar BIA on Instagram to check out the events in the community, and you can find a full directory of shops and services here.
