Perola's

What is Perola's? Perola's Supermarket is a legendary Latin American grocer and specialty culinary landmark situated at 247 Augusta Avenue in Kensington Market. Founded in 1964, Perola's is widely celebrated as one of Canada's oldest and most influential Latin import institutions. Behind its cheerful yellow-and-green exterior, narrow aisles are packed to the rafters with exotic produce, dried chili pods hanging from the ceiling, imported South American seasonings, and a bustling front counter serving ready-to-eat street snacks, making it an essential pilgrimage for home cooks and chefs across the Greater Toronto Area.

Perola's Menu & What to Order While Perola's functions primarily as a specialty grocer, its prepared food counter and artisanal pantry goods are legendary. Order the fresh Colombian Beef Empanadas, deep-fried to golden perfection with a crisp cornmeal shell filled with spiced minced beef and potatoes, served with homemade fiery ají sauce. Explore the specialty refrigerated section for handmade Corn Tortillas, imported Mexican Oaxaca string cheese, and Colombian Queso Costeño. Home cooks will find the city's finest assortment of whole dried chilies—including Ancho, Guajillo, Pasilla, and fiery Habanero—plus essential regional imports like Venezuelan Harina P.A.N. for homemade arepas, Peruvian aji amarillo paste, and cans of rich Argentine dulce de leche.

Know Before You Go Perola's is open seven days a week: Monday from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM, Tuesday through Saturday until 7:30 PM, and Sunday until 6:30 PM. The shop can be tight during bustling weekend market hours, so visit on weekday mornings for an unhurried browse. Street parking in Kensington Market is limited; take the 510 Spadina streetcar or 506 Carlton streetcar to Nassau Street and walk two minutes west.