Piragua | TasteToronto

Trinity-Bellwoods

Piragua

Written By

Kirsten Svitich

Photographs By

Carbelle Djossa

A recent addition to the Trinity Bellwoods area is this oh-so-colourful store specializing in Columbian food, drink and retail. Piragua is the work of owner Nicolás Prada, whose dream is to bring the culture of Colombia to the heart of Toronto and share it with those who enter.

Customers are invited into the store with a colourful mural decorating the entire East wall, designed and painted by Colombian artists. Light and funky Latin music plays in the background to set the scene. The open-kitchen concept allows for a full view of the all-female team of chefs preparing the day's fresh meals and snacks.

Prada explains he wants the space to feel “welcoming and fun... like you’re stepping into the spirit of Colombia”.

Patrons are then drawn to the front counter where a display of popular sweet and savoury treats such as arepas and empanadas can be found to purchase. Prada recommends stepping outside your comfort zone to try some of the lesser-known snacks such as Carimañola (cassava role stuffed with cheese) and Almojabana (cheese bread with guava). It is also worth mentioning this spot is great for gluten-free options as many of the food items are corn or plantain-based.

"Colombians love to eat, especially at breakfast," says Prada. One of the more unique menu pairings is cheese and hot chocolate which is popular with the first meal of the day. Although he explains Colombian dishes and snacks tend to be more savoury than sweet, Prada was determined to create a place Torontonians would respond to, and therefore he chose to offer more options such as cookies and baked goods to appeal to the local crowd.

"I wanted to create a place not just for Colombians, but also for other people in Toronto to experience our culture," he says.

With the hot food table, larger Colombian dishes such as Picada (Colombian BBQ) and Mazorcada (corn with marinated chicken and cheese) are available for purchase to dine in or take out and Prada encourages people to try them with the homemade sauces.

Soups are a staple dish for Colombians and Prada hopes after some time, they will be able to offer a rotating list of flavours. For now, try the chicken and potato soup titled "Death's Awaken" in English known as a cure for hangovers.

When summer returns to the city, Piragua will offer a picnic combo box perfect for enjoying in Trinity Bellwoods Park just across the street. With a mix of empanadas, cassava rolls, arepas and more, this is a perfect way to experience a bit of every flavour profile Piragua (and Colombia) has to offer.

Colombia is well-known for its delicious coffee so of course the menu offers an assortment of hot and cold creations, such as the Latte Dulce de Leche (sweet milk latte). Canelazo is another famous Colombian drink traditionally made with sugar cane, cinnamon, anise and alcohol. The version offered at Piragua is alcohol-free so all can enjoy the flavour profile of this popular drink. Colombian coffee is also available for purchase by the bag.

Aside from the fresh food and drinks, the space also serves as a store for Colombian and other Latin American products and ingredients for purchase. Items such as corn flour, guava filling, potatoes and banana leaves are for sale for anyone willing to attempt Colombian recipes at home. If cooking isn’t the intent, Piragua also offers premade foods such as arepas, empanadas, desserts and sauces to buy. The store also features some imported drinks and snacks that are popular in the country.

One wall in the store features artwork and handmade items from Colombian artists. Prada explains he wants Piragua to be a place not only for those of Colombian descent to gather and feel a sense of home, but also for Torontonians of all backgrounds and cultures to experience the diversity the country has to offer.

“Colombia is a big country with many different regions… I want to be able to show it to people all in one place,” says Prada.

Prada has big dreams for the future of the store. He plans to provide cooking and dance classes as well as organize group trips to different regions of Colombia. He hopes the store will be a landmark for people to have a deep Colombian cultural experience in the heart of Toronto.