The best way to learn more about other countries, cultures, and people is usually through travel.

However, during times when travel is not possible, you can still experience the one thing that ties us all together: food.

As you dream of the majestic blue seas that surround Santorini or scroll through TripAdvisor for reviews of the best places to visit in Mexico, you can also explore the flavours of some of the most beloved, and sought-after, destinations in the world by visiting one of FCPEX’s 40+ restaurants and quick-eats locations. We’ve highlighted 7 countries you can taste without the travel, right here at FCPEX.

Japan

Step into the Land of the Rising Sun when you order lunch from Sushi Shop. Their progressive approach to sushi, before it was a trend, pays homage to the artisanal beauty of traditional sushi, while combining sushi with other global cuisines and flavour profiles. In the 18 years since they opened their first location in Montreal, they have ensured to provide a wildly unique experience that appeals to sushi fanatics and newbies alike. With an extensive assortment of freshly made grab-and-go rolls and sashimi like the Black Mamba maki, appetizers and salads like seaweed salad and edamame, assortment of spring maki, tartare, bento boxes, and more, pre-plan your trip by looking at their menu for maximum Ikigai.

Greece

Jimmy Antonopoulos immigrated to Canada from Nafplio, Greece back in 1963. After delighting First Canadian Place diners with his Epikourion restaurant decades ago, he spun that success into national franchise Jimmy the Greek. From classic souvlaki dinners featuring grilled chicken and pork skewers that have been marinated and seasoned for 24 hours to the flaky spinach cheese pies, mouth-watering Moussaka, and freshly prepared Greek salad, the only part of the Mediterranean you’d be missing is the Aegean Sea. Check out their menu here.

Thailand

Renowned for their pristine beaches and world-famous dishes, like the national dish Pad Thai, Thailand is no stranger to welcoming millions of tourists a year. Thai cuisine is exciting, bursting with flavour and frequently chosen as the go-to option when it comes to dining on the go – a not-so-rare experience at FCPEX. When you visit Thai Island, located inside Exchange Tower’s Food Exchange, you can expect delicious Thai food that is made to order that day. From their large selection of Pad Thai – house, chicken, shrimp, or tofu – to signature dishes like their Pad Gra Prow and warm noodle soup bowls, all that would be left from making it a truly authentic Thai food experience would be a cold Singha on the beach in Ko Samui.

France

Maman, a neighborhood café-style French bistro and pastry shop opened its first Canadian location in Toronto in 2016—and ever since then, every visit makes you feel like you are exploring the south of France. Stepping into Maman, you’ll be greeted by the scent of delicious baked goods, like their almond croissant and famous nutty chocolate chip cookie, rustic Provençal décor at every turn, and the aroma and comfort of cuisines inspired by the founder’s family traditions. After all, maman means “mother” in French. This Fall, pair their classic Quiche + Salad combo or apple tart with a Citrus Spiced Coffee, Caramel Apple Butter latte, or Pumpkin Spice latte. Find a complete list of items and drinks here.

India

Since opening at First Canadian Place, Junoon by Amaya has been delighting Toronto diners with the flavourful dishes of India by using classic Indian cooking methods. While cooking Indian food takes precision, fresh spices and ingredients, and patience to cook curries, tandoori, and biryani for hours on end, so that the distinct flavour profiles and aromas can be released exquisitely, Junoon’s customers can expect restaurant-quality food in a conveniently fast-food environment. Travel the expanse of India to try different regional dishes from Butter Chicken, to samosas and biryani, to exotic vegetable dishes like the Channa Masala and Dal Makhani.

Mexico

"Do a few things but do them really well" is the philosophy behind z-teca, the California-style fast-casual gourmet burrito spot borne from two Canadian entrepreneurs' quest to do things differently. When in Mexico, you’ll find that street vendors and restaurants share the same sentiment in the way that they cook as well: no gimmicks, just wholesome ingredients, and simple cooking techniques. That culinary promise delivered recipes created from scratch, with ingredients that were easily recognizable – and most importantly – creating food that they would happily feed to their own families. Browse their offerings with our online menu of items.

China

A world of wonder awaits you when you visit Szechuan Express in the FCP Food Terrace. Since 1991, they have been a destination for classic and contemporary Asian cuisine. When eating at Szechuan Express, you can experience the tastes of popular Chinese regions like Sichuan, Hunan, and Guangdong through fan-favourite dishes. Mix and match their popular dishes, like the Szechuan Chicken, Crispy Ginger Beef, and Cantonese Chow Mein, and savour that tastes of China’s most popular destinations.

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