Sanko Trading Co. — Local services in Toronto

Sanko is truly such a gem. I stopped inside on a whim as I was passing by and was absolutely thrilled by the wide assortment of Japanese imports! They had so much to offer, ranging from chopsticks and utensils, tea sets, mugs, plates and dinnerware, small home trinkets, decor, kitchenware, as well as as a small but lovely assortment of fine teas (and even a grocery area with both commercial and home made foods)! I was absolutely in love with two of their beautiful pink tea sets, and if I hadn’t been travelling with limited space, I would have bought one of them in a heartbeat. As for what I did buy, the shop owners were very kind and helpful when I was attempting to pick out the right sencha green tea blend as a gift for my wife. They offer paper bags with hand drawn calligraphy on them for a very cheap cost, and I noticed that they took the care to choose a bag with the written kanji for “heart” after knowing to whom the gift was for, even though I didn’t request it. It was only a little gesture, but I was genuinely really touched by that and I wanted to mention it. Next time I visit Toronto, I am going to leave space in my suitcase specifically so I can return to Sanko again and buy so much...

Sanko, a true testament to the saying "old is gold," has been a beloved fixture in Toronto's Japanese community since 1968. This quaint little store, owned by the ever-friendly William, is a treasure trove for anyone seeking authentic Japanese ingredients and a warm, nostalgic experience.

From the moment you step inside, you're transported to a little piece of Japan. The shelves are lined with a dizzying array of spices, sauces, snacks, and kitchenware. And let's not forget the mouthwatering onigiri, freshly made and ready to satisfy your cravings.

William's warm and welcoming demeanor adds to the charm of Sanko. He's always ready with a friendly smile and helpful advice, making every visit a delightful experience. Whether you're a seasoned Japanese cook or a curious newcomer, you're sure to find something to pique your interest.

So, the next time you're craving a taste of Japan, head over to Sanko. It's a place where tradition meets modernity, and every visit is a...

The onigiris have embarrassingly small portions of filling. There’s so little meat filling, they don’t even try to put the filling inside the onigiri. It’s just a small bit of meat slapped on the side of a rice ball. And even the rice ball (which is the cheapest part) is smaller than any place I’ve ever been to in my life. I’ve eaten real onigiri in Japan and I’ve been to many onigiri spots in Canada.

If you’re looking for a niche Japanese product and are having trouble finding it you can probably find it here. However, everything is overpriced and the handmade items are subpar and small. The only thing this store offers is a convenient central location and access to niche products. If you have a little more time to drive, you can find x5 the product selection in Markham or Scarborough for a fraction...