T & T Bakery And Cafe — Restaurant in Markham

Yes... this is a Bakery... And no... it's not a Chinese Supermarket.

Now that's out of the way, let chat about T&T Bakery. From what I understand, this place is the OG of Main Street Markham North. Decades old and maker of some good eats.

I only noticed this place as it was next to a popular pastry place that opened last year. Been through the area but I never really had the urge to run inside. What made me go in? Well Social Media... they decided to put up an Instagram Page! Et Voila!!! And that's how Social Media works!

What caught my eye was their Meat Pies. Lord knows I live a pie... or three! :D

Beef and Turkey pie for $2.50 each! What... seriously? I must try! And you know what!?! I DID!

Walking in, it was a bit in disarray - then again, we are in lockdown and most places have been doing what they can to keep the doors open. Where I could imagine tables of people enjoying lunch and perhaps coffee and a scone; were empty chairs and a couple of staff waiting on customers. None of that matters though, this little bakery is making the best of it by serving walk in customers both new and existing. Decades of solid business in the area means loyal and happy food munchings.

Now.. I came for PIE! I got 6 of them - 3 Beef, 3 Turkey. These are your standard meat pie tin sized and not those large ones from places like The Pie Commission.

As I was taking out (no choice - damn you lockdown!!!!), the pies were not heated and ready to eat. I just popped them in the toaster oven and to really enjoy them, I made some gravy. Who doesn't like a little gravy... teeheehee!

Overall, I enjoyed the pies. Like the beef over the turkey one. Filling was good and the crust was a bit crunchy (maybe I should ask for heating instructions next time - duh!). It's not as savoury as other places, but it does hit the spot.

I was told by others that they have some great sandwiches and burgers too! Something for consider if you happen to be in the area.

As I've been saying in my reviews, please do support local businesses. Those chain places don't need our support like our small biz do.

BTW - the excuse that you are in a rush and need a drive-thru... Really? Don't we have a little too much of a spare tire? A little too much junk in the trunk? Aren't we all card carrying members of the Covid-19lbs club?!! How about getting out of the car and going for a walk! Get some takeout while you are out!...

I was told to never come back by the owner of T&T Bakery because I asked for a receipt with the items listed...basically a hand written one since their old cash register only gave receipts with numbers and I needed an itemized receipt for expenses purpose. The lady who sold me the item said it was no problem but then she forgot. When I went back to ask for the receipt this man who made it clear that HE WAS THE OWNER, told me they don’t do that. I explained that they have had it done before along with my reason for asking, plus the lady said it was fine. He then told me “I’m the owner here and this is the last time you are coming here. You can go somewhere else.” I was speechless and embarrassed as my boss who travelled from New Jersey was working with me and witnessed the entire thing. My boss stepped in and just said forget it, we will go somewhere else. I was embrassed because I live in Markham myself and this was the first impression we left for a visitor from outside Canada. I had to reassure my boss that we are not like that! Maybe the guy was having a bad day but to flat out tell your customer to not come back because I politely asked for a written receipt was just unthinkable. Rude is it even the right word. How does this place survive in this day and age with that type of service is beyond me. I haven’t even gotten into the fact that it’s dirty and hot as hell in there (saving on AC?) I don’t care if you have the best pastries on earth I would never return to this awful place. Good luck T&T bakery and I hope the owner will seek therapy for his...

Let me start by saying this place is a true gem!

The Instagram crowd won't find a lot to focus on, nothing that's going to make a million followers ❤️ a post; but there's something much more here than meets the eye. In fact, it's the opposite of image, it's honest.

The food here is good, really good, better than you have any expectation for it to be. It's obviously a family-run business, that serves loyal customers with warm smiles and friendly banter. There are a collection of baked goods which seem to rotate availability, and every menu written on erasable boards, a sure sign of a dynamic and well-loved lunch spot.

When I say the food is good, that's an understatement. This is food like a fond memory, when you think back to the best sandwich you've ever had, or breakfast your grandmother might prepare. This was exactly the experience my group had. It was less that we were dining in the moment, but redefining what good and simple food is. I write this knowing full well that a certain crowd of kale munching, artisanal, single batch foodies will find plenty to critique - but I think of the friends I've known in the restaurant business and this is the kind of place they would love. No pretension, no arrogance, just good simple food elevated by experience, tradition, and care.

Cannot recommend this...