Masa Deli, a humble sandwich shop best known for its loaded breakfast burritos, Latin-inspired tortas, and classic corned beef melts, has opened a new location in Toronto's Leslieville area. 

The original spot in Dovercourt Village became widely popular thanks to Toronto residents' never-ending search for the city's best breakfast sandwich. 

Whether you prefer your eggs gently folded on a perfectly toasted English muffin with pickles and house-made salsa or layered with corned beef brisket and a crispy hash brown, Masa Deli's all-day breakfast handhelds are nothing short of epic.

"Masa Deli draws its inspiration from a blend of classic American breakfasts and South American flavours, all grounded in a commitment to quality food and genuine service," shared industry vet and owner Reza Azucena. "I like to think of it as maybe the first-ever Latin deli—at least in Toronto."

Paying homage to Azucena's Salvadoran roots, the menu features a vibrant lineup of Latin ingredients and flavours, from smoky chorizo and pickled jalapeños to mildly sweet corn crema and slow-cooked spiced barbacoa.

Other dishes are inspired by personal food memories.

The Corned Beef Hash ($13.50) is one of the most popular and indulgent items, featuring corned beef brisket, a tallow-fried hash brown, fluffy omelette, American cheese, aioli, salsa, and pickles, all stacked on a soft roll. 

The ultimate savoury combo with a drool-worthy cross-section, it was inspired by a sando Azucena once had at a mom-and-pop shop in Brooklyn while visiting family.

Another not-to-be-missed Masa Deli signature is the Chorizo Breakfast Burrito ($13.50). Cheesy, creamy chive-scrambled eggs meet crumbled chicken chorizo, black beans, a crispy hash brown, guacamole, corn crema, and pickled jalapeños. Wrapped together in a soft flour tortilla, it makes for a textural marvel of a burrito. On the side is a mildly spiced salsa.

The combo is ridiculously good, so much so that I'm already planning my return visit. 

To drink, there's simple, no-fuss drip coffee ($3), black tea ($3), and a range of espresso-based beverages alongside Mexican cola ($4), horchata ($4.75), and specialty sodas.

The light and bubbly Sweet Grass ($4.67) from Wildside Soda Company combines carbonated water with a simple syrup infused with Indigenous herbs.

And while much of the buzz centers around Masa's all-day breakfast menu, there are equally delicious lunch offerings available after 11 a.m.

The Torta Milanesa ($15) is a tender breaded chicken cutlet on a traditional telera roll layered with Swiss cheese, guacamole, refried beans, sliced tomato, pickled jalapeños, chopped lettuce, salsa, and aioli. 

"The Torta de Milanesa is based on a classic dinner my mom used to make: breaded chicken with rice and veg," shared Azucena. "I just took that memory and turned it into a sandwich." 

Having had my fair share of chicken Milanese, I can say this torta hits all the marks: crispy and crunchy, with a generous amount of creaminess from the guacamole and refried beans, it's a pure comfort sandwich. 

The Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage Bun ($12) is smoky and savoury, topped with a tangy helping of curtido, a Salvadoran cabbage slaw. Somewhere between your typical coleslaw and a fermented sauerkraut, it offers a hit of brightness, acidity, and crunch.

The east end spot mirrors the minimalist charm of the original Dovercourt location, with a nostalgic small-town diner feel reimagined for the city. 

Outfitted with warm wood accents, floor-mounted stools, walnut banquettes, and an illuminated menu board, it's a cozy space to enjoy a nap-inducing sandwich or two. 

Masa Deli Leslieville is located at 954 Queen Street East.