TikTok Made Me Buy It—And Love It: Maxwell Lebeuf Shares Top Gifts & 2025 Standouts

With holiday shopping officially underway, we’re tapping into the people, like food creator, Toronto gems expert and flavour-first storyteller Maxwell Lebeuf, who influence our carts the most—TikTok creators. From Canadian-made beauty and lifestyle finds to the restaurants and products that defined their year, this Q&A series spotlights the gifts they’re giving, the brands they’re backing, and the standout moments that earned a spot on their personal “2025 wrapped.” Consider this your shortcut to what’s actually worth buying right now. —Noa Nichol

@mukbangmaxwell

Swaagat (36 King St E) #mukbang #asmr #eatingshow

♬ original sound – Mukbang Maxwell

This holiday season, people are gifting experiences as much as items. What makes a truly great “foodie experience gift,” and which of your Toronto picks fit the bill?

I don’t think there’s a “foodie experience gift” that you can manufacture or buy.  Like, make a cake and have your neighbors over for some nog, see what the food bank needs and go on a family grocery trip, or bring some special homemade treats to the baristas at your daily coffee stop. Save the Michelin restaurant for a Hallmark Holiday like Valentine’s Day, or a special occasion. I know it sounds a little lame, but the best “foodie gift experience” is time with your favourite people and having too many hands in the kitchen trying to make dinner. Of course it’s stressful and annoying but that’s love.

You highlighted spots like Hacienda Las Americas and Takoyaki6ix—what made these family-run and hyper-authentic eateries stand out as gift-worthy discoveries?

Each of the spots I’ve highlighted are operated by the owners and eating at any of them feels very personal. They cook because food is their love language and because it’s their contribution to making the world a better place. When I think about Hacienda las Americas I always think of the baby and the crib. As if the carnitas were carefully coddled, and my stew was lulled to a simmer with a latin lullaby. Maybe I just miss my family. Maybe I just need a hug… but if I can get that feeling in a restaurant then that’s a real gift.

For someone giving the gift of an unforgettable meal, what dishes from your favourite spots feel most “holiday-special”?

I immediately think of Takoyaki6ix. You see my Uhr Oma, she was very poor, and she would gift these gorgeous handwoven handkerchiefs, and if you’ve ever watched Takoyaki be made in the traditional way, each little octopus ball requires its own attention and delicate care, it’s like watching someone weave a beautiful pattern by hand. There’s an inherent exchange of energy, and a very wholesome feeling when you grab the cardboard box from the bottom and it warms your hands.

Many people want to shop local this year. How do Toronto’s small restaurants embody the spirit of meaningful, community-minded gifting?

I’m coming up on 10 years in Kensington Market this summer and I’ve seen many beloved restaurants and shops come and go, and experienced how those changes can affect the whole neighborhood. These mom-and-pop shops are passion projects and bring life to our communities, not only with their food, but with their distinct charm. I don’t think in making my recommendations I had quite considered “gifting” quite so literally so I do feel like I’ve been reaching with these answers.. but yeah, supporting local is great because it strengthens our communities and that’s a gift in itself.

What’s a memorable food-related gift you’ve received—or given—that inspires how you choose your holiday picks today?

As someone who didn’t grow up in Toronto, I’ve always enjoyed bringing locally made goods home for my friends and family. In a way I get to share my city and my experience living in a far away land back to Edmonton. A lot of restaurants sell their unique hot sauces or jams or what-have-yous, and I think it’s a great way to say “hey, even though you’re X kilometers away let’s go for some hot wings or breakfast together”. If that makes sense.

Top dining picks:

• Hacienda Las Americas (424 College Street): A very low-key family run Mexican restaurant that feels like home. It’s the kind of place where you’ll mostly hear Spanish being spoken – a sure sign the food is authentic. I typically order taco ahogados, fried corn tortillas filled with potatoes and beans, and topped with carnitas, lettuce and crema, with a Mexican Coke as my drink of choice. The Tripa and Menudo are also noteworthy!
• Takoyaki6ix (160 Baldwin Street): A tiny little spot, with only a couple seats, in Kensington Market which offers something that, in my experience, is pretty singular in Toronto… fresh made takoyaki. Unlike ramen stores which sell deep fried versions, Takoyaki6ix offers an authentic experience, rolled in a specialty cast iron pan. I have never been to Japan myself, but I have it on good authority that this is about as good as it gets outside of Osaka.
• Chef Harwash (707 Dundas St. W): My go-to shawarma spot in Toronto is Chef Harwash at Market 707 on Dundas. The beef kebab wrapped in saj is my favourite—perfectly spiced beef with fresh veggies, pomegranate molasses, and tahini. Chef Harwash, originally from Syria, brings his vibrant personality and passion for food to every dish, making you feel his genuine love for feeding people.