Cathy MerrittWhile I’m not Muslim, I appreciate halal food a lot as a foodie. Many of the restaurants I love in the city are certified by the Halal Monitoring Authority. So I thought why not go on a food crawl to find more of them?
I consulted my fellow foodies who are Muslim to point me in the right direction, and wow, they’ve truly delivered! Here are my faves so far.
NAAN KABOB
Address: 691 Yonge St
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—11 am to 11 pm
- Friday and Saturday—11 am to 12 am
Contact Number: +14169726623
What I like about NAAN KABOB is that it has such a lovely, relaxing interior. The plants inside make me feel like I’m tucked away in a little green paradise!
Of course, it’s the food that’s converted into a loyal patron. My go-to order includes fattoush salad (to get my nutrients for the day) and the Qabli lamb shank (so juicy and tender, and the Qabli rice is fluffy and topped with sauteed carrots and sweet raisins).
For dessert, I recommend trying the baklava. It’s a classic Middle Eastern dessert made with a sweet and buttery filo pastry and filled with nuts! It sounds so simple, so it’s really so addictive.
| Pro Tip: Planning a special event with loved ones? You can book their catering services. |
Habibz Corner
Address: 578 Queen St W
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—12 to 6 am, 11 am to 12 am
Contact Number: +16473290669
Habibz Corner is a casual dining spot with several locations in Toronto. My favorite is the one located downtown because it’s the nearest to my office.
I love getting the BBQ chicken on rice because it’s so hearty and delicious. The savory and sweet marinade really seeps into the meat, and the smokiness from the grill elevates the dish. Plus, it’s served with a salad to make your meal extra healthy.
If I’m in a hurry, I usually order the roast beef sandwich. The roast beef slices are tender and well-seasoned, and the layer of real Canadian cheddar cheese adds a sharp savoriness to the sandwich.
| Pro Tip: If you’re dining with other people, take advantage of the Family Special Platter. This platter has several sandwiches and side dishes. |
Paramount Fine Foods
Address: 253 Yonge St
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14163663600
Paramount Fine Foods is all about bringing the best of Lebanese and other Middle Eastern cuisines to the Toronto crowd. They also want to make sure you’ll be dining in the best atmosphere, hence why the interior is decked with elegant decor.
One of the fan favorites (and mine as well) is the Saj Tabliyeh Chicken. It’s essentially a shawarma sandwich with generously seasoned chicken, garlic sauce, and tangy pickles! Every bite is an explosion of flavor.
If you have a sweet tooth like me, be sure to try the Lebanese kinafe. This dessert is made with shredded vermicelli filled with sweet cheese, and then it’s glazed with sweet rose blossom syrup. Such a sugary indulgence!
| Pro Tip: If you want to cook your own halal meal at home, you can buy halal meat from the restaurant’s butcher shop. There are two locations so far: one in Richmond Hill and another in Heritage Hills. |
Charcoal Biryani
Address: Food Court, Commerce Court, 199 Bay St.
Operating Hours:
- Monday—8:30 am to 4:30 pm
- Tuesday to Thursday—8:30 am to 6 pm
- Friday—8:30 am to 4 pm
Contact Number: +16472941006
If you’re looking for an affordable halal spot, Charcoal Biryani is worth checking out.
What I like about this spot is that the meat definitely has a pronounced smoky flavor from the grill. The well-seasoned marinade is also noticeable in the chicken, so every bite is a symphony of savory and sweet notes.
Aside from wraps, this spot offers biryani and kebabs. These are perfect if you want something more filling for your meal.
| Pro Tip: This shop attracts long queues. If you don’t want to spend more than 40 minutes waiting for your turn, I recommend coming here earlier (maybe around as the shop opens). |
Almadina Bistro
Address: 10 Edward St 2nd Floor
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—12 to 6:30 am, 11:30 am to 12 am
Contact Number: +14165461113
Afghani cuisine is hard to find in Toronto, but thankfully, I discovered Almadina Bistro! This family-owned restaurant brings the vibrant flavors of Afghanistan to the West.
I really like the burgers here. My favorite thing to order is the Meaty Burger, which has a juicy Angus beef patty and beef bacon. The cheddar cheese adds a sharp tangy flavor that makes every bite even more delicious.
Sometimes, I order pizza here as well. I love the deluxe flavor because it has pepperoni, green peppers, and mushrooms—my favorite toppings.
| Pro Tip: Feel free to make your own burger! You can choose your own toppings and sauces. |
Chinese Halal Restaurant
Address: 101 Ravel Rd, North York
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11:30 am to 9:30 pm
Contact Number: +14164989800
Craving Chinese cuisine? You can enjoy halal Chinese dishes at Chinese Halal Restaurant!
The Mongolian-style roast rabbit is the standout dish for me. I know eating rabbits may sound weird to the uninitiated, but it’s actually delicious! It tastes like chicken meat, and the rabbit dish here has a smoky-sweet flavor that I can’t get enough of.
I also love the lamb leg dish here. The meat is so tender, and I love that it has a side of spices so I can adjust the heat of the dish.
| Pro Tip: This restaurant isn’t fooling around with the spice levels. If the menu says that something is spicy, take it seriously! |
Magical Taste of China
Address: 476 Dundas St W
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 12 am
Contact Number: +16473488966
Another great halal spot for people craving Chinese cuisine is Magical Taste of China. This restaurant chain is pretty popular in Toronto, with many locations within the city. My go-to location is the one located in Chinatown.
I recommend trying the Szechuan pepper chili bone-in chicken. Every chicken piece is spicy and peppery, so this dish isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s also served with naan, which helps quell all that spice.
Of course, I can’t pass up the opportunity to indulge in my favorite dim sum items. So far, my favorites are the lamb and dill dumplings, fried shrimp rolls, and the sesame pancake with sliced beef.
For my meal ender, I typically go for the glutinous rice cake. The brown sugar syrup is so addicting, and I love the cake’s chewy texture.
| Pro Tip: The portion sizes are generous here, so don’t order too much. Better yet, bring a friend or two to share your meals! |
Kroran Uyghur Cuisine
Address: 1515 Birchmount Rd Unit 6, Scarborough
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday—5 to 10 pm
- Saturday—1 to 10 pm
- Sunday—1 to 9 pm
Contact Number: +14165514010
Have you ever tried Uyghur cuisine? Well, now you can, thanks to Kroran Uyghur Cuisine, a halal restaurant in Scarborough.
My ultimate recommendation is the Kroran Lengmen, which is a traditionally hand-pulled noodle dish topped with stir-fried lamb and veggies. The noodles are perfectly chewy, and the lamb pieces are tender and savory.
Another one that I really like is the Uyghur Chicken, which is an aromatic stew with hand-pulled flat noodles, soft potatoes, and delicious chicken.
| Pro Tip: When it’s cold outside, I recommend avoiding sitting close to the door. This is because you’ll definitely feel the wintry draft every time someone comes inside. |
The Halal Guys
Address: 563 Yonge St
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—11 am to 12 am
- Friday and Saturday—11 am to 2 am
Contact Number: +14169011011
The Halal Guys started out as a humble hot dog cart in New York City in 1990, but now it’s become one of the most popular food trucks in Toronto. In fact, you can find them everywhere!
My favorite dish has to be the chicken platter, which is piled high with chicken, rice, and vegetables. The white sauce makes everything extra savory, and every time I finish this dish, I’m itching to get another round.
When I don’t have time to sit down and eat my meal, I like to get a gyro sandwich. I love the combo sandwich because I get to choose the meat filling (both chicken and beef), and the vegetables add a nice crunch and freshness to the sandwich.
| Pro Tip: Looking for a caterer for your event? You can hire The Halal Guys! |
Cluck Clucks Chicken and Waffles
Address: 222 The Esplanade
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—11 am to 10 pm
- Friday and Saturday—11 am to 12 am
Contact Number: +16477482582
I love chicken and waffles, so when I heard there’s a chicken and waffle shop that’s halal, I made sure to check it out as soon as possible. And I’m happy to say that Cluck Clucks hasn’t disappointed me yet!
My favorite thing to order here is Mother Clucker (gotta love that punny name), which features three pieces of fried chicken and a jalapeño cheddar waffle. This dish is so indulgent, and I always feel bad for my heart afterward (but not too bad)!
I also love the waffle sandwiches sold here. In particular, I recommend Hot as Cluck (another great name). The boneless chicken breast is so spicy, and the mayo pickles add a nice tanginess to the sandwich.
| Pro Tip: They also offer catering services for birthdays and other special events. |
Ghadir Fish and Restaurant
Address: 1848 Lawrence Ave E, Scarborough
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—8 am to 12 am
- Friday and Saturday—8 am to 2 am
Contact Number: +14167507404
What I love about Ghadir Fish and Restaurant is that it really sticks to the nautical theme. The interior design has a lot of focus on the color blue, making you feel like you’re drifting in the ocean.
Salmon filet is probably my most ordered dish because the salmon tastes buttery and charred. It also has mixed vegetables, baked potato, and rice, making it a very filling meal.
I also love the classic fish and chips. The lemon wedges add a nice zing to the breaded fish, and of course, the tartar sauce adds a new layer of rich, savory flavors.
| Pro Tip: This spot also serves as a fish market. Check what seafood they have available. |
Azkadenya Restaurant
Address: 235 Queen St W
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11:30 am to 9:30 pm
Contact Number: +14162605555
Azkadenya Restaurant celebrates the tradition of Middle Eastern cuisine, but this time, with a modern twist. It also boasts a cozy yet elegant atmosphere, making it a great spot for date nights or celebratory dinners.
I enjoy getting the platter meals. In particular, I love the Jerusalem Street Style, which is jam-packed with spiced rice, chicken and beef shawarma, hummus, shepherd’s salad, and pita bread. Because of this, I feel full and satisfied afterward.
| Pro Tip: This restaurant doesn’t take reservations, so be sure to come early and avoid peak hours to secure your spot! |
Amal Toronto
Address: 131 Bloor St W 2nd Floor
Operating Hours:
- Monday—5 to 10 pm
- Tuesday and Wednesday—11:30 am to 10 pm
- Thursday and Friday—11:30 am to 11 pm
- Saturday—10:30 am to 11 pm
- Sunday—10:30 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14165519929
At Amal, you’ll be able to experience the delicious Lebanese cuisine in a very plush setting. That’s why this is my go-to spot when I want to go on a fancy date.
I like to start with tabbouleh salad, which tastes minty and tangy. Then, for the main dish, I order the beef tenderloin, which is so succulent and well-marinated. The sumac makes the dish even tangier and a bit citrusy.
Be sure to try any of the cocktails as well! I recommend the Turkish Coffee Martini because it has chocolate and coffee flavors. It almost tastes like a dessert instead of an alcoholic drink.
| Pro Tip: To secure your seat, book a reservation here. |
