Ramadan might be around the corner, but who says you can’t eat out for Iftar (the breaking of the fast) once in a while? Toronto and its surrounding areas are known for their wide range of diverse food options. Thankfully, it’s really not that hard to find a quality restaurant that offers a robust halal menu. Whether it’s during Ramadan, for an Eid celebration, or just a year-round option, let’s break down our top 10.
Related: Here’s How Canadian Muslim Women Celebrated Ramadan
Backyard Smokehouse BBQ
Address: 264 Dupont St, Toronto, ON
Gone are the days of thinking a full-out barbeque meal with brisket, shanks, ribs and sausage could only be served in a non-halal selection. Backyard Smokehouse offers the authentic “smoked” experience, with large portions of everything you’d hope to see at a summer cookout.
East Tea Can
Address: 3115 Winston Churchill Blvd, Mississauga, ON
East Tea Can is one of our all-time favourites for so many reasons. When you enter, you’re greeted with a gorgeous dining area — bright and colourful, with decorative accents to really drive home the Middle Eastern theme that matches the menu offerings. After many visits, we have yet to encounter a dish that we don’t love. Their dips are fresh and flavourful — the brisket hummus is one of the best we’ve ever had — and their sharable grill platters come with a variety meats and sides, perfect for those who are indecisive and want to try everything!
Related: Get Ready for Ramadan With These Scrumptious Make-Ahead Recipes
Eddie’s Wok ‘n’ Roll
Address: 6400 Millcreek Dr #6, Mississauga, ON
If you’re from the Mississauga area, you might have fond memories of Eddie’s Wok ‘n’ Roll as one of the best halal joints around. Growing up, every family birthday or special occasion was celebrated at this restaurant, and for good reason, too — affordable, perfectly seasoned and cooked food every time, Eddie’s undoubtedly has one of the most underrated Hakka Chinese menus in the Greater Toronto Area.
Image credit: @letssprint
Haze Lounge
Address: 4230 Sherwoodtowne Blvd #100, Mississauga, ON
You can find the brunch of your dreams on weekends at Haze Lounge. With a selection of the fluffiest Lotus Biscoff Pancakes, the most savoury Nashville Hot Chicken Benedict and so much more, choosing just one entrée is always a difficult decision.
India’s Taste
Address: 900 Ray Lawson Blvd #16, Brampton, ON
If you can never decide which South Asian dish you want to go with, fear not because at India’s Taste, you can have them all. Their extensive all-you-can-eat buffet ranges across the most popular dishes of the region, including butter chicken, shahi paneer, tandoori chicken, chana masala, biryani… the list truly goes on. Be warned, you’re going to leave here absolutely stuffed.
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Laari Adda
Address: 3030 Thomas St, Mississauga
The perfect spot to split those late-night eats with your friends, Laari Adda serves up Pakistani street style food in a modern, artful setting. Have an iconic gol gappa eating contest (just like in the movies) with their Gol Gappay Shots or catch up over a plate of their Tangy Garlic Fries.
Laylak
Address: 25 Toronto St, Toronto, ON
If you’re looking for an outing for a special occasion, Laylak is the way to go. With their photo-worthy curated interiors and beautifully plated meals, they offer a luxurious feeling Lebanese dining experience.
Masrawy
Address: 2275 Britannia Rd W #1, Mississauga, ON
Popular for both dine-in and catering, Masrawy has something for everyone. They offer authentic Egyptian dishes including Mussaka, Koshary, Hawaoshi and their speciality, the Masrawy Fusion, loaded with rice, fries, chicken, garlic aioli, carrots and cranberries.
Image credit: @photosbymanal
Matari Coffee
Address: 3465 Platinum Dr #97, Mississauga, ON
Matari Coffee offers the opportunity to step outside of your “coffee comfort zone” by specializing in Yemeni coffee. Their Mofawar is a fan-favourite, made with cardamom and cream, and their Matari Tea made with Himalayan pink salt might remind some of Kashmiri chai!
Image credit: @holyshakecafe
T.O. Kathi Roll
Address: Multiple locations across Ontario
Sister brand of the popular “Holy Shakes” franchise, Kathi Roll Eatery offers modern fusions of popular Indian street foods, like The Bombay Frankie, Punjabi Tacos and Masala Fries. Their Butter Chicken Mac n Cheese has to be one of our all-time favourite dishes.
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