Toronto has been voted the most diverse city in the world. So, it should come as no surprise that it has some truly delicious halal food. Whether you’re craving Thai, Pakistani, or good ol’ fashioned burgers, the city’s 158 neighborhoods offer no shortage of options.

But, how to choose? 

Don’t worry, we’ve compiled a list of restaurants that won't disappoint. Toronto natives and visitors– add these spots to your summer menu.

Best Halal Spots In Toronto

Mr. Pide

📍800 Danforth Ave 

Pide is a Turkish flatbread (sometimes called “Turkish pizza”). This lunch and dinner favorite is boat-shaped and open-faced, with only the edges sealed to form a crust. It’s made with a variety of fillings, like ground beef and spinach. 

Give it a try at Mr. Pide in Riverdale. They have a range of halal foods, from salads to baklava, but pide is the main event. Go for a classic with the Lahmacun (ground beef blended with garlic, onions, tomatoes, parsley, and herbs on thin crust dough), or go vegetarian with Ispanakli Beyaz Peynirli (spinach and feta cheese on a thin crust dough).

Pro tip: Pide is pronounced pee-dae. Okay, now you’re ready to order. 

 

Sukhothai

📍 490 Front St E

📍 52 Wellington St E

📍 1442 Dundas St W

Think halal food and Thai don’t go together? Think again. Sukhothai offers authentic, halal Thai cuisine. Like most good things, the restaurant was built on love. The couple who owns it met in Northern Thailand where they ran a successful restaurant before moving to Canada. In 2008, they opened their first Sukhothai location with a clear goal: Sharing the joy of real Thai food with more people.

Today, they serve up all your Thai favorites: From Pad Thai to Tom Yum. Or, try out a Northern Thai classic, Khao Soi (yellow noodles in a rich curry with your choice of halal meat). 

Thai-me to give it a try? 😂

 

Lahore Tikka House

📍 1465 Gerrard St E

It’s hard to miss this family-style Pakistani restaurant given that it was built to resemble a palace. Lahore Tikka House is by far the largest restaurant and event space in Little India. 

Behind the memorable spot is a truly Canadian success story. Sayani, a Ugandan immigrant of Pakistani descent, started the restaurant in 1996 with a few tables and chairs. His efforts to create a community paid off– the restaurant became a popular hub for the local South Asian community.  

They serve traditional favorites– tandoori meats, kababs, and biryani– and Lahori street foods like Pani Puri (a crispy fried puff ball filled with chickpea, onions, spices, and flavored water).

Scotty Bons

📍 402 Bloor St W

📍 With other locations in Scarborough, Brampton, and Etobicoke

Named for one of the hottest peppers in the world, the scotch bonnet, this restaurant is the self-proclaimed Caribbean Chipotle. It was started by Kendall Garcia and his 3 close friends. The foursome was passionate about Caribbean food culture and wanted to share it with Torontonians.

They offer build your own rotis and roti bowls, with your choice of meat, vegetables, and sauces. Scotty Bons also serves sandwiches such as Jerk Chicken and Cajun Fish. Or try their loaded poutine with your choice of BBQ chicken, Jerk Shrimp, Goat Curry, and more– it’s a memorable twist on a Canadian favorite. 

BFF

📍106 John Street

📍 With two more locations in Ottawa

No list of Toronto’s halal eats would be complete without Burgers n’ Fries Forever (BFF). Home to the best halal burger in Toronto, BFF was founded in 2013 by Jamil Bhuya. He was inspired by the range of cuisines he sampled abroad and wanted to showcase different flavors through two universal favorites: burgers and fries. 

If you’re looking for an elevated classic, order one of their popular smash burgers: an AAA angus beef patty with toppings like caramelized onions, sauteed mushrooms, beef bacon, and fresh tomatoes. And, at BFF fries don’t play second fiddle to the burgers; they’re hand-cut, double-fried, and golden as that summer sunshine.

To experience unique flavors from around the world, order their latest spotlight Duo. For the past couple months, it has been The East Meets West Burger and Fries. Think: Donair meat, Turkish salad, garlic yogurt, and Halifax sweet sauce. Past duos include the Birria Duo and Crispy Hakka Chili Chicken Duo.

🍔 So, there you have it, the roadmap for your Halal Girl/Boy Summer of 2022. Whatever you’re hungry for, TO has an inclusive culinary scene that’ll fill up your belly and heart.

 

BFF isn’t your typical burger and fries joint. We’ve elevated these universal favorites by creating a safe space for everyone to enjoy them. Through quality ingredients and creative combos, we strive to be your (tastebuds’) BFF. 

Stop by one of our locations in Toronto or Ottawa. All are welcome!