While eating halal can be a challenge in some Canadian cities where the Muslim population is small, the only challenge Muslims in the Greater Toronto Area face is choosing between a myriad of delicious options.
Halal food, or food which follows Islamic Law and is permissible for Muslims to eat, is widely available in the GTA, thanks to the diverse population.
With the holy month of Ramadan approaching, during which Muslims fast between sunrise and sunset, many halal restaurants see an influx of diners at the end of the day. Muslims who go out to restaurants to break their fasts will often have very specific requirements.
Aside from halal food options, some Muslims will look for restaurants with designated prayer areas and/or close proximity to a mosque so they can perform their evening prayers. Although most restaurants have halal options (generally vegetarian and seafood dishes), some Muslims choose not to eat at restaurants where alcohol is served.
Alcohol, pork and its by-products, blood, carnivorous animals, and animals slaughtered without a prayer, are some of the major dietary restrictions that are considered haram, or forbidden. Restaurants that are certified halal by religious organizations, such as the ISNA Halal Certification Agency, will generally have to abstain from using any of these products.
And far from being confined to kabobs and shwarma, halal food comes in varieties from Italian to Chinese. Whether it's in a small family-owned restaurant or a larger franchise, halal restaurants get a lot of love from Muslims (not to mention those who just love food!) who need their occasional steak and burger.
Here are some much-loved halal food establishments in the GTA that absolutely anyone would adore:
Best Halal Food in the Greater Toronto Area
Where: Multiple locations (Mississauga & Pickering)
Type of food: Italian
Words of praise: “As far as the food is concerned, Affy's has the best halal steaks in Toronto by far. I've been there a number of times and have never been disappointed with the food.” - Yelp
Alcohol Served: No
Where: 5130 Dixie Rd., Mississauga
Type of food: Diner
Words of praise: "Ground beef is fresh and is pressed on the griddle, fries are hand cut. So when you get your meal, the fries are hot and somewhat limp the way hand cut fries should be, burger takes a while to make but when you get it, hot and juicy." - Yelp
Alcohol Served: No
Where: 1966 Queen St. E., Toronto
Type of food: Indian
Words of praise: "This is the BEST Indian food I have ever had! It is so addictive though!" - Yelp
Alcohol Served: No
Where: 25 Woodbine Downs Blvd #5, Toronto
Type of food: North American
Words of praise: "I had the juiciest NY filet mignon steak at Crave Grill yesterday. Its authentic, tender, melt in the mouth texture with a delectable black peppercorn sauce on the side, baked potato and a generous serving of steamed vegetables, is the BEST kept secret in town!!" - Google Reviews
Alcohol Served: No
Where: Multiple locations in Rexdale area
Type of food: Hakka Chinese
Words of praise: “Great food and really good prices. Chili chicken is one of the best in the GTA and the owners are super friendly. Highly recommended.” - Urbanspoon
Alcohol Served: Yes
Where: Multiple locations (Mississauga, Brampton, Scarborough)
Type of food: Pakistani
Words of praise: "The Ribs and Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich was by faaarrrr the BEST I've EVER had!!!!" - Facebook (Karachi Kitchen)
Alcohol Served: No
Where: Multiple locations in Toronto
Type of food: Diner
Words of praise: "The prices are very good for the burgers they make. I would totally recommend this place to people that love burgers." - Yelp
Alcohol Served: No
Where: Multiple locations (Mississauga, Vaughan)
Type of food: Italian
Words of praise: "I just love this restaurant and I love the food. The wait time is usually 20-30 minutes, but hey, that's just because the food is being made fresh rather than left to be warmed up at a moment's notice." - Google Reviews
Alcohol Served: No
Where: 6400 Millcreek Dr., Mississauga
Type of food: Hakka Chinese
Words of praise: "The prices are very reasonable and the food is excellent. I have been to this place more than 5 times and each time tasted different dishes which were all awesome." - Yelp
Alcohol Served: Yes
Where: 1365 Gerrard St. E., Toronto
Type of food: Pakistani
Words of praise: "Wowzers! the food is amazing, portions are plentiful and although we had to eat off paper plates, it gave us a kind-of rustic, ethnic experience." - Google Reviews
Alcohol Served: No
Where: 5955 Latimer Dr., Mississauga
Type of food: Portuguese
Words of praise: "If you want to enjoy Portuguese grilled Chicken, when wait no more this is the joint. Been here twice!" - Trip Advisor
Alcohol Served: No
Where: 145 Rexdale Blvd., Toronto
Type of food: East African-Western
Words of praise: "...our taste buds are bound to be intrigued and delighted upon tasting Chef Osman’s creations. We recommend the Mushkaki Chicken Burger and the KK." - HalalFoodie
Alcohol Served: No
Where: Multiple locations (Mississauga, Scarborough)
Type of food: Afghani
Words of praise: "Naan and Kabob is, by far, one of the best restaurants I have dined in. The decor is simple and unassuming. The food is absolutely delicious!" - Trip Advisor
Alcohol Served: No
Where: 2683 Lawrence Ave. E, Toronto
Type of food: Pakistani
Words of praise: "Decent ambiance, clean atmosphere. Food takes a while to prepare but worth the wait. Make sure you leave room for the falooda-always made to perfection with the right amount of ice cream, vermicelli, jelly and nuts." - Urbanspoon
Alcohol Served: No
Where: Multiple locations (Mississauga, Thornhill, Toronto, Hamilton, London)
Type of food: Middle Eastern
Words of praise: "Really really good food - freshly cooked, imaginative and very tasty." - Trip Advisor
Alcohol Served: No
Where: 815 Major Mackenzie Dr. E., Richmond Hill
Type of food: Malaysian
Words of praise: “I always order the pad thai, Indonesian fried rice and cashew nut beef tenderloin and they are all consistently delicious." - Yelp
Alcohol Served: No
Where: 64 Edward St.,Toronto
Type of food: Italian/Deli
Words of praise: "Not only do they offer fresh food that is of above average quality compared to your typical halal pizza joint, they offer many other delicious options such as stromboli, calzone and rotisserie chicken all at reasonable prices." - BlogTO
Alcohol Served: No
Where: Multiple locations in Toronto
Type of food: Thai
Words of praise: "The place is small, it can get very warm and stuffy, and because it is always busy the service can be slow. But once you try the food it'll be totally worth it. Also make sure you you come here very hungry as the portions are big." - Google Reviews
Alcohol Served: Yes
Where: 269 Augusta Ave., Kensington Market, Toronto
Type of food: Diner
Words of praise: "Nothing beats a juicy burger and all the fixings dripping down as you attempt to eat it. Awesome job!" - Urbanspoon
Alcohol Served: No
Where: 1-426 Major Mackenzie Dr. E., Richmond Hill
Type of food: Pizza, Diner food
Words of praise: "One of my favourite restaurants. Their wings and pizza are phenomenal, and their Cheese Burger was absolutely amazing. You can't go wrong with Toppings!" - Google Reviews
Alcohol Served: No