Finding halal food options that aren’t the typical Arab and South-Asian dishes — or the average millennial burger shop — can be a pain.
Now, I’m not hating on any of these spots in any way, but it’s good to mix things up.
Where’s the halal ramen? Where’s the halal soul food? Where can I get Korean fried chicken or tacos without worrying about pork in my meal?
Well, as a Muslim foodie that wants more than just shawarma and kabob, I’ve rounded up some of my favourite non-South West Asian and North African (SWANA) halal food spots for you and your friends to try.
Magical Taste of China
This absolute gem is located at 476 Dundas St. W., right in Chinatown and not far from the University of Toronto campus.
If you know anything about halal Chinese food in the city, you already know about Magical Taste of China. From its crispy beef to its dumplings, it’s a solid place to dine with some friends.
Trust me, this has been a popular spot for years; an influencer even called it their favourite Chinese restaurant in Toronto. When friends visit me from out of town, we go to this place at least three times during their trip — and when I visit them, they ask me to bring some crispy beef in my luggage.
It’s just that good.
Some dishes are as cheap as $7.99, while most main dishes are around $22. But, the portions are huge and often last me a couple days.
I’ve never reserved a table before going but you can do it online. If you’re going during dinner time on a weekend, it’d wouldn’t hurt, because it can get super busy.
📸: Aia Jaber/The Green Line.
Tongdak
This affordable, authentic Korean fried chicken spot is seconds away from Toronto Metropolitan University campus.
It recently opened its doors at 50 Gerrard St. E. and even more recently, made all its food halal.
Plus, the restaurant is constantly adding new menu items, including boneless bites.
If you want to learn more about Tongdak, stay tuned for our recipe video with Chef Jin Park, the owner, coming out this Sunday.
Their sandwiches are around $10, while their meals cost around $15. You can also get a whole chicken, fried garlic, fried rice cake, choice of two sauces and pickled radish for $34.99.
There’s no reservation options for this one.
📸: Aia Jaber/The Green Line.
Mix2 Grill & Hotpot
This restaurant is located at 436 Dundas St. W. and is a bit on the pricier side.
It’s an all-you-can-eat (AYCE) hot pot and k-bbq spot with halal chicken, beef and lamb.
You can choose your soup base and there’s a “make your own sauce” bar, too.
It’s perfect for grad dinners, birthdays and iftars. You know it’s true, because I’ve had all of those there.
For AYCE grill only or hot pot only, it costs $36.99. If you’re looking to do both, it’s $40.99.
Always reserve ahead of time for this place, because it gets super busy.
📸: GOOGLE MAPS.
Comal y Canela
This Mexican restaurant is on 1692B Jane St. in North York.
It’s not fully halal, but the menu is clearly labeled to indicate which items are. That includes tacos, nachos, taquitos and more.
For $23, you can get three tacos with consommé. Most of the dishes are around $20.
You can reserve a table on the website or just walk in.
📸: GOOGLE MAPS.
The Old Spaghetti Factory
📸: GOOGLE MAPS.
This Toronto classic, located at 54 The Esplanade, offers more than halal chicken and beef (some dishes excluded, so ask your waiter). I included it in this list because of its service and ambiance.
From its decor, featuring a carousel and other fun items, to its excellent customer service, it’s truly an experience rather than just a meal. My friends and I loved our waiter so much when we went during Ramadan this year that we befriended him.
Meal prices range from $24 for most pastas to $43 for the steak, and include your choice of soup or salad, sourdough bread, ice cream and tea or coffee.
You can reserve your spot at the restaurant, but there’s usually plenty of room to sit.
📸: AIA JABER/THE GREEN LINE.
Scotty Bons Caribbean Grill
This restaurant has a few locations, including the one I’ve tried on 402 Bloor St. W. It’s open late, minutes away from BMV and has yummy jerk chicken.
It’s a good place to go when you want warm food that fills your stomach before sifting through books and comics all night long.
Just keep in mind that their beef patties aren’t halal, but their chicken is.
Sandwiches cost anywhere from $7.75 to $15.95 and larger meals, like bowls, cost anywhere from $16.15 to $24.45.
There isn’t much seating in case you were looking to chill for a while. It’s more of a takeout spot.
📸: GOOGLE MAPS.
If you end up not liking any of these spots, let me know.
Got some more recommendations for me? Feel free to shoot me an email at aia@thegreenline.to.
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