You’re sitting at your desk, or maybe you’re in class, and you suddenly hear this agitating, grating voice prompting everyone to stare at you.
It’s your tummy, you’re starving and now everyone is giggling at the roar your stomach just made.
Let’s just say, been there and done that. Don’t be embarrassed. Everyone’s gotta eat. So, if you’re looking for a few halal spots in the city that aren’t the typical Arab and shawarma joints, I’ve got you covered.
Umi’s Kitchen: Halal Caribbean Food
Who doesn’t like jerk chicken? This spot is located at 346 Dundas St. E. and is awesome if you’re in the mood for a warm meal that doesn’t break the bank.
Most of the menu items sit around the $10 mark and are sure to fill you up. Umi’s Kitchen’s got everything from curry goat to oxtail. It’s definitely a place to check out when you’re at work or school because they’re closed on weekends.
Taisho Japanese Grill
A few years back, the only food spots that were halal included the typical shawarma places or a random burger spot. Now, we’ve got halal Japanese restaurants right in downtown Toronto.
This spot is located at 29 Baldwin St. and is a short walk away from the University of Toronto. I’d know, because I used to frolic to Chardise — another restaurant located on the second floor of Taisho — after class every so often.
Just keep in mind that not everything on the menu is halal. The chicken, beef (except tongue) and lamb are halal. This spot offers pork items too, but it switches out the grill for each customer.
Omni Noodle Palace
This is an OG halal spot for anyone looking for yummy, non-Arab, halal soups. It’s located at 4841 Yonge St., and I’ve always been way too jealous that it’s in North York. It’s got a few other places now — one at York University and another in Scarborough.
Omni Noodle Palace has everything from cucumber salad for $2.99 to braised beef noodle soup for $16.99.
Mambo Italiano Restaurant
In the mood for a pasta with protein instead of just always asking for the restaurant to make it without the sausage? I got you. This spot is located at 1330 Gerrard St. E. and even has a location in Mississauga.
From stuffed tortellini for $23.95 to roasted lamb for $39.95, you don’t ever have to worry about a sneaky wine in the recipes.
Juicy Birds
So you like your chicken Nashville hot, eh? Well this place can fulfill your cravings. This spot can be found at 721 Pape Ave., and has all the typical things you’d find at a chicken shop — it’s just 100% hand-slaughtered halal.
Go crazy at Juicy Birds and get a hot honey chicken sandwich for $8.99 or maybe a loaded mac and cheese for $18.99.
Accra Restaurant
Have you ever tried halal Ghanaian food? No? Well, you’re missing out. This restaurant is located at 3300 Dufferin St. and offers everything from Jollof rice to a banku and okra soup for $25.
The recipes are passed down through generations, and each made with love.
So, that’s it for now, folks. Hopefully I didn’t make you even hungrier with this list. If you’ve got a halal, non-Arab food spot in the city that we should shout out, let us know. I’m sick of the chicken on a spit options — sincerely, an Arab.
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