So you spent all your money on the halal, non-Arab food places we shared with you last time and you’re ready to add some new places to your “got to try” note on your phone.
Well, it’s a good thing because I’ve compiled a list of six more non-Arab food spots in Toronto.
Alfie’s Sandwiches & market
Ever craved a deli sandwich, but wanted to skip out on the prosciutto? Check out Alfie’s, on 26 Baldwin St.
This sandwich shop is right beside the University of Toronto and has huge portions to fill you up for the next two meals. Just keep in mind that not everything on the menu is halal. The options are limited, but they’re quite yummy — check them out on their website.
The last time I went, a worker told me that they create the halal sandwiches totally separately.
It’ s a pricier sandwich with most of the menu items being $20. But the portions are large!
📸: Aia Jaber/The Green Line.
Sarang’s Kitchen
This Korean fried chicken place has gone viral a couple of times. It has two locations: 1050 Bloor St. W. and 774 Danforth Ave. The restaurant advertises itself as your go-to halal Korean fried chicken spot in the city.
It serves mayo corn cheese priced at $11.99 and bigger dishes like wing combos for $19.50.
The restaurant is also wheelchair accessible and neurodiversity-friendly, with sensory boxes and a multi-sensory room. Its mission is to deconstruct employment barriers that neurodivergent people face.
This place is a must-have on this list.
Mikaku Udon Bar
Look, my friend raved about this spot so much and it genuinely looks like heaven.
This restaurant can be found in the downtown core on 229 Carlton St. Just make sure you check if the place is open before going because it has some pretty weird hours.
The chicken curry udon is halal — and magnificent. It’s priced at $22. But, not everything is halal so check with your server before ordering.
Plus, the service is awesome. The worker took time to bring me water and chatted with me while my takeout order was being prepared.
Vero Italian Sandwich Co.
This is another sandwich shop in the city and is located at 477 Queen St. W.
Like some of the other places on this list, not everything is halal but workers prepare their halal sandwiches separately from the rest.
The sandwiches are $18 to $20 and absolutely delicious. I transcended the first time I had their halal turkey sandwich. Vero also has a few vegetarian options that look just as good.
No reservation needed — though, there isn’t much space to sit near the entrance. However, the workers are so kind and always willing to strike up a conversation.
Istar Restaurant and Banquet
Someone said we slept on Somali food in our last listicle and they’re right. This Somali restaurant is located at 235 Dixon Rd. in Etobicoke and is scrumptious.
Istar serves breakfast, dinner, sandwiches and desserts. So whatever it is you’re craving, you’ll be able to find it at this spot.
Most of the dishes are around the $20 mark, with traditional Somali samosas being as low as $2. You can reserve a table at this restaurant on their website.
The Backyard Smokehouse Toronto
This is a fan favourite for many and holds a lot of good memories for me. This BBQ spot is located at 264 Dupont St., near the University of Toronto.
If you’re in the mood for totally halal brisket, ribs and more, you’ll be able to head to this popular spot for some meaty, rich goodness.
Burgers range from $16 to $20, while mains are $30+. The smokehouse also has meals for bigger groups which makes it cheaper to try multiple things when split amongst people!
This place is so popular that it opened another location in Mississauga. It wouldn’t hurt to reserve a table ahead of time considering how busy it can get.
Do you have any more suggestions for us? Or have you tried a spot from the list and want to send us a photo? Reach out to me at aia@thegreenline.to.
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