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The Best Afghan Restaurants in Toronto Where You Can Reach Halal Food Nirvana

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My friend dragged me (willingly, very willingly!) to an Afghan restaurant the other day, and I was blown away.

I learned that Afghan cuisine is packed with melt-in-your-mouth dishes. Imagine succulent kebabs, flavorful mantu (Afghan dumplings), rich qorma (stews), and their perfectly spiced Afghan rice dish called kabuli pulao.

Basically, it was a revelation, especially for a certified foodie like me. So, after several follow-up missions (research trips, I call them), I’ve compiled a list of the top Afghan restaurants in the city. 

With the hopes of converting all of you to this delicious fare, here are the best places to savor the magic of Afghan cuisine in Toronto!

Naan Kabob

Website: https://naankabob.ca/menu/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naan.kabob/

Address: 691 Yonge St

Hours:

  • Mon – Thurs, Sun: 11 AM – 11 PM
  • Fri – Sat: 11 AM – 12 AM

Contact: (416) 972-6623

Naan & Kabob is a family-run chain that serves up bold, flavorful Afghan dishes in stunning settings—they even have a chic tearoom! The best part is they use fresh, halal ingredients and cater to vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free folks.

We started with their bolanee, a light and fluffy flatbread stuffed with savory potatoes, herbs, and green onions; served with creamy yogurt for dipping, it was an absolute dream. The fattoush salad was another winner, with addictive fried pita chips.

For drinks, we ventured into uncharted territory (well, for me at least!)—the doogh, a traditional yogurt drink with mint, had a tangy flavor that was definitely unique. They also offer blended teas with a mix of spices, perfect for sipping alongside your meal.  

And to end things on a high note, don’t miss their baklava—layers of flaky phyllo dough drenched in a sweet, honeyed syrup and studded with nuts. It’s a must-have for any dessert lover.

Kabul Express

Media credit: infectious_travels08  

Website: https://www.kabulexpress.ca/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kabul.express/

Address: 126 Dundas St E

Hours:

  • Mon – Thurs: 12 PM – 12 AM
  • Friday: 12 PM – 2 AM
  • Sat – Sun: 10 AM – 2 AM

Contact: (647) 351-1111

Kabul Express, nestled near Dalhousie and Dundas, serves authentic Afghan flavors and generous portions, perfect for satisfying your inner foodie.

They’ve got everything from lamb keema (minced lamb) to paneer tikka (grilled cheese) and a whole selection of kebabs. Every dish is unbelievably delicious, thanks to their use of fresh, halal ingredients and traditional Afghan spices.

While not the most traditional Afghan dish, their butter chicken is legendary, and the creamy sauce is perfect for dipping your warm naan bread. If you like things with a kick, their lamb karahi (a slow-cooked stew) is the way to go.

Plus, their combo options are a steal, with naan, rice, and salad included for a few extra bucks; the prices here are super reasonable, especially considering the portion sizes. 

And don’t forget, they have outdoor seating available! 

Bamiyan Kabob

Website: https://www.bamiyankabob.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bamiyankabob

Address: 62 Overlea Blvd #3a, East York

Hours:

  • Mon – Sat: 11 AM – 11 PM
  • Sunday: 12 PM – 10 PM

Contact: (416) 429-7514

In the heart of Toronto lies Bamiyan Kabob, a restaurant named after the breathtaking Bamiyan Valley in Afghanistan. This counter-serve spot is all about kabobs, of course—from the classic Kofta Kabob to the Tandoori Chicken Kabob. 

You can enjoy your kabobs in a few different ways: Kabob dinners come with a side salad and warm naan bread, perfect for a light meal while kabob dinner plates include rice alongside your salad and naan bread. 

Everything is served with a side of their warm, fluffy Afghan naan bread (which is free!).

As a bonus, they have a unique Afghan-inspired donut called firni; the dough is flavored with a special tea and filled with a traditional Afghan pudding. Trust me, it’s addictive— you might just find yourself ordering two or three.

Bread & Salt Afghan Cuisine

Website: https://www.breadsaltcuisine.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breadsaltafghancuisine/

Address: 1492 Dundas St E #3, Mississauga

Hours:

  • Mon – Sat: 11 AM – 12 AM
  • Sunday: 12 PM – 12 AM

Contact: (905) 277-2521

For those looking for authentic Afghan food that feels like a warm hug from your grandma, Bread & Salt Afghan Cuisine is the spot. This family-run gem opened its doors in 2013, and its philosophy is simple: good food, good vibes, happy customers.  

First off, their chefs are masters of Afghan cuisine, using family recipes passed down through generations with fresh, local ingredients. Also, get ready to share!—their platters are perfect for a family-style feast, and trust me, you won’t leave hungry.

They have something for everyone, from light and refreshing salads to hearty stews and succulent kebabs. We tried their Ramadan Iftar buffet, and we’re talking over 20 dishes, from drinks and salads to BBQ and mains served with warm, fresh naan bread.  

We think the light-filled, modern space with comfy booth seating is ideal for any occasion.  Whether you’re catching up with friends over a casual lunch or celebrating a special night out, the inviting atmosphere will perfectly complement your meal.

The Kabob Guys

Website: https://thekabobguys.ca/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekabobguys/

Address: 4045 Sheppard Ave E

Hours:

  • Mon – Sat: 11 AM – 10 PM
  • Sunday: 12 PM – 10 PM

Contact: (647) 748-0003

The Kabob Guys offers family recipes with a fresh spin, offering bold Afghan flavors in a casual setting. 

Their clean, modern space with plenty of seating is perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner. And don’t get overwhelmed by a million options—they focus on doing a few things really well.

We tried their Waziri Tandoori, a classic combo of grilled ground beef and tandoori chicken kebabs, served on a bed of rice with salad, naan, and two homemade sauces—they even let you know which sauce pairs best with each kebab— genius! 

Wash down their hearty fare with their thick mango smoothies, made in-house with real mangoes and a touch of tropical magic. It’s the perfect refreshing counterpart to a solid meal.

Afghan Cuisine Restaurant

Website: https://www.afghancuisinerestaurant.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afghancuisinetoronto/

Address: 66 Overlea Blvd, East York

Hours:

  • Mon – Wed: 11 AM – 12 AM
  • Thurs – Sun: 11 AM – 1 AM

Contact: (416) 422-5858

Afghan Cuisine Restaurant in East York is a family-run gem that has been serving up delicious Afghan fare since 2013.

They focus on traditional dishes using fresh ingredients and recipes passed down through generations. The extensive menu caters to everyone, with options for meat lovers and vegetarians alike—think BBQ plates, juicy skewers, and rice dishes. 

Try their lamb shank and tandoori chicken—the lamb shank is melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the tandoori chicken was the best I’ve ever had. The rice was also a dream—light, fluffy, and seasoned just right.

Don’t miss out on their combo and lunch specials, perfect for a quick and affordable bite. And if you need to feed a crowd, they have family platters for groups of 2 to 10, perfect for sharing. 

Baghlan Kabob & Bakery

Website: https://baghlankabob.ca/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baghlan.kabob/

Address: 32 Rexdale Blvd, Etobicoke

Hours:

  • Mon – Thurs: 11 AM – 9 PM
  • Fri – Sat: 11 AM – 10 PM
  • Sunday: 11 AM – 9 PM

Contact: (416) 401-0120

Baghlan Kabob & Bakery in Etobicoke is always buzzing with activity—definitely a good sign when it comes to fresh, flavorful food. They focus on halal-certified Afghan dishes, following traditional recipes and hygiene procedures. 

Get ready to share (or have leftovers!) because their portions are very generous, perfect for feeding a hungry crew. The prices are also super reasonable, especially considering the portion sizes—you won’t break the bank here! 

A crowd fave is their chicken shawarma combo, perfectly seasoned and bursting with flavor—a far cry from the dry, bland meat you sometimes find at shawarma places.

This spot offers a casual dining experience with counter service and a clean, inviting atmosphere—perfect for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner. Just keep in mind they’re cash-only or debit-friendly, so come prepared!

Zaitoun

Website: https://zaitoun.ca/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zaitountoronto

Address: 2270 Markham Rd, Scarborough

Hours:

  • Mon – Thurs: 12 PM – 10 PM
  • Fri – Sat: 12 PM – 3:30 AM
  • Sunday: 12 PM – 10 PM

Contact: (416) 292-4777

If you’re in Scarborough and craving authentic Afghan and Middle Eastern halal food, go to Zaitoun. They offer a variety of Afghan kabobs, including beef, kafta, chicken, and fresh lamb. But don’t let that fool you into thinking they’re just a kabob shop.

Zaitoun’s menu features ‘fall off the bone’ beef ribs, Philly steak sandwiches, broast chicken (crispy pressure-fried chicken with 30% less oil), juicy burgers, and wraps. The menu draws influence from Afghan, Iranian, Yemeni, Canadian, and American cuisines.

Go for their steak sandwich and the beef shami kabob plate—the steak was cooked to perfection, and the beef kabob plate was equally impressive. Also, their homemade garlic sauce pairs wonderfully with everything from kabobs to Philly steaks. 

The restaurant boasts ample parking and comfortable seating. Whether you’re rolling up in a group or just swinging solo, you won’t have to worry about finding a spot or squeezing into cramped chairs.

Afghan Kebob Cuisine

Website: https://afghankebobcuisine.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afghankebobcuisine/

Address: 2298 Islington Ave, Etobicoke

Hours:

  • Mon – Thurs, Sun: 12 PM – 10 PM
  • Fri – Sat: 12 PM – 11 PM

Contact: (416) 546-4238

Afghan Kebob Cuisine is a hidden gem serving up authentic Afghan food. Major points for the halal selection—they’ve got everything from beef kebobs to lamb chops. 

We tried the chicken kebob, and it was amazing—super tender and juicy, perfectly cooked, and the spice level was mild but flavorful. We also had their delicious rice, and the portion was huge! 

Apparently, they make some of the best kofta and shomi kebobs in town, both in chicken and beef. So definitely try those if you’re craving meat!

As a cherry on top, they have fresh, warm naan bread that’s perfect for scooping up all the good stuff and even homemade hot salsa on the table.