Lucas CloutierIt’s difficult to figure out what’s Halal cooked and what’s not. Many have walked away from restaurants because they don’t have Halal portions available.
So, if you’re craving that perfect shawarma drip or maybe even a gourmet burger, here are the halal places I found that I would eat at again.
1. Zamzam Grill
– Media credit: zamzamvancouver
Website: http://zamzamgrill.ca
Address: 2128 Kingsway
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 10 PM
Phone: +1 778-452-0241
Price: $
ZamZam Grill emphasizes crafting unique, in-house recipes using the freshest, locally sourced ingredients. It focuses on scratch-made dishes and avoids processed components entirely.
I love their lamb shawarma wrap. The tender, boneless lamb shoulder is marinated in their signature blend of herbs and spices, making it incredibly flavorful and juicy.
I chose hummus, tomatoes, pickled turnips, and garlic sauce. This combination perfectly balanced the richness of the lamb with fresh, tangy notes.
Another standout is the falafel plate. ZamZam’s falafel is crispy, donut-shaped, and made from freshly ground chickpeas and parsley.
| Pro Tip: Get the Zamazing Box! This generously portioned box is piled high with crispy fries, chicken, and a medley of their flavorful sauces. It’s an indulgent and satisfying must-try. |
2. Saba Foods Middle Eastern Yemeni Restaurant
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Website: http://sabafoods.ca
Address: 2881 Granville St
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 10 PM
Phone: +1 604-358-0566
Price: $$
Saba Foods uses only grass-fed, hormone-free, and 100% halal ingredients. They ensure that every dish is delicious and wholesome. They also cook traditional Yemeni plates.
The shish tawook consistently wins during brunch, which I visit between 11 AM and 3 PM. The chicken breast is perfectly seasoned with their house blend. It’s served with a drizzle of tahini that binds the creamy hummus, fresh salad, and warm Yemeni flatbread together.
Outside of brunch hours, I get their fahsa and salta. The fahsa, with its tender shredded lamb swimming in a rich tomato sauce and lamb soup, is uniquely comforting.
The Salta, a vibrant mix of okra and potatoes in a flavorful tomato and lamb broth, arrives piping hot in a stone pot. The earthy fenugreek paste elevates and adds a distinctive Yemeni touch.
| Pro Tip: Try their haneeth and mandi. These slow-roasted lamb and chicken dishes are on a bed of fluffy basmati rice with salad and Yemeni hot sauce. The Haneeth offers a bolder flavor profile, while the Mandi is subtly spiced and more delicate. |
3. Karakoram Restaurant
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Website: http://karakoramrestaurant.com
Address: 6990 Victoria Dr
Hours:
- Monday – 9 AM to midnight
- Tuesday to Thursday – 12 noon to midnight
- Friday – 12 PM to 1 AM
- Saturday & Sunday – 11 AM to 1 AM
Phone: +1 604-737-1000
Price: $$
Karakoram offers a refined take on traditional Pakistani cuisine. They elevate familiar flavors to a fine dining level, halal style.
Their slow-cooked bone-in mutton is incredibly tender and saturated with a rich, deep flavor that only comes from time and quality spices.
The thick, less gravy style is perfect for scooping up with naan, allowing you to appreciate the concentrated taste of the mutton.
If you’re looking for a weekend treat, their halwa puri brunch is a must. The Unlimited Spread is a delightful exploration of Pakistani breakfast staples. From the fluffy puri and sweet halwa to the savory aloo and the beef nihari, each element is well-executed and offers a unique taste.
The nihari, in particular, is rich and satisfying with its slow-cooked beef and flavorful broth.
| Pro Tip: Visit on weekdays from 12 PM to 4 PM to try their lunch specials. We recommend trying their flavorful ½ chicken karahi with two freshly baked naans. |
4. Moltaqa Moroccan Restaurant
– Media credit: moltaqa.vancouver
Website: http://moltaqarestaurant.ca
Address: 1002 Mainland St
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday- 12 noon to 11:30 PM
- Friday to Sunday – 12 noon to midnight
Phone: +1 604-841-1182
Price: $$
Moltaqa Moroccan Restaurant serves delicious and healthy Moroccan cuisine. What sets them apart is their emphasis on flavorful dishes brimming with aromatic spices while adhering to halal standards.
They also offer excellent vegan and gluten-free choices, catering to various dietary needs.
The three homemade lean lamb merguez were worth it. The lean lamb sausages had a satisfying bite, and the harissa added a subtle spice that wasn’t overpowering. The fresh side salad perfectly balanced the dish.
But for a comforting and intensely flavorful main course, the lemon and olive halal chicken tagine with saffron is a must-try. The chicken is incredibly tender, infused with the earthy warmth of saffron, and the olives and vegetables add a delightful briny counterpoint.
| Pro Tip: Try their m’hancha snake cake. The crisp phyllo dough gives way to a rich almond and apricot filling, and the cool vanilla ice cream is the ideal finish to the spiced Moroccan flavors of the meal. |
5. Dewan-E-Khass
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Website: http://dewanekhass.ca
Address: 5750 Fraser St
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 11:30 PM
Phone: +1 604-327-4800
Price: $
Dewan-E-Khass delivers an authentic taste of Pakistani halal chicken throughout their menu.
I like to get their grilled platter when I want a little bit of everything. I love its mouth-watering lamb chops, perfectly spiced chicken tikka, and savory beef kebabs.
Another dish I particularly enjoy is the karahi paneer. The creamy, tomato-based sauce is rich and deeply flavorful, clinging beautifully to the soft paneer cheese.
| Pro Tip: Don’t leave without trying their ras malai. These delicate, milky cheese patties are soaked in a sweet, cardamom-infused cream. They are truly decadent and refreshing. |
6. Mazahr Lebanese Kitchen
– Media credit: mazahr_kitchen
Website: http://mazahr.ca
Address: 1488 W 11th Ave
Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday, Sunday – 12 noon to 8:30 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 12 noon to 9 PM
Phone: +1 604-733-2211
Price: $$
Mazahr stands out in halal dining by delivering authentic Lebanese flavors. Their focus on time-honored recipes sets them apart, resulting in dishes that taste like they came straight from Beirut.
I like their fatte. It’s a comforting and texturally enjoyable dish of warm boiled chickpeas and crunchy fried pita chips; all enveloped in a creamy yogurt tahini dressing. The sautéed meat and pine nuts on top add a rich, savory finish that I particularly appreciated.
Their kafta, which consists of lean ground lamb and beef, is another excellent choice. This is especially true when ordered as a lunch platter.
The platters come with a generous selection of sides, and I highly recommend the creamy hummus and smoky baba ghanouj to complement the flavorful meat.
| Pro Tip: Treat yourself to a glass of arak, a Lebanese distilled grape spirit with aniseed, or Ouzo, a similar anise-flavored aperitif. With their distinct licorice notes, these traditional digestives perfectly round out a Lebanese meal’s rich and savory flavors. |
7. Manoush’eh
Website: http://manousheh.ca
Address: 620 Davie St
Hours:
- Monday & Tuesday, Thursday – 11 AM to 9 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 5:30 PM
Phone: +1 604-440-4402
Price: $
Manoush’eh distinguishes itself by promoting the cherished national pie of the Levant. Its namesake, a freshly baked flatbread, is delicious.
I love the Manoush’eh Special. The spiced ground meat, seasoned in-house, offers a rich, savory base that’s wonderfully contrasted by the fiery kick of hot pepper paste.
What truly elevates it is the medley of fresh toppings: juicy tomatoes, sharp minced onions, crisp pickles, and fragrant parsley. These toppings combine with the drizzle of creamy tahini sauce and the subtle tang of pomegranate molasses.
| Pro Tip: If you like sweets, try their Nutella Manoush’eh. It’s slathered with hazelnut chocolate, topped with fresh bananas (or whatever seasonal fruit is available), and sprinkled with crushed nuts. |
8. Zaatar W Zeit
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Website: https://zaatarwzeit.com/CA/home
Address: 531 Granville St
Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 10 PM
- Saturday & Sunday – 10 AM to 10 PM
Phone: +1 604-336-9348
Price: $
Zaatar W Zeit offers fresh, healthy Mediterranean cuisine. Rooted in Lebanese culinary principles, its menu emphasizes balanced nutrition, locally sourced ingredients, and halal standards.
Having savored their offerings, I can confidently recommend starting with the chicken shawarma. It’s a well-seasoned chicken wrapped with crisp lettuce, tangy pickles, and a creamy garlic mayo that hits all the right notes.
Their halloumi pan cheese is perfectly salty and satisfying. This is especially true when paired with the fresh mint, juicy tomatoes, and crusty bread provided.
For something heartier, try the kafta supreme flatbread. The spiced ground beef kafta is delicious, baked onto a flatbread with melted cheese and topped with sunny-side-up eggs.
| Pro Tip: Try the ashtalieh. This traditional Lebanese cream pudding dessert is a comforting and subtly sweet treat. Choosing between maple or orange blossom syrup is part of the fun. I lean towards orange blossom for a uniquely aromatic finish. |
9. Yasma
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Website: https://www.yasma.ca
Address: 550 Denman St
Hours:
- Wednesday & Thursday, Saturday, Sunday – 4:45 PM to 9:44 PM
- Friday – 3:45 PM to 10:30 PM
Phone: +1 604-566-0493
Price: $$
Yasma distinguishes itself by delivering the rich, nuanced flavors of the Levant. Inspired by Syria and Lebanon’s esteemed culinary traditions, Yasma elevates the experience with refined dishes crafted from top-quality local halal meats.
The Aleppo kebab immediately impressed me. The minced lamb was beautifully seasoned, the pistachios added a delightful textural contrast and nutty depth, and the peppers provided a subtle sweetness.
The salmon kebab was also good. The grilled skewers perfectly showcased the fresh salmon, enhanced by a zesty lemon, garlic, and olive oil marinade.
But it was the fatteh hummus that truly won me over. The combination of warm chickpeas, crispy pita, and creamy tahini yogurt that’s drizzled with fragrant ghee and sprinkled with nuts was just simply delicious.
| Pro Tip: If you’re dining with a group, don’t miss the mashawi. You can sample a variety of their expertly prepared skewers, from salmon to tender lamb and flavorful marinated chicken. |
10. The Halal Guys
– Media credit: thehalalguysvancouver
Website: http://thehalalg uys.com
Address: 570 Robson St
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 12 midnight
Phone: +1 604-423-3944
Price: $
The Halal Guys delivers authentic American halal food that hits the spot every time.
Having eaten a few meals here, I can confidently say their platters are the best. The beef gyro platter is a personal favorite. The seasoned meat is incredibly flavorful and tender, especially when piled high with fluffy rice, crisp lettuce, and juicy tomatoes.
I never forget to drizzle on their famous white sauce—it’s creamy and tangy and takes the whole platter to another level.
For a lighter yet equally tasty option, try the falafel sandwich. Fresh veggies and that addictive white sauce complement the warm, soft pita bread and perfectly crisp falafel balls.
| Pro Tip: You absolutely have to try the baklava cheesecake. It’s a genius fusion—baklava’s rich, nutty sweetness transformed into a creamy cheesecake that’s surprisingly light and not overly sweet. |
11. Mr. Shawarma Vancouver
– Media credit: mrshawarmavancouver
Website: http://mrshawarmafastfood.ca
Address: 655 Burrard Street At the corner of Burrard and Melville St
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to midnight
Phone: +1 604-569-1644
Price: $
Mr. Shawarma crafts authentic Middle Eastern flavors within a food truck setting. It’s not just quick street food; it’s thoughtfully prepared halal cuisine that doesn’t compromise taste or quality.
The “SAJ” grilled flatbread wrap’s grilled bread is a revelation. It’s perfectly crisp and drizzled with the wrap’s signature garlic and tahini sauces. Inside, the juicy herb chicken is complemented by the crunch of in-house pickles and the satisfying addition of fries.
Another standout is the #1 chicken cheesesteak grilled sandwich. The thinly sliced chicken is incredibly flavorful, enhanced by the melted cheeses and that addictive garlic sauce. It’s a hearty, comforting sandwich that hits all the right notes.
The Spicy Box is the way to go for a bit of heat and a satisfying meal in a box. The fragrant, seasoned yellow rice is paired with crispy fries and tangy pickles. The creamy tahini, garlic sauce, and generous drizzle of their special harissa hot sauce bring the dish together.
| Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask for extra garlic sauce with any dish you order—it’s truly their secret weapon and elevates every dish. |
12. PiCaDo
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Website:https://picado-online-ordering.brygid.online/zgrid/themes/13560/mobile/intro/index.jsp
Address: 605 W Pender St
Hours: Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to -11 midnight
Phone: +1 778-737-0101
Price: $
Picado immediately ranks on the must-try list for its 100% halal pizzas to donairs and even pastries.
Speaking of pizzas, the butter chicken pizza is my favorite. The creamy butter chicken sauce base is rich and flavorful, perfectly complemented by the spicy chicken and the slight sweetness of the red peppers and onions.
The combination of mozzarella and cheddar gives it that classic pizza cheese pull while still allowing the butter chicken flavor to shine through.
The Iskender kebap platter is also good. The beef donair is tender and melts in your mouth.
| Pro Tip: Try creating your own pizza! With a wide range of base sauces, from butter chicken to pesto, and an extensive list of toppings, including potatoes and salmon, you can experiment and craft a perfectly tailored pizza to your taste. |
13. Tandoori Palace
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Website: http://tandooripalacevancouver.com
Address: 1439 Commercial Dr
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 12 noon to 11 PM
Phone: +1 604-254-8452
Price: $
Tandoori Palace offers authentic Indian halal flavors. The chicken saag, with its creamy spinach and tender chicken pieces, always leaves me hungry for more.
The white chicken korma is served with a velvety, delicately spiced cashew sauce. It allows the natural sweetness of the cashews and chicken to shine through, making this dish rich and utterly satisfying.
For something more refreshing, try the Haryaali green chicken curry. I like its vibrant mint and cilantro taste.
| Pro Tip: Don’t even think about skipping dessert here. The gulab jaman is an absolute must. These warm, syrup-soaked milk dough balls are fragrant with rose and cardamom. They offer a melt-in-your-mouth sweetness that’s the perfect finale for a rich and flavorful meal. |
