Scarborough has become one of the GTA’s most exciting neighbourhoods for authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, with restaurants offering everything from sizzling kebabs to creamy hummus and fragrant rice dishes. Whether you’re exploring new flavours, choosing a restaurant for dinner, or simply curious about Middle Eastern food culture, this guide breaks down the most popular dishes and what makes them special.
Middle Eastern cuisine is loved for its bold spices, slow-cooked meats, fresh herbs, and wholesome ingredients. Using Scarborough’s vibrant food scene as context and featuring dish types commonly served at restaurants like Sumaq Middle Eastern Cuisine, this guide will help you understand what to order and why these dishes remain timeless favourites.
What Makes Middle Eastern Cuisine Unique?
Before diving into shawarma, kebabs, or mezze, it’s helpful to understand the foundation of Middle Eastern cooking:
- Freshness: herbs like parsley, mint, and coriander elevate most dishes
- Balance: savoury, tangy, sweet, and aromatic notes work together
- Tradition: recipes are often passed down through families for generations
- Halal food preparation: many restaurants, including Scarborough options, proudly serve halal dishes
If you’re new to the cuisine, these are the flavours and traditions to expect when visiting a Middle Eastern restaurant in Scarborough.
1. Shawarma: Scarborough’s Most Popular Middle Eastern Street Food
One of the most-searched Middle Eastern dishes and a top pick for Toronto food lovers, shawarma is a must-try for every first-timer.
What Is Shawarma?
Shawarma is marinated meat—typically chicken or beef—stacked on a vertical spit and roasted for hours. Thin slices are shaved off and stuffed into wraps, plates, or bowls.
Why People Love It
- Juicy, tender meat with deep seasoning
- Perfect balance of savoury meat + garlic sauce
- Customisable with pickles, tomatoes, lettuce, tahini, or toum
- Affordable, fast, and filling
Try It This Way
Scarborough restaurants often offer both Chicken Shawarma Wraps and Beef Shawarma Plates, paired with rice, pickled turnips, and garlic sauce. If you’re craving something hearty, a plate gives you more meat and sides, while wraps are ideal for on-the-go eating.
2. Kebabs: A Grill Lover’s Dream
If you prefer something smoky, grilled, and protein-rich, then kebabs are essential Middle Eastern dishes to explore.
Types of Kebabs You’ll Commonly Find
- Chicken Kebab – marinated with garlic, oil, and warm spices
- Shish Tawouk – tender chicken skewers with lemon and yoghurt marinade
- Beef Kebab – juicy cubes or minced beef seasoned with cumin and pepper
- Kafta Kebab – minced beef mixed with onions, parsley, and spices, grilled to perfection
Why Kebabs Stand Out
- High-quality meats
- Simple ingredients, strong flavours
- Perfect with rice, salad, or fresh-baked pita
- Ideal for sharing or mixed platters
Many Scarborough Middle Eastern restaurants offer Kebab Mixed Grills, combining kafta, chicken, and beef kebabs—perfect for those wanting to try a bit of everything.
3. Mezze: The Heart of Middle Eastern Dining
Think of mezze as the Middle Eastern version of appetisers, small plates meant for sharing.
Popular Mezze Dishes You May See
Using inspiration from menus like Sumaq’s halal selection:
- Hummus: creamy blended chickpeas, tahini, lemon, and garlic
- Baba Ghanoush: smoky roasted eggplant dip
- Tabbouleh: fresh parsley salad with tomatoes and lemon
- Fattoush: crispy pita chips with vegetables and a sumac dressing
- Falafel: crunchy fried chickpea patties, herb-packed and protein-rich
Why Mezze Matters
Mezze highlights the diversity of Middle Eastern cooking, fresh vegetables, legumes, olive oil, herbs, spices, and grilled ingredients. It’s perfect for groups, date nights, or anyone wanting a lighter meal.
4. Rice Dishes: Comfort Food at Its Finest
Middle Eastern rice dishes are aromatic, beautifully spiced, and known for their rich textures.
Popular Types
- Rice Pilaf: cooked with spices, sometimes nuts or vermicelli
- Kabsa or Spiced Rice: fragrant with cardamom, cinnamon, or bay leaf
- Lentil Rice (Mujadara): lentils + caramelised onions + rice
Restaurants in Scarborough often serve their shawarma plates and mixed grills with fluffy yellow rice, adding warmth and aroma to each bite.
5. Halal Cuisine in Scarborough: What You Should Know
Most Middle Eastern restaurants in the area, including Sumaq Middle Eastern Cuisine, serve 100% halal meals, which means:
✔ meats are prepared following Islamic dietary standards
✔ food quality is monitored closely
✔ dishes are clean, fresh, and handled with care
Halal restaurants tend to be favourites among families, professionals, and food enthusiasts seeking both quality and authenticity.
FAQs
Is Middle Eastern food spicy?
Generally, no. Middle Eastern dishes focus more on aromatics and warm spices, not heat. Hot sauce is usually optional.
What should a first-time visitor order at a Middle Eastern restaurant?
Chicken shawarma, kafta kebabs, hummus, tabbouleh, and falafel are perfect beginner-friendly options.
Is shawarma healthier than kebabs?
Both can be healthy depending on preparation. Kebabs are grilled, while shawarma is slow-roasted. Plates tend to be healthier than wraps.
Are Middle Eastern dishes gluten-free?
Many dishes like rice plates, kebabs, hummus, and salads are naturally gluten-free. Always confirm with the restaurant.
Final Thoughts: What Should You Try First?
Whether you’re craving smoky kebabs, creamy mezze, or mouthwatering shawarma, Scarborough’s Middle Eastern food scene has something for every palate. With the neighbourhood’s growing number of authentic restaurants and halal options, it’s one of the best places in the GTA to explore the rich, diverse world of Middle Eastern cuisine.
If you’re new to this food culture, start simple, shawarma wraps, hummus, and kebabs and expand your palate from there. Just a few dishes in, and you’ll quickly understand why Middle Eastern flavours have become a beloved part of Scarborough’s culinary identity.