The Battle of Kabobs: A Journey Through Flavor
Food is more than a necessity for me—it’s a passion that drives me to search far and wide for the best flavors that speak to my taste buds. The right combination of ingredients, seasoning, and preparation can create an unforgettable symphony in your mouth, and for me, nothing does this quite like the Adana Kebab.
Growing up in Karachi, Pakistan, I was introduced to a wide range of kabobs. We had Seekh Kabab, Chapli Kabab, Reshmi Kebab, Gola Kabab, Shami Kabab, and more—each one a delicious snapshot of our cultural heritage. Looking into the diverse world of kabobs from around the globe (check out this extensive list here), I realized how each kabob tells a story about its region’s values, culture, and palate. Similar to how chocolate and beer differ from country to country in Europe, each kabob style reveals a unique regional identity.
As a child, I wasn’t the biggest fan of Seekh Kabab, finding it a bit too spicy and feeling that the strong spices often overpowered the taste of the meat. But when my family moved to Toronto in 1996, I found myself in a world of diverse flavors and kabobs from all over—each a new opportunity to experience something different.
One day, I discovered the Koobideh Kabob, a staple of Iranian cuisine that I immediately fell in love with. Made from ground beef mixed with parsley and finely chopped onions, it’s carefully chilled, flattened on wide skewers, and grilled to perfection. The Koobideh was my gateway into tasting meat in its purest, most unadulterated form, a refreshing shift from the spice-heavy kabobs I’d grown up with. But after countless Koobideh in Toronto, I craved a new experience—and that’s when I found the Adana Kebab.
My first taste of Adana in 2014 was an epiphany. Named after the city of Adana, Turkey’s fifth-largest city, this kabob is crafted from hand-ground lamb, meticulously skewered and grilled over charcoal, seasoned with sumac and chili flakes. The taste was so rich, tender, and satisfying that it transported me straight to Turkey. I loved it so much that I later took my family on a trip there, eager to enjoy Turkish food from its very source (although I’m happy to report Toronto’s Adana scene does it justice).
With each bite, the Adana Kebab tells a story of lamb’s innate richness, its fat gently basting the meat as it chars on the grill, releasing an aroma that mingles with spices to perfection. It makes me wonder if flavors, like cultures, have their own form of global influence. But philosophy aside, let’s dive into where you can find the best Adana Kebab in Toronto and bring a taste of Turkey to your table.
Top Spots for Adana Kebab in Toronto
Toronto’s Adana Kebab scene has so much to offer. Here’s a rundown of my favorite spots, where the flavors are authentic, and the experience speaks for itself. And if you know a hidden gem, drop it in the comments!
1. Mustafa Turkish
Address: 866 Wilson Ave, North York, ON M3K 1E6
This cozy spot with its cave-like interior takes you right to Turkey. Here, the Adana Kebab is served with fresh bread, salad, rice, and a roasted pepper on the side. Best enjoyed hot, the kebab loses a bit of its magic as it cools, so dig in right away! The dessert standout is the Kadaif, which is a must-try.
Expect to Spend: $35 per person
Rating: 4/5
2. Mama Fatema
Address: 10385 Weston Rd Unit 7B, Woodbridge, ON L4H 3T4
A personal favorite for the best Adana in Toronto! The flavors are spot on, with equally amazing lamb chops. Casual ambiance with a nice patio setup in warmer weather, perfect for an authentic meal.
Last reports from 2024 is that the level has dropped and the prices have been reported to be higher than market.
Expect to Spend: $35-$40 per person
3. Istanbul Charcoal Grill (Eva?) – R H
Address: 10165 Yonge St #3, Richmond Hill, ON L4C 1T5
A solid spot north of the city with a good selection of Turkish dishes. The Adana here can get dry towards the end, but the dessert Kadeif is consistently good. They also make excellent Adana rolls with thin Turkish bread, keeping each bite juicy.
Update August 2025 This place has changed hands, and the food I am sad to say is not the same. Also I miss the Kadeif which they have no more 😦
Expect to Spend: $30 per person
4. Ala Turkish Cuisine
Address: 128 Earl Stewart Dr #17, Aurora, ON L4G 7Y3
Tucked away in the Chocolate and Co. plaza (where you should stop for amazing gelato and chocolate, if you haven’t), Ala Turkish offers excellent, fresh Adana Kebab. The setup is simple, but the value and flavor are fantastic, with fresh meat that speaks for itself.
UPDATE: Change of ownership, unfortunately not the same stuff.
Expect to Spend: $25 per person
Rating: 4.5/5 for taste and value
5. Kebob Kountry
Address: 5000-5020 Scarborough Golf Club Rd, Scarborough, ON M1G 1K9
This Scarborough gem is like Ala Turkish: fresh, no-frills, and delicious. The fresh lavash prepared by the owner elevates the entire experience, making the first bite pure magic. Nothing beats freshly made bread and kebob.
Probably my favorite spot to go to for good fresh bread and best kebob combination.
Expect to Spend: $15-$20 per person
Rating: 4.5/5
6. Istanbul Kabob House
Address: 1370 Dundas St E, Mississauga, ON L4Y 4G4
Not my favorite, as the Adana here was quite dry. At $30, I’d pass on a revisit, but if you’re in the area, it’s an option.
7. Agha Turkish Restaurant & Cafe
Address: 1971 Lakeshore Rd W, Mississauga, ON L5J 1J6
With friendly service and a cozy vibe, Agha is worth a try. I ordered the Adana with bulgur, and while the flavor was excellent, it was slightly undercooked. I’ll likely try again in-house for a final verdict.
Expect to Spend: $25 per person
I’m still on the hunt to try more places, so let me know if you’ve discovered an Adana that’s a game-changer. And if you’ve done your own city-wide search for a favorite dish, I’d love to share your findings here! Submit your review, and let’s keep the flavor hunt going.
Mustafa Turkish
Halai 
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