I have a friend who sticks to halal food, so whenever we hang out, we can’t just roll into any random restaurant. But here’s the fun part: she’s a total foodie and always wants the meal to be an experience. And honestly? I’m not mad about it.
Every time we go out, we end up at a new halal spot, and it’s been such a cool way to try some dishes I wouldn’t normally order. Like, I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone a few times, and ended up finding stuff that I actually really like.
So if you’re also on the hunt for great halal restaurants, keep on reading. Here are a few of our favorites you might want to check out.
Table of Contents
1. Kolachi BBQ & Grill
Media credits: kolachibbqgrill
Website
Address: 4250 109 Ave NE Unit 4135
Contact details: +1 403-744-5331
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11:30 AM – 9 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 12:30 PM – 11 PM
- Sunday: 12:30 PM – 10 PM
Price: $$
Kolachi BBQ & Grill really gets it right–relaxed, but still feels like some thought went into the details. The place had polished wood accents, intricate design elements, and surprisingly comfortable seating for a counter-serve setup.
We tried a mix of dishes and started with the Chicken Tikka Rice Platter. The chicken was nicely marinated, tender, and had that smoky taste like it was cooked over an open grill. The rice was fluffy, lightly spiced, and paired well with the tangy house chutney.
The beef roll was also good, and we’ve heard it’s a customer’s favorite. The beef was juicy and full of flavor, kind of earthy with a bit of a peppery kick. The roll itself was crisp on the outside but soft enough to bite into without making a mess.
Pro tip:
Request for extra chutney. Their green chutney and sauces are full of zing and pair beautifully with everything from the rice players to the burgers. A little extra goes a long way.
2. Marhaba Restaurant
Media credits: nice_little_snacks
Website
Address: 55 Westwinds Crescent NE #323
Contact details: +1 403-475-2202
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 12 PM – 10 PM
Price: $$
Marhaba Restaurant has built quite a reputation for its halal offerings and a menu that brings together the best of Arabic, Indian, and Middle Eastern cuisine. It’s a great spot if you’re looking for meals that feel both traditional and carefully made.
We ordered the Tandoori Platter, which is ideal for sharing. It was loaded with different types of grilled chicken and lamb, each cooked with a different marinade flavor. The meats were smoky, juicy, and satisfying.
If you’re ordering for yourself, there are plenty of options. For something crispy, tangy, and a little spicy, we’d recommend the Chicken 65. But if you prefer a milder, creamy dish, the butter chicken is a safe and delicious choice.
Pro tip:
Ask about spice levels. Some dishes, like Chicken 65 or Kabsa, pack a decent amount of heat. If you prefer milder options, just let the staff know and they’d be happy to adjust.
3. The Taste Factory
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Website
Address: 5150 47 St NE #3107
Contact details: +1 403-454-0896
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: Open 24 hours
Price: $
The Taste Factory is mostly a takeaway spot. However, the place is clean, well-designed, and doesn’t feel cramped. You can chill for a bit if you want to eat here.
We heard a lot of good stuff about their butter chicken, so we tried them out. The sauce was creamy without being heavy, full of layered spices. The chicken itself was cooked just right. No weird tomato or watery texture, just rich and smooth flavor.
Now the desserts, that’s where we got surprised. They had classics like gulab jamun and laddooos (both good, by the way), but we didn’t expect to see cheesecake, baklava, and this super fun cake in a jar idea. It was really cool and unique.
Pro tip:
If you like a warm, slightly spiced drink to end your meal, ask for their Kashmiri Chai. It’s fragrant and well-balanced, and not too sweet or overpowering.
4. Turkish Kebab House
Media credits: turkish_kebab_house_calgary
Website
Address: 5016 17 Ave SE
Contact details: +1 403-452-2488
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11 AM – 10 PM
- Friday: 11 AM – 11 PM
- Saturday: 12 PM – 11 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 10 PM
Price: $$
We recently visited Turkish Kebab, and it felt like stepping into a cozy little spot in Turkey. The place was warm, welcoming, and full of character.
The staff surprised us with complimentary dips and warm bread, which we appreciated. We shared their Beyti Kebab platter for two (though it could’ve easily fed three or four of us). The grilled meats were juicy and flavorful, and the sides rounded it out beautifully.
We didn’t plan on dessert, but curiosity led us to share the kunefe and baklava. Both were rich, sweet, and satisfying. The Turkish tea in glass cups also added a charming touch.
Pro tip:
While we got plain white rice with one of our mains, their Turkish rice pilaf with orzo might be available if you ask. We’ve heard good reviews about it, that it pairs better with grilled meats.
5. Jerusalem Shawarma Downtown
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Website
Address: 923 17 Ave SW
Contact details: +1 403-475-4897
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11 AM – 3 AM
- Friday to Saturday: 11 AM – 4 AM
- Sunday: 11 AM – 3 AM
Price: $$
Jerusalem Shawarma Downtown has a great variety of food, from beef shawarma and crispy falafel to hummus and vegan options. Everything is made to halal standards and follows Palestinian culinary traditions, so it has that authentic Middle Eastern flavor.
We particularly liked the falafel and beef shawarma wrap. The falafel had a crispy exterior and buttery interior, and the beef shawarma wrap had tender and perfectly seasoned meat with balanced flavors.
As a nice touch, we were treated to a complimentary tea and baklava, which made our visit feel extra special.
The restaurant was clean, and every staff member wore gloves. The only downside was that the music inside was a bit too loud.
Pro tip:
If you’re hungry or sharing, order a platter instead of a wrap. The portions are bigger so that they can easily feed two people.
6. Shawarmalicious
Media credits: shawarmalicious
Website
Address: 502 17 Ave SW
Contact details: +1 403-283-0309
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11 AM – 3 AM
- Friday: 11 AM – 4 AM
- Saturday: 2 PM – 4 AM
- Sunday: 2 PM – 2:30 AM
Price: $$
If you’re into bold halal foods that still feel comforting, Shawarmalicious is well worth checking out. They really know how to make tasty Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes.
The chicken and donair plate was impressive. The chicken was perfectly grilled, moist, and seasoned just enough to let the natural taste shine through. The donair meat had a slightly sweet flavor and crispy edges that made each bite super satisfying.
We also loved how we were given samples while we waited. We got a small bowl of lentil soup and a piece of freshly fried falafel. The soup was warm and well-seasoned, and we liked the herby center of the falafel.
Pro tip:
If you’re dining with kids, make sure to try their soft-serve vanilla ice cream. It’s a nice way to cool down after a spicy meal.
7. Karahi Boys
Media credits: karahiboys
Website
Address: 5455 Falsbridge Dr
Contact details: +1 403-879-2625
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 4 PM – 11 PM
- Friday: 3 PM – 11 PM
- Saturday: 12 PM – 11 PM
Price: $$
We’re really impressed that Karahi Boys is super clean and modern. They have warm copper lighting that gives it a cozy feel. It’s a perfect spot for dinner with friends or a family night out.
We had the Chicken Seekh Kebab and Til Wale Naan. We couldn’t stop talking about the naan because it was so soft, fluffy, and buttery. If you’re going with a group, the family naan is a great call, just make sure to ask for it buttered.
There were a few surprises too, like the bakery section tucked away near the back. The staff gave us some great suggestions and even talked us into trying cookies, tarts, and chicken bread. They were all better than we expected.
Pro tip:
Planning a weekend brunch? Swing by for their halwa puri breakfast. It’s a classic Pakistani dish, and they do it really well.
8. Apna Karachi Kitchen
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Website
Address: 76 Westwinds Crescent NE #2140
Contact details: +1 403-633-3111
Operating hours:
- Monday: 2 PM – 11 PM
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday to Sunday: 2 PM – 11 PM
Price: $
We checked out Apna Karachi Kitchen after hearing a lot of buzz about their Pakistani and Indian food. The restaurant is small, so don’t expect a full dine-in experience with comfy seating. But once the food hit the table, it made up for everything.
The BBQ platter was our favorite, especially the Chicken Tikka and Malai Tikka. They nailed that smoky, juicy flavor that’s hard to find outside of Pakistan. The Dhaga Kebab was also tasty but wrapped in a thread netting, which made it a bit annoying to eat.
The Dehli Nihari also stood out. It has big chunks of beef in a rich, spicy gravy. We paired it with fresh naan and paratha, and let’s just say there were no leftovers to take home.
Pro tip:
If you’re going with a group or planning to order a lot, make sure to call ahead to give them a heads-up. The food is made fresh, and that means it might take a little longer to prepare.
9. House of Kabob
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Website
Address: 1115 Edmonton Trl
Contact details: +1 403-277-7151
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 11 AM – 9:30 PM
Price: $$
House of Kabob is a Persian restaurant serving authentic Middle Eastern flavors. The menu offers kabobs, stew, and fresh dips, all made with quality halal ingredients.
We started with the Kubideh Kabob, and the portion sizes were generous for the price. The beef was juicy and well-seasoned, with just the right amount of spice. It definitely outshone the Chicken Kabob, which we found to be a bit more on the bland side.
The eggplant dip was also a highlight. It was smooth, smoky, and made a lasting impression. The warm pitas served alongside it were the perfect accompaniment.
Pro tip:
House of Kabob tends to fill up quickly, especially around 6:30 PM on weekends. If you’re planning to visit, make sure to call ahead for a reservation.
10. Cloud Naan
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Website
Address: 1614 10 St SW
Contact details: +1 403-342-7989
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11 AM – 1 AM
- Friday to Saturday: 11 AM – 3 AM
- Sunday: 11 AM – 1 AM
Price: $$$
Cloud Naan’s concept is simple but clever–stuffed naan bread loaded with Pakistani flavors, and they execute it really well. The fact that everything is 100% halal makes it even more appealing for anyone looking for trustworthy halal options that taste great.
We tried a bunch of different naans, and the creamy malai boti and smoky minced beef stood out. It was rich and buttery with a nice grilled finish, while the beef one had a spiked kick that reminded a few of us of Pakistani street food.
I personally liked the spicy chicken. It wasn’t mouth-on-fire spicy, but had this nice warmth with plenty of herbs. One of us thought the honey garlic was a bit too sweet for their liking, but it’s probably a good fit if you’re into milder flavors.
Pro tip:
If it’s your first visit and you’re torn between options, ask if they can do two flavors in one naan. A few customers mentioned this, and it’s a great way to sample more.
