Brian JonesWe were starving, stuck in group chat limbo, and someone said, “Anywhere is fine.” It wasn’t. After 40 minutes of scrolling, we realized that every spot that worked for our Muslim friends was either closed, too far, or just not what anyone was craving.
That night ended with cold fries and a decision: we needed a go-to list, something solid we could trust the next time hunger struck.
So we made one.
We asked around, revisited old favorites, and tried new spots with skeptical appetites and high hopes. After a few hits, a lot of misses, and more late-night debates, we finally narrowed down the list to just the absolute best halal restaurants in Edmonton.
How much does a meal at a halal restaurant in Edmonton cost?
Meals at halal restaurants in Edmonton typically cost $10 to $25 per person. Mid-range restaurants may charge between $25 and $40, while upscale Halal dining can go upwards of $50 per person.
1. Turquaz Kebab House
| Title | Info |
|---|---|
| WEBSITE | https://www.turquazkebabhouse.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 13310 137 Ave NW |
| CONTACT DETAILS | +1 780‑476‑4511 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Sunday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM |
Turquaz Kebab House came up early in our search. It was one of those names that kept getting mentioned when we asked around.
The place is tucked into one of those blink-and-you-miss-it plazas off Calgary Trail. Inside, it was casual and welcoming, with that mouthwatering smell of meat cooking in the background.
We went for the Trio Kebab Plate to share. It came with beef, chicken, and kafta skewers. On the side, there was salad, fries, and a generous serving of garlic sauce.
The kafta was the standout. It was super juicy, and we kept reaching for the garlic sauce with pretty much everything on the plate.
One of us decided to try the Adana Kebab just to switch it up. It had just enough heat to keep things interesting without going overboard on the spice.
We actually ended up coming back a few days later after hearing they sometimes make a version of Iskender. The server offered to put something together with donair meat, tomato sauce, yogurt, and pita. It turned out to be one of the best things we tried.
The only thing we didn’t love? It took a while to get anyone’s attention once the food came out. It’s not a huge issue, but we did have to remind them twice about water and extra pita.
Warm, flavourful, and affordable
“My parents were visiting from out of town and we wanted to show them some of the great Middle Eastern food that we’re so lucky to have in this part of the city & selected Turquaz – having driven past regularly and been impressed by the exterior of the restaurant itself and because of the excellent Google reviews. I reached out to book a reservation on Google (which was not possible) but the response I received was helpful and prompt. It was busy when we got there, but they still had no trouble seating us. Wasn’t sure what to expect – but the best way I could describe it was cloth napkin service and food, with paper napkin prices. The menu wasn’t extensive but there was still plenty of great options to pick from. It was “paper napkin” as mentioned but with table service, and you serve your own pop from the machine (they are halal/no alcohol is served) – but this didn’t take away from the service in any way, even though they were packed on this Friday night. I suspect this may be their busiest night with Al Rashid (and other mosques) nearby.
I had the “trio” with steak, chicken and kafta kebabs. The chicken and steak were spiced great and grilled perfectly, and the sides were delicious and plentiful. These huge plates with plenty of rice and salad, as well as the delicious (complimentary) bread and hummus made us wish we had skipped the grape leaf appie but it was still enjoyable. We had our six month old and the staff were very helpful and accommodating. There were other young kids seated near us and they all seemed to be having a great time too!
The owner actually came by to introduce himself (correctly ascertaining that I was the one that had reached out earlier) and do a quality check, and he was so warm and friendly. You can tell her takes great pride in his restaurant and hospitality, and it really shows in the quality of the food and the service.
We’ll definitely be back and it will for sure be a place that we’ll share with any visitors as a highlight of the North Side dining scene.”
- Jeff C, Google Review
Generous and well-priced
“Hello friends recently I got a chance to explore good middle eastern or Mediterranean food on my 2 week training trip to Edmonton. I went to this place on a Wednesday afternoon and to my excitement this place was busy. I was happy to see that. They have a fine setting of seating arrangements and decor and I saw that most people were there to dine in. I took one of the number from a table and lined up for ordering, that was kind of new but a good way to manage the flow. Customers get to choose their table and take the number up front to order what they need. I ordered the chicken shawarma platter which was served at my table.
Quantity was awesome.
Presentation was excellent
Taste was mesmerizing
Service was amazing
Pricing was great
Ambiance was soothing and calming
Quality was just unbeatable
One thing that didn’t look right was the fries that they added, fries was really tasty but to me it doesn’t go along with a shawarma platter. That is the only item I got them to package for me. The in-house backed pita bread is something that they could improve on, the bread as such was tasty and fresh but the layerings can be improved on and the fluffiness can be bettered for making it easy to cut into pieces and rolled up with chicken and tabouli in it.
To be truthful I had one of the best middle eastern foods in Western Canada.
Great job by the team out there, I wish they open one restaurant here in Vancouver lower mainland with no compromise in any of the above criteria.”
- Anil Thomas, Google Review
2. Jerusalem Shawarma
| Title | Info |
|---|---|
| WEBSITE | https://jerusalemedmonton.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 9320 137 Ave NW |
| CONTACT DETAILS | +1 780‑371‑0606 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
Jerusalem Shawarma made it to our list after a couple of people swore by the portions and how fast the service was. It seemed promising, so we worked it into one of our food runs.
The place had a steady flow of people coming in and out, which felt like a good sign.
We ordered a couple of plates to split at the table. The mixed shawarma plate was the first thing we dug into—chicken and beef stacked on top of rice, with salad, garlic potatoes, and pita on the side.
The chicken was our favorite. It had that kind of seasoning where you don’t really need sauce, but we still drowned everything in garlic anyway. The beef was a little on the chewy side, but it worked with the rest of the plate.
Someone got the Beef Kafta Plate, and it actually surprised us. The kafta was super juicy with a little char, and it paired well with the tahini sauce.
We also grabbed an order of falafel just to round things out—crispy, warm, and didn’t taste like it had been sitting under a heat lamp.
Only complaint? It’s not the kind of place you want to hang out in for too long. The dining area felt cramped when it got busy, and we ended up cutting the meal short just to get some air.
Welcoming, generous, and family-friendly
“We came into the restaurant on NYE and knew it was going to be busy! Despite being one of the busiest nights of the year our experience was wonderful.
Abo (the owner) greeted us when we walked in and offered us the customary tea and we got to try some dessert too. They were both delicious. We ordered our usual and the cashier let us know if was going to be 15-20 mins as it was really busy. We let her know that was just fine and made ourselves comfortable. It was less than 10 mins after our order was called! So fast! When my husband went up to grab our plates he noted how hard and efficiently everyone was working.
Our order was incredible. I got the shawarma plate as usual and it was soo good. My husband tried the mixed BBq platter and said the meat was better than he had ever had. Our kids ordered poutine, their favorite of all time. It’s always smothered in gravy and lots of cheese curds! And another kiddo ordered just the salad, she is obsessed with the pickled beets it’s topped with. And to go we always order the large hummus to have at home. The portions are sooo big, you will surely have left overs.
Do yourself a favor, go to Jerusalem Shawarma with your family, take the night off cooking and be blessed with food that’s good for your body and good to your soul too, spending time with the people you love the most!”
- Angele Medeiros, Google Review
Inviting, vegan-friendly, and flavourful
“We were immediately greeted by with a big warm smile and complimentary hot cup of mint tea.
We both ordered vegetarian plates (vegan friendly) which came with falafel balls, vine leaf wraps, rice, potatoes, garlic sauce, hummus and very fresh salad. It was a generous helping and I figured there would be leftovers, but the food was so delicious and comforting that I simply had to finish !
Excellent food, friendly staff. The restaurant was very busy however running efficiently and the food was ready quickly. Inside very clean and I was mesmerized by all the beautiful tiles and patterns. This is location is on our new commute so we will definitely be back for more!”
- eric budd, Google Review
3. Kabsa
| Title | Info |
|---|---|
| WEBSITE | https://www.skipthedishes.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 5932 153 Ave NW |
| CONTACT DETAILS | +1 780‑436‑1815 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Sunday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
We’ve known about Kabsa for a while, and it’s one of our go-to favorites.
We usually go for the Lamb Kabsa and the Chicken Mendi, and they never disappoint.. The lamb’s always tender and packed with that rich, spiced flavor, and the rice has a mix of nuts and sweetness we keep coming back for.
The Mendi has that nice smokiness we’ve come to expect, and the rice pairs with it perfectly.
Meals here usually come with a small lentil soup on the side—simple, warm, and something we always appreciate. Plus, the portions are generous, so we’ve learned to come hungry.
What actually made Kabsa one of our favorite spots isn’t just the food—it’s the little things too. They have free Wi-Fi and a small setup for prayer requests, which adds a personal, thoughtful touch.
The only hiccup was how long the food took. It probably wouldn’t have mattered if the space had more energy, but the quiet made every minute feel stretched.
Authentic, nostalgic, and welcoming
“I’m visiting my son and his GF in Edmonton and decided to search out Middle Eastern food nearby and Kabsa popped up and had a good overall rating so I decided to give it a try. The atmosphere is clean and inviting and the menu is authentic looking and has a good variety.
Being Lebanese I grew up eating this type of food but sadly don’t have much opportunities enjoy it these days so when I find a place that serves good food it brings me back to my childhood and reminds me of family gatherings and dinners at home
I ordered the Adana Kebab platter which consists of ground lamb that’s been grilled, served on rice with a fattoush salad, hummus and toum (garlic dip) as well as pita bread. It also came with a bowl of split lentil soup (a personal favourite). The food portion is very generous and the freshness is without question. The tastes were so familiar and reminded me of my mother’s cooking! I thoroughly enjoyed my meal and hope to come back again soon”
- Ed Murr, Google Review
Exceptional food, generous portions, and a warm atmosphere
“I recently had the pleasure of dining at Kabsa Restaurant, and I must say, it was an extraordinary culinary experience. From the moment we walked in, the warm and inviting ambiance set the tone for a wonderful meal.
The menu offers a fantastic variety of authentic Kabsa dishes, each bursting with rich flavors and aromatic spices. I opted for the lamb Kabsa, and it was cooked to perfection—tender, succulent, and seasoned just right. The rice was fragrant and perfectly complemented.
The portions were generous, and the presentation of the dishes was impressive.
Overall, it exceeded my expectations in every way. Whether you’re a fan of Middle Eastern cuisine or trying it for the first time, this restaurant is a must-visit. I can’t wait to return and explore more of their delicious offerings. Five stars, without a doubt!”
- mannan khan, Google Review
4. Khan Kebabs & Karahi (Halal)
| Title | Info |
|---|---|
| WEBSITE | https://khankebabs.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 3927 106 St NW |
| CONTACT DETAILS | +1 780‑450‑9100 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Friday to Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
This place was one of our Muslim friend’s favorites, so we decided to try it for ourselves.
It looks pretty unassuming from the outside, but once we stepped in, the smell of grilled meat and spices made it hard not to get hungry right away.
They started us off with a complimentary bowl of yakhni soup, which caught us off guard—in a good way. It was simple but flavorful, with just enough heat to get us ready for what came next.
After the soup, we moved straight into the main event: the Peshawari lamb karahi. It arrived in a deep pan, bubbling away in a thick tomato and chilli base.
You could tell it was made fresh. The lamb was fall-apart soft, and the spice built slowly without overwhelming everything else.
Scooping it up with their warm, slightly charred naan was easily the highlight of the night.
Since we wanted to try a bit of everything, we also ordered the mixed BBQ platter. The malai boti was the favorite from that group—creamy and smoky. Everything on the plate tasted like it had just come off the grill.
The only thing that felt a bit off was the price. For what we paid, the portions could’ve been a bit more generous.
Friendly service and excellent value
“I stumbled into this restaurant on a lunchtime break. Originally I wanted to try the Mexican restaurant nearby but felt the atmosphere fit my work clothes and the hostess brushed me off . Walking the strip mall I found Khan Kebabs . I was warmly welcomed and assisted with the menu. They have a daily soup broth which was offered for free to all patrons .
I enjoyed the lamb yakhni soup while I waited for a lunch chicken tinka wrap . The price was only 11dollars ans some change for a lunch special. It was delicious, spice beautifully with a mint yogurt chutney. The best part of the meal was the homemade pita.My tastebuds were in heaven, I mentioned to the server what a surprise to have a fresh homemade pita wrap . It certainly pushed this wrap and experience to a 10 out of 10 . The value and quality of food exceeded my expectations. I was surprised it wasn’t as packed as the 3 amigos . Please , try this one . You’re not to be disappointed. I am sure the rest of the menu is delicious!”
- Adrienne Beaulac, Google Review
Friendly staff and generous portions
“I was waiting for a friend to get off work so I decided to have dinner. The staff very friendly and helpful. I can not eat super spicy foods so the young lady behind the counter was able to help me choose a chicken dish that would suit my tastes. I ordered the #4 chicken shish-taouk very delicious. I wanted to taste the very nice salad that was on my plate it was fresh, crisp and delicious. I would eat it again and also asked for extra salad. For never having the dish before I do have to say everything was seasoned perfectly. Also I had extra leftover for lunch . I’m not a fan of garlic, however they make a great garlic sauce along with the green chili chutney that wasn’t over powerful to my liking. If you are interested their items are
of Pakistani -Mediterranean-Afghani food all prepared as per tradition of halal for those wish to know. I do hope you give it a try some of the dishes look super amazing. They do dine-in takeout & catering if you wish to have a party. Please enjoy”
- Erika Leschert, Google Review
5. Pharaohs Restaurant
| Title | Info |
|---|---|
| WEBSITE | https://www.pharaohsyeg.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 5524 Calgary Trail NW |
| CONTACT DETAILS | +1 780‑758‑3114 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday: Closed
Tuesday–Thursday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Friday & Saturday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM Sunday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
Someone in our group had heard about Pharaohs’ shawarma pizza, and honestly, none of us had ever tried shawarma on pizza before. That alone was enough to convince the rest of us.
We didn’t overthink it—we just ordered the chicken shawarma pizza and a plate of kabsa to share. The pizza looked a bit chaotic, but it worked. Thin crust, garlicky base, spiced chicken, and just enough cheese to pull it all together.
It tasted like a mash-up that shouldn’t make sense but somehow did.
The kabsa came out steaming with fragrant rice, almonds, and pieces of chicken that were soft enough to fall apart with a fork. The sweetness from the raisins mixed nicely with the spice, and it didn’t take long before the plate was empty.
To go with it, we passed around a mango lassi that tasted more like dessert—thick, sweet, and refreshing between bites.
Aside from the food, what stood out was the atmosphere. Being a family-owned spot, it had that cozy, familiar energy—like visiting a friend’s house for dinner.
We also liked that they asked about allergies right away. It was nice to know they could tweak the ingredients if needed.
We did wish the menu had clearer descriptions. We ended up going back and forth with the staff just to figure out what everything was.
Consistently great food and service
“We visited the place in the second day after they open their doors, we tried 5 different dishes from the menu all of them are good, the food is prepared and cooked fresh, Kofta, chicken taook, Molkhea and the best of all Hawawchy , we definitely will go back there again to try the authentic Egyptian breakfast
Updates:
We went back to try there breakfast today, I recommend the Pharos breakfast comes with fava beans, Egyptian Falafel, Eggplant with onions, Eggs with pasteramy , salad and pitas bread, all items are real Egyptian taste
Update:
It has been 2 years since Pheoes restaurant opened and service still good but even better, we had real Egyptian breakfast today and was amazing as always Fava beans, Falafel, feta cheese, fried potatoes, Eggs with pastrami and off course the traditional Egyptian tea”
- Bassam Abdelmalek, Google Review
Welcoming spot and standout dishes
“I recently had the pleasure of dining at Pharaohs Restaurant in Edmonton for the first time, and it was a delightful experience. As someone who had never tried Egyptian cuisine before, I was excited to explore this new culinary adventure. The highlight of my visit was the Egyptian tea, which was both fragrant and soothing—a perfect introduction to the flavors of Egypt.
I decided to try Koshari, a traditional Egyptian dish, and it was unlike anything I’ve ever had. The combination of lentils, rice, pasta, and a tangy tomato sauce was both hearty and satisfying. I also sampled the Musakka, which was exceptional—flavorful and beautifully prepared.
The atmosphere at Pharaohs is warm and inviting, with a charming, family-owned feel that adds to the overall dining experience. The service was attentive and friendly, making us feel right at home.
For anyone looking to explore Egyptian cuisine or simply enjoy a unique and delicious meal, Pharaohs Restaurant comes highly recommended.”
- Arghya Basu, Google Review
