Kebab Bazari

​Kabab Bazari

839 Queen St W, Toronto, On M6J1G4

(416)202-8777

https://kebabbazari.ca/

Over all: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Service: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Food: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Atmosphere: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Since the closure of Banu, it’s been fantastic to see Kebab Bazari open up and offer the neighbourhood a fresh taste of Persian cuisine. This spot is a superb addition, bringing a unique, bazaar-style food experience to the area.

What's in a Name?

The name Kebab Bazari aptly reflects the culinary style it champions. It's inspired by the vibrant, communal, and often very specific food stalls found within Iranian bazaars. Unlike a traditional full-service restaurant, bazaar food is all about quick, flavourful, and deeply traditional dishes—especially various styles of kebab served in an energetic, accessible setting. It’s food that’s meant to be enjoyed on the go or shared casually, embodying the lively spirit of the marketplace.

I first tried Kebab Bazari a couple of days after they opened in May, opting for a kebab sandwich. While the execution was clearly professional, I realized that, purely as a personal preference, I just prefer my kebabs served the traditional way—with rice, grilled tomatoes, and all the fixings.

Fast forward five months, and I decided to give them another try, and I’m so glad I did!

The service is great—friendly and welcoming, and the dining room itself is bright and spotlessly clean. It has a great atmosphere!

The Koobideh Experience (9/10)

This time, I ordered the Koobideh Kebab with Rice, and it was truly excellent. The dish was beautifully presented: two skewers of juicy, fatty, and utterly delicious kebab resting on a bed of well-cooked white rice, topped with a sprinkle of fragrant saffron rice. The best part? The kebab was soft and tender!

The essential accompaniments were perfect, too. The grilled tomatoes were perfectly soft and juicy, adding that essential char-grilled sweetness. What really elevated the meal were the fantastic sides. The side of Shirazi salad was refreshing, and the onions provided a nice bite. But the star side was the Persian pickle (Torshi). This particular version is a mix of chopped vegetables like cauliflower and carrots, plus smoked eggplant, all seasoned with a complex array of spices. Hailing from the southern coastal regions of Iran, this pickle has a bold, pungent flavour, often enhanced with tomato paste and hot pepper. It was a wonderful, authentic touch that really enhanced the kebab’s flavour.

The only slight mark down was that the food was warm, not hot, but this didn't detract significantly from the overall flavour and enjoyment of the dish.

Another great feature is the variety of house-made sauces they offer, like jalapeño, garlic and dill, and avocado sauce. These are a great condiment to complement the grilled meats, showing a dedication to offering diverse flavours.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my meal at Kebab Bazari. They are doing a fantastic job of bringing an authentic and delicious Persian bazaar experience to the neighbourhood. If you’re a fan of quality kebabs and traditional Persian sides, you should definitely check this place out!