It’s hard not to miss the lively spectacle of Gerrard Street’s culinary castle once you’ve experienced it. Spanning two floors, this 450-seater has anchored the neighbourhood since 1996, serving channa and skewered chiles.

Look for the sign-covered windows of this Scarborough strip mall spot, where sizzling hot beef bihari kebabs and chicken tikka can be eaten solo or in wraps. Daily specials include lamb shank biryani or, on Mondays, Lahori channa with naan.

There are three locations of this modern Pakistani restaurant across the GTA, including Scarborough and West Queen West. Dishes loaded with cumin and spices are brought straight from the grill to your table in karahis imported from Pakistan. An order of two-foot-long naan is a must.

It’s a struggle to choose from this popular counter on Sheppard Ave. East where there are over 60 items on the menu. Dishes like curries, Seekh Beef kebabs and Silver Spoon’s signature Lollipop Chicken won’t set you back more than $5.

This huge menu travels from Pakistan to India to Bangladesh, but Makkah is best known for the meats coming out of their tandoor BBQ. Get a whole chicken with naan or smoky tandoori chicken wings. The Bihari kebabs are also stellar.

Choose from a trio of stores, including the one on Finch Avenue that used to be a Swiss Chalet. Those gravies of yore had nothing on Karahi’s deliciously spicy nihari curry or piping hot plates of chicken tikka kebab.

Sitting in the bustling heart of Thorncliffe is this restaurant and dessert shop, which shares its name with the halal grocer next door. Prices have gone up over the years but some devoted regulars still swear by Iqbal's halwa puri breakfasts and Alamgiri lamb chops.

After a night out, head to this Pakistani joint on Gerrard Street which closes at 4 a.m. Gol gappa, BBQ corn, chaat and burgers made street food-style, with an egg on top, are part of the late night experience here.

Head to Ellesmere Road (or for a faster order, the express location on Lawrence Ave. East) for home-style nihari and naan, kebabs and biryani. Prepare for massive portions that will hit the spot for you and the crew.