Scarborough has one of the best Sri Lankan food scenes in North America, but finding genuinely good, halal, cooked-to-order takeout on a busy Saturday is harder than it should be. Here is what is actually worth your drive on the weekend.
What to order
If you are new to it, start with kottu roti (chopped godhamba roti stir-fried with egg, veg and your choice of meat) and a mutton or chicken curry. Lamprais, string hoppers, and watalappan for dessert round out a proper spread. For a fuller rundown of dishes and where the Sri Lankan food in Toronto scene is strongest, that guide is a good starting point.
Weekend takeout specifically
Weekends are when kitchens are busiest, so calling ahead matters. A spot built around weekend Sri Lankan takeout in Scarborough keeps the popular items ready and can pack a family-size order without an hour wait.
If you want Tamil home-style cooking
Much of Scarborough's best food is Tamil home-style, the kind you would get at an aunty's kitchen. For Tamil food in Scarborough you want a kitchen that grinds its own spices and cooks to order rather than holding everything in a warmer.
Weekday lunch counts too
If you work in the area, a proper halal lunch in Scarborough beats the usual chains. Rice and curry, a quick kottu, or a takeout box you can reheat all hold up well.
Bottom line: skip the spots holding food under heat lamps. The east end has too many family kitchens cooking the real thing to settle for less, especially on the weekend when it matters most.
