Markham's South Asian community has built one of the most diverse food scenes in the GTA. Here's the complete guide — broken down by regional cuisine.
North Indian
Cuisine of India at First Markham Place sets the standard. Maharani at Highway 7 is the long-running favourite. Both excel at butter chicken, dal makhani, and the tandoor-cooked breads.
South Indian
Saravanaa Bhavan on Markham Road is the dosa destination. Madras Express is the smaller, equally beloved alternative. Both vegetarian; both excellent.
Pakistani
Karahi Boys at Highway 7 has built a loyal following for the namesake karahi and the BBQ platter. Lahore Tikka House (originally Toronto, now in Markham) brings the legendary mixed grill north.
Sri Lankan
Hopper Hut serves the city's best hoppers and string hoppers. The Coconut Tree at Markham Road has a cult following for kottu roti.
Bangladeshi
Chittagong at Markham Road serves authentic Bangladeshi cuisine — biryani, fish curries, and seasonal specialties. Quiet but excellent.
Street food and snacks
Bombay Chowpatty for chaat (pav bhaji, bhel puri, pani puri). Sweet Inn for traditional Indian sweets and savouries.
What to order if you're new
Start with butter chicken and garlic naan (North Indian), masala dosa and sambar (South Indian), chicken karahi with roti (Pakistani), kottu roti (Sri Lankan), and any chaat (street food).
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About the Author
Food & Dining Editor
Marcus Wong has been writing about food in the Greater Toronto Area for over a decade. Born in Hong Kong and raised in Unionville, he brings a lifelong appreciation for Cantonese and Pan-Asian cuisine to his restaurant reviews, alongside an enthusiasm for the increasingly diverse dining scene across Markham and Richmond Hill. He visits every restaurant he writes about, almost always more than once, and pays for his own meals.
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