Umi's Kitchen: Halal Caribbean food in Toronto

346 Dundas St E, Toronto, ON M5A 2A1, Canada

★★★★★
(221 reviews)
Categories: Caribbean restaurant

About

Small, easygoing eatery offering traditional, homestyle Caribbean & island cuisine in casual digs.

Website
umiskitchen.ca
Address
346 Dundas St E, Toronto, ON M5A 2A1, Canada
Plus Code
MJ5J+F4 Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Time Zone
America/Toronto

Business Hours

Monday
11 AM–8 PM
Tuesday
11 AM–8 PM
Wednesday
11 AM–8 PM
Thursday
11 AM–8 PM
Friday
11 AM–8 PM
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed

Services

Service options
No-contact delivery Delivery Takeaway Dine-in
Offerings
Healthy options Small plates
Dining options
Lunch Dinner
Amenities
Toilets
Atmosphere
Casual
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards

Photos

Reviews

4.5
★★★★★
221 reviews

Most Mentioned

price (32) jerk chicken (31) lunch (16) oxtail (13) spicy (10) coleslaw (7) rice and beans (7) bbq chicken (5) roti (3) wall (2)
5 stars
158
4 stars
36
3 stars
8
2 stars
9
1 stars
10
★★★★
December 7, 2024

It was good food. Some good small bites options as well. Service was okay and fast enough

★★★★
June 30, 2024

Owner was super nice and the food was great! Would recommend their bbq and curry chicken.

★★★★★
June 29, 2024

Shop owner was very friendly. Their jerk, curry and bbq chicken are fantastic.

★★★★
June 24, 2024

Homey space in the downtown area, so keep in mind of the possible population around the shop. Nevertheless the oxtails had a good flavor just fatty and not enough meat for me, but the rice and beans were good especially with the gravy. Jerk was good seasoned well 1/1 white and dark with rice and beans. Give a try if you’re by

★★
January 8, 2024

Came with high expectations because of the reviews But I was disappointed The curry chicken wasn't bad but it wasn't good either. Very average and not enough flavour Also the price and portion was disappointing. This medium sized container was $15

★★★★★
November 3, 2023

Do you know that there are Halal Jerk chicken 🐔..yes you've read it right ..this restaurant is one of few restaurants in whole Canada that present delicious Caribbean food . The taste is amazing 👏, the tenderness is quite tempting and the service is nice. It's more like pickup than dine in . Big portion is the landmark of this family business . Can't wait to get back.

★★★★★
October 22, 2019

Do not turn away from this place because of the neighborhood and the area, this probably has one of the best Caribbean food I’ve had in Toronto for the price point. Very cheap for good jerk chicken and other things, and amazing portions. The large size (for $10) will fill you up pretty good! Great place, good people and good food!

★★★★★
September 10, 2019

Im writing this as I eat. Don’t be fooled by the neighbour hood. Scoops of rice with beans and three pieces of BBQ chicken for $5 is a great deal. It is very tasty and filling (if you’re a huge eater spend $10 on two orders). Service was nice and will coming back again.

Local Guide
March 22, 2024

Unsure as to what was going on when I had visited this time however there were homeless people tearing up the place during regular hours. Overall did not even feel like a restaurant.

★★★★★
February 22, 2024

Ive lived around the corner for a few years and Umis is one of my favourite spots. Always friendly. Great cooking. Love the mural as well

★★★★★
Local Guide
January 22, 2024

I ordered the curry goat meat only because they didnt have roti. It was yummy! Will definitely go again and again

Local Guide
January 22, 2024

I tried once and it was absolutely unhygienic and inedible food

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

A hole in the wall but the jerk chicken and rice lunch special was worth

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Hands down best Caribbean food in the GTA. Umi is amazingly thoughtful, caring and nice. She let us in even tho she was closing and served us amazing fresh and delicious BBQ chicken after she prepared an order for the Womens shelter. And the food is very reasonably prices and she doesnt force you to tip. Will come back every time Im in the area.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Amazing place, food and service.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

So flavourful.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Their lunch special is the biggest bargain in downtown Toronto for $5.

★★
December 22, 2023

ordered on ritual and ended up waiting 30 minutes after i came into the place. Very unorganized. They also did not have what i ve ordered and had to get something else.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Food here is awesome. Always fresh, perfectly spiced, great portion and great prices. Highly recommend.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Best chicken ever

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Drove an hour and got a oxtail. The staff was nice and the food is great.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

The food! Delicious. Jerk chicken just falling off the bone. Good price and quick service. If you are brave enough, you can enjoy a great gastronomic experience

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

The curry goat was good and the service was even better. They also provide food to the less privileged in the environment. If anyone knows that guy that gives businesses money, please tell him to visit Umi s halal Carribean kitchen

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

The food was amazing, portions for the price as well were really good compared to what were used too. Jerk chicken was fresh and juicy. Place could use a clean up though to attract the attention it deserves. Dietary restrictions: Halal

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Good and generous people, the most beautiful Sudanese restaurant, Mrs. Aida, the kindest person in the country, and Hajja Kawthar, may God bless you.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

I was nicely welcomed by humble and friendly people who served very good food at a reasonable price, making my visit a nice experience.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Such a delicious food,best taste in the town.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Delicious food

★★
December 22, 2023

Ever since ce the Jamaican left this Sudan lady cant cook she needs to change to Sudanese food is for junkies

December 22, 2023

I am a white girl who loves Caribbean food. I stopped in here last week to grab some lunch and I ordered the small oxtail. The woman who served the oxtail to me charged me for a large oxtail. I didn t realize until I got back to my office. I am disappointed that I was charged the wrong price.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Its in the worst area imaginable, but the food and service is amazing, its just that anybody can walk in and anything can happen. Youll have random people selling stole goods to a guy coming in and yelling very loud. Just be careful

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Great food and a place with a lot of character. Well flavoured rice and chicken (jerk as well as stew) cooked to perfection Due to the pandemic, dine in options werent on, but the hot meal more than made up for it. The lady who was solo running the shop was kind and helpful.

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Best jerk in town. Live the family and the little place. Were all about supporting the little guys.

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Tasty, great price, friendly service.

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Seriously the best Caribbean food in the city. Cant believe I havent been here sooner. The jerk chicken and the curried goat are both amazing and the prices are unbeatable. Definately my new weekend spot.

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

So delicious!!! Full of flavour!! Definitely recommend spot in T.O.!!

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

I just had a jerk chicken and it was super good! The spices were perfect! The rice was nicely done and the lady was very nice as well! I highly recommend it for lunch! Also you can have a lunch special till 3pm for $6 only!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Omg this is such a jem. Wow I am so so happy I tried it. First time customer turned lifer. The woman serving was amazing and kind let me try before I bought. Just the best sweetest lady. Food tasted AMAZING. So fresh and hot. Exactly what I needed and wanted thank you so much. Sorry no photos I took a bite and couldnt stop eating to take them. Thats how good it was.

★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Love the food. Very bad experience with service... as the young lady was on the phone (personal call) and didnt pay attention to customer need. Came home and saw no coleslaw with my large order also portion of oxtail is very small compare to usual. Called to inquire ... she simply said ... usually we give coleslaw .... if u ask for it followed by we didnt have coleslaw today.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Best red peas soup in town

★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Its ok. clean ok sevice fish is good same menu no variety

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Absolutely amazing chicken and service is great the women at the front is very kind and welcoming. Will be coming back!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Good Caribbean food available here, there is a daily lunch special until 3 PM. The recent painting of the exterior of the building is very eye catching. Dont expect a fancy menu, its old school menu display with a few low resolution pictures on the wall. Restaurant was not busy when I visited, staff was friendly a good experience when you want to try something authentic from the Islands.

Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Their cook is a Facebook joke. The taste isnt the same. I Prefer to buy from jug hats @ Jane finch and dufferin Street. Goodluck lexi

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Very happy with the food here! We got jerk chicken lunch specials which were super cheap and the owner ladled extra sauce on the beans and rice. Probably the best jerk chicken I ve had in the city, and the spice level was good, but next time I ll bring my own hot sauce because they didn t have any!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

The jerk chicken tasted amazing an easy 10/10 I would highly recommend this place for anyone that is looking for halal Caribbean food at a low cost.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Dietary restrictions: Halal Recommended dishes

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Best BBQ chicken!! Huge portions , Great service

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Delicious food and exceptional service. Was treated well tonight by the two ladies behind the counter

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Incredible place , excellent food , sauces and recipes perfectly spiced! Generous and welcoming staff. Just made few mins after closing time but since they were out of meats for today and were already closed; the lady there handed me a warm plate of rice and very delicious veggies and curry sauce. 100% Recommended

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Highly recommend! Ive been here several times now and it has not disappointed. The large portions are honestly quite large. I share with my boyfriend and are both content with the meal. Jerk chicken is probably still the best in my humble opinion. Ive also had the stew chicken, the oxtail and the ackee and saltfish (my second favourite). They have a promo thing happening at lunch, though the container is small. Id recommend just biting the bullet and buying off the normal menu.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Good food for the price. Jerk chicken is better than most places.

★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

food was pretty much done by the time we got there, good food and experience overall... good halal food

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

So delicious!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Absolutely fantastic, you really can taste that its home style food, nutritious and delicious. The curry chicken is the best Caribbean style curry Ive had, and the rice and beans is SO GOOD! AND $6+ tax feeds two for lunch... Yes, seriously!

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Talk about a city hidden gem. Maybe not in the best of neighborhoods but slapped my mouth with full flavoured curry chicken and rice &peas. If you feel adventurous.

★★★★★
December 22, 2021

Amazing food with friendly staff .

★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Tried their jerk chicken, quantity was very good but didn t like the taste of the food.

December 22, 2021

If you can t open on time just changes your timings

★★★★★
December 22, 2021

Tried Caribbean food for the first in my life and I love it . The chicken was so smoky and flavourful. Thank you for the experience

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Good food at reasonable prices.

★★★★★
December 22, 2021

Great food. The cook does a great job.

★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

I must say that the price are not to bad and the serving is also good but the food dont taste like authentic jamaican food...

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Great neighborhood restaurant good choices

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

One of the most satisfying meals. The jerk chicken and oxtail curry cannot be described, i am a big fan of spicy food but this was supremely flavorful. The lady serving me was one of the kindest people i have come across. May Allah bless their business and they remain happy and healthy, Amen. Soofi Hasan from Pakistan

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

For the price its 5 star. Lunch deal is worth a try.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Good food

★★★★★
December 22, 2020

Doesnt get better than this for the price and the flavour.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

Great food.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

They dont serve rotis. Theyll close soon

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

Best goat curry in Toronto!

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

Great food... great price and Umi is awesome

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

I really enjoyed coming here! Came here last week and unfortunately their debit system was down so I had to go grab cash, and the lady was so sweet for giving me an extra helping just because I came back. It was worth coming back though, the jerk chicken was delicious and so was the red pea soup (thank you for giving us a couple of samples!) The place was cosy and friendly and I will definitely be back :)

★★★★★
December 22, 2020

Such lovely, friendly service, and very flavourful, delicious food. Will definitely be back!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

Seriously some of the best Caribbean food in the city. Everything on the menu is so flavourful, the jerk is incredible and prices are very reasonable for the serving sizes. I go at least once a week and definitely recommend it

★★★★★
December 22, 2020

This place has amazing food! The manager is one of the sweetest people ever!!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

Their Carribean Food is Delicious!

★★★★★
December 22, 2020

Youre not going to find a better spot than Umis Kitchen in the city! Best West Indian Food far far and for very good prices! We will be a repeat customer for life!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

Amazing jerk chicken, its on the spicy end compared to other shops. It absolutely taste homemade.

★★★★
December 22, 2019

Decent especially for the price.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Good food for reasonable and affordable price.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Go see Umi, and the fam. All I can say is you will taste home made goodness EVERY SINGLE TIME. Yum. Thanks guys.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Great service!! Awesome oxtail and jerk chicken. Head over in person, delivery services carry the food outside and it often arrives cold due to poor handling.

December 22, 2019

The lady that shares food needs to dress properly

★★★★★
December 22, 2019

Best food you can get in this area 100%

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Went back and tried the lunch special and fell back in love.

★★★★★
December 22, 2019

Amazing food

★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

No coleslaw, slow service, its ok.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Best patties in the East end. I stop here whenever I am walking by.

★★★★★
December 22, 2019

Amazing food and customer service. A friend told me about this place, I work in the area and I wish I knew about it sooner. They have a great lunch menu for only 5 bucks. Would definitely recommend and the woman who works there is a sweetheart.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Best for every day launch meals and cheap also .

★★
December 22, 2019

Queen location isn t very nice. 5PM and they seem to have run out of rice and beans, no coleslaw and there wasn t any curry on the food. 10$ for a small...I feel ripped off.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

I dont know what I loved more: the service, the food or the vibe of this place. Walking by I saw the words Halal and Carribean food in one place. My mouth watered. The wonderful woman at the front door Id smiled at made her way to the food counter and my journey began. Graciously she offered to show me the rice, steamy and cooked to perfection, the grain to legume ratio on point. I couldnt just choose one option and Im glad I didnt. Halal of course means quality meat and the fold represents this so well. The fried chicken was dynamic. Perfectly spiced, not at all greasy and the absolute finest crisped skin. I took one bite and I was astounded. I gave up on KFC years ago, but this place will definately be my go to from now on. Much less expensive than Popeyes. Do NOT pass on the Oxtail. It somehow manages to remain sinewy and tender at once, melting into a spicy, almost sweet long lasting oral experience. The jerk chicken was my final indulgence, moist, perfectly portioned and brings flavours of Jamaica to your very own mouth as long as you can savour it.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Great food. But the line up at lunch is long.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Nice affordale lunches

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Lunch special for $4.99 is a great deal. Jerk chicken and BBQ chicken both taste great. Only comes with rice (brown or white) and a bit of oxtail gravy but is perfect for lunch. Both of the ladies whove been behind the counter were sweet. Its a popular place around lunch so you may need to wait.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Great flavours!

★★★★★
December 22, 2019

Very tasty

★★★★★
December 22, 2019

Best kept secret in downtown Toronto.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

I love this place. The auntie there is super nice, the food is so flippin good and it actually reminded me of a roti place my family used to go to when I was a child. If you have the chance, check it out. You wont be sorry!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Love this place. Food is excellent and the people that work there are so friendly.

★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Loads of rice, bones, sauce on the meat... not in, no marinate. Do not understand the 4.5 star rating. Disappointing!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Super super good. Huge portions and the price is amazing. Food was fresh and of high quality. I will go there first thing when Im back in Toronto.

Local Guide
December 22, 2019

This is Carribean food for white people. Theres no spice, it tastes like boiled chicken. Disrespect is real

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Really Super Friendly Staff, the food is really good!! Money well spent!!

★★★★★
December 22, 2018

Best Jamaican restaurant on the east side! Great price, big portions, even in ox tail! Dine in or take out. A must have when hungry! Foodora delivery available. Healthy and delicious cultural choice.

★★★★★
December 22, 2018

Staple West Indian food. Best downtown Toronto hands downnn

★★★★
December 22, 2018

Food is amazing new staff us SLOW AF .... Dont.. DONT go if in a rush...

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2018

Just ate here.. it s awesome! jerk chicken falls off the bone. you can cut it with a plastic fork. will definitely come back!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2018

Good Food and Great Service

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2018

Good food for the money

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2018

This is probably a good place for take out. Authentic jerk, bbq and fried chicken with rice and beans. Simple, fast and tasty.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2018

Coworker recommended this place to me and I do not regret taking his advice! The jerk Chicken is juicy, and falls off the bone. The staff is also really chill. I will eat here again for sure.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2018

Tiny shop without much seating. The wait can be a little long during lunch, but they have good menu options and a nice selection of drinks. The lunch special seems a little small, but its a good price and filled me up (I am a small guy with a small appetite).

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2018

Tasty Caribbean food!

★★★★
December 22, 2018

Too spicy for me but Jamaican chick love it

★★★
December 22, 2018

Food was good but neighborhood is not inviting at all

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2018

The food was served in a reasonable time and the cook was extremely pleasant. The portions are large, fresh and priced very fairly. The restaurant is clean as are the restrooms. For the size of the portions on the Lunch Special at $4.99 or $5.65 with tax, the customers are getting a great deal.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2018

easily the best Carribean restaurant in the city of Toronto. this hidden gem is perfect. service is great, the owners are friendly and the food tastes great and has a home feeling to it. dont think twice, if youre in the downtown core give this place a try, you wont be disappointed. p.s the portions are really big for the price

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2018

Amazing oxtail! Absolutely loved it!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2018

Amazing food!!

★★★★★
December 22, 2018

Great service, amazing food. Favourite place to eat

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2018

Great food and service.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2018

One of the Best Tasting food in al of downtown. Big Up The Chif Pepper Hot Stuf.

★★★★★
December 22, 2018

Decent portion, good taste, friendly staff!

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2018

Great food and a kind atmosphere.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2018

Very nice good very good people

★★★★★
December 22, 2018

Good food made and served by amazing beautiful people. A place that warms your heart and where food is not wasted

★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2018

Well, I ordered off of Ritual, walked in and was greeted by a lovely lady. The place seems nice and the customer service seems great from my short interaction but when I got home to eat my food, it wasnt what I hoped it to be. The rice and chicken were very dry, there wasnt any curry and it was very salty. Didnt make up for a pleasant meal. I also thought I would get coleslaw with it but I didnt.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2018

Dont let the dingy area of downtown and the small space fool you. The food is great. Meat is so tender and flavourful. Totally worth it and delicious

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2017

The jerk chicken, the ackee, the oxtail, the dumplings, coleslaw, homemade falafel... Its all soo good!!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2017

Amazing jerk chicken, rice & beans and coleslaw. Even the small portion is generous.

★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2017

Ive had food from here a couple of times. It was okay. Nothing particularly special, but no complaints.

★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2017

Food was not bad

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2017

Great food, the jerk chicken with rice and peas is propper! More efficient service would make it 5 stars.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2017

Fresh and tasty

★★★★★
December 22, 2017

Excellent food and service

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2017

The jerk salad hit the spot with carrot juice; cant go wrong; )

December 22, 2017

fried chicken was nasty.. tasted like it was fried weeks ago and they just warmed it up and send it to me.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2017

Jerk chicken is. Blessss. Every time I go in there I tell myself Im going to try something new & then I see the jerk and cant help myself. Portions are good and food is reasonably priced.

★★★★★
December 22, 2017

Umis Kitchen has the most affordable and delicious West Indian food in Toronto. The corn soup tastes like it came straight from Jamaica!!

★★★★★
December 22, 2017

They catered for my daughters birthday party, everyone loved the food. Thanks you #umiskitchen

★★★
December 22, 2017

Amazing food but the slowest service... Best to visit when not packed but the food is good

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2017

Nice little joint. Started off very good. However the service degraded. Food still good though

★★★★★
December 22, 2017

Great chicken. I recommend the jerk or curry. Fantastic value. Friendly folks.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2016

Home style Caribbean Takeout. Prices reasonable too.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2016

Very friendly service and delicious jerk chicken and beef patties!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2016

Great tasty Halal food, excellent service. A must try in Toronto.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2016

Can be very hard to find good and tasty Caribbean food downtown, even more so for a decent price. Found this gem through Foodora but when I seen the location address figured I would just stop by. Best choice ive made all week!

★★★★★
December 22, 2016

Amazing customer service and excellent food handling. Great all kinds of food from various places .

★★★★★
December 22, 2016

Ordered large jerk chicken, small oxtail and small curry goat for three people. All delicious and plenty of food for supper with leftovers. Jerk chicken had a good kick but not too hot to enjoy, oxtail wasnt spicy at all and curry goat was medium. The rice and coleslaw were both excellent. Great place.