Cafe de Khan — Restaurant in Mississauga

During my recent visit to Cafe D Khan in Mississauga, I had the opportunity to explore a range of dishes at this longstanding establishment amidst a sea of newer restaurants in GTA. Here's my take on their offerings.

Ambience : Cafe D Khan has a simple and plain look from the outside. The interior is simple and straightforward, reflecting the ethos of a place that lets its food do the talking. It's a no-frills establishment focusing on providing a comfortable dining experience without the flashiness often seen in newer restaurants.

Beef Seekh Kabab: Starting on a high note, the Beef Seekh Kababs were a delightful surprise. Juicy, succulent, and perfectly balanced, they evoked a sense of nostalgia, reminding me of the kababs from back home. These were truly tasty and left a great impression. Loved them with Parathas.

Bihari Kabab: Unfortunately, the Bihari Kabab didn't live up to expectations. They lacked the softness and melt-in-your-mouth quality characteristic of authentic Bihari Kababs. Having experienced better versions in the Greater Toronto Area, I found these to be quite ordinary. They might be worth trying for first-timers.

Malai Tikka Boti: Ordered for the kids who prefer less spicy food, these were a safe choice. The Tikka Botis were well marinated and soft, making them a good option for children.

Nihari: The quest for the perfect Nihari continues, as this one didn't hit the mark. The consistency was off, being too thick, likely due to an excess of flour water. While it's worth trying once for the experience, the meat used didn't seem appropriate for Nihari, and I wouldn't order it again.

Bheja (Brain): As a fan of Bheja, I was disappointed with this preparation. Dominated by the taste of tomato paste, it lacked the depth and flavor that makes Bheja Masala special. I wouldn't recommend it for those who truly appreciate this dish.

Mutton Karahi: A very basic preparation with an overemphasis on tomatoes and ginger. It didn't offer anything unique or particularly enjoyable. It was a rather ordinary dish that didn't stand out.

Naan / Parathas: Naans were soft and Parathas were crispy and good in size. You will like them with beef seekh kababs.

Cafe D Khan, despite its longstanding presence, offered a mixed bag of experiences. While some dishes like the Beef Seekh Kababs were a hit, others like the Bihari Kabab, Nihari, Bheja, and Mutton Karahi fell short of expectations. It's a place that might be worth visiting for its few standout items, but overall, it struggles to compete with the richer culinary landscape of Mississauga. I might visit once again to try their Lahori Chargha and Beef Kababs.

We were so hungry that forgot to...

Cafe De Khan is hands-down one of the best Pakistani restaurants I’ve visited in a long time. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with a smile and a warm welcome from the staff. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, and I was especially impressed by how clean and well-kept the entire restaurant is — from the floors to the tables, everything looked spotless, which made for a very pleasant dining experience.

The menu offers a great selection of traditional Pakistani dishes, and you can really tell they put care and passion into the food. The aroma coming from the kitchen was mouthwatering even before my meal arrived. When it did, I was not disappointed — the flavors were bold, authentic, and absolutely delicious. Each bite reminded me of homemade food, and it’s clear they don’t cut corners on quality or ingredients.

One thing I want to highlight is how genuinely kind and courteous the staff are. Everyone I interacted with was attentive, polite, and eager to make sure I had everything I needed. It’s rare to see that level of hospitality these days, and it really added to the experience.

That said, I did notice a small hiccup in the service. Although I ordered before another customer, their food came out ahead of mine. It’s not a major complaint — I understand that kitchens can get busy and certain dishes take more time to prepare — but it did stand out. Still, the staff remained professional and courteous throughout, and once the food arrived, it was well worth the wait.

Overall, Cafe De Khan is a gem for anyone looking to enjoy high-quality Pakistani cuisine in a clean and welcoming setting. The food is incredible, the ambiance is comfortable, and the people who work there clearly care about their guests. With a bit of attention to improving the order flow, this place would be flawless. I’ll definitely be returning — and bringing friends and family along with me.

Highly...

I enjoyed two dishes of kebabs, including the famous bihari Kebab... Dinner included a delicious plate of Gulab jamun for dessert.

Everything we ordered was beyond delicious. It was my first time visiting this restaurant in all the years which I've lived in Mississauga. And I would definitely recommend to others to at least give them a try.

The price, however, was quite high. We were the only guests in the restaurant at the time with a few visitors for take out orders. It was about 930pm, perhaps that and the location in particular are the reason as to why. BUT, we went to ridgeway afterward for a snack, and it was busy as always...

Each dish was about $25 at Cafe De Khan. But I don't see myself coming here more than once or twice a year at that cost if I'm going to be quite honest... $70+ dinner for two people at a Pakistani restaurant with tip and tax... nope... we eat out 2-3 times a week at times and with these prices, it becomes unsustainable.

Meanwhile, Canada is in a recession and that plaza at ridgeway must have taken a lot of business away from the restaurants in the surrounding area because they have 50+ halal options and prices ranging from 7.99 for a burger combo (unheard of since McDonald's LOL) to $20 per a plate... I've even since avoided going to Blackstone, BBQ Tonight and Nihari Inn for the same reasons... Pakistani restaurants typically have been charging 3-$4 for chai when we make that at home within 15 minutes, silver spoon sells for $2, meanwhile Brar's is giving away chai free for the month of January and a liter of gas is $1.35 lol...

Best of luck & thank you for a...