Toronto restaurants offer Nowruz celebrations with traditional dishes

Nowruz, the Persian New Year, started on March 20 this year. It celebrates spring and renewal in countries like Iran, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan. Many people enjoy Nowruz by sharing traditional foods. Here are four restaurants to consider for a festive meal. First, Afghan Cuisine Restaurant on Overlea Boulevard is a favorite for Afghan dishes. It offers a spacious dining area and a diverse menu. The Chef's Special for $24.99 features chicken tikka with kabuli palow rice and chaplee kabob. The kabob is spicy and crispy, while the tikka is juicy. The restaurant is open late and also offers delivery options. Old Avenue is a cozy place in North York specializing in South Caucasus dishes. Their shav plov for $27 is a highlight. It includes basmati rice with dried fruits, onions, and meat wrapped in lavash. This dish is visually stunning and offers a mix of flavors. The restaurant has a vegan menu and is open for lunch and dinner. Puff Samosa offers a different take with their Uzbek samsas. These baked pastries come stuffed with various fillings like beef, chicken, or spinach and cheese. Priced starting at $2, they are great for a quick snack. The pastries are available for takeout only, making them easy to enjoy on the go. Lastly, Tehranto Persian Cuisine focuses on traditional Iranian dishes. Their gheymeh stew for $22 features yellow split peas, eggplant, and veal shank, offering a rich flavor. This dish comes with a generous portion of rice. The restaurant is open late into the night, making it convenient for dinner plans.