Finding India on Yonge Street

I live just a few blocks from Mehfill, nestled on Yonge Street, in a neighbourhood that’s always buzzing — coffee shops, gyms, brunch spots, and the occasional hidden gem. I passed by Mehfill a dozen times before stepping in. I didn’t grow up eating Indian food, and for the longest time, I thought it was all just “curry and spice.” I couldn't have been more wrong.

One Friday evening, curiosity (and the smell of something amazing) finally pulled me in. The first thing that struck me wasn’t the food — it was the warmth. Not just from the tandoor oven, but from the staff, the lighting, the low hum of conversation, and the feeling that everyone was welcome here. No pretense, just genuine hospitality.

The menu was a mix of unfamiliar names and mouthwatering descriptions. I asked for recommendations, and they guided me like I was a guest in their home. I ended up with a spread: butter chicken (a classic, I was told), garlic naan, and chana masala — something I’d never tried. Every bite was layered, not just with heat, but with flavor: cumin, ginger, cardamom, something smoky I couldn’t place.

But it wasn’t just the food that made me return — it was the experience. Mehfill is one of those rare places that invites you into a culture without making you feel like an outsider. The decor, the Bollywood music in the background, even the small details like the copper tumblers — it all felt real, not performative.

Since then, I’ve been back several times. I’ve brought friends, co-workers, even my parents (who now ask when we’re going again). It’s become part of our neighbourhood routine — like grabbing bagels or hitting the local bookstore. Mehfill, in its own way, is just as much a part of this Yonge Street community as anything else.

If you're from around here and haven't been yet, I genuinely recommend you go. Not just for a meal, but for the chance to experience something new that might just become familiar.

We live in a city built on diversity. Mehfill reminds us why that’s something to celebrate — one dish at a time.

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