Restaurants and food purveyors in the Greater Toronto Area from the countries playing in the FIFA World Cup this summer in the city are gearing up to showcase their cuisine and culture.
Starting on June 12, Toronto will host six matches at Toronto Stadium. The teams that are confirmed to play in the city include Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ghana, Panama, Germany, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Senegal, and Iraq.
CP24 recently visited some restaurants and delis from the countries competing in the FIFA World Cup to find out how they’re preparing for the big event.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
On June 12, Canada will play its opening match in the tournament against Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the team at Mrakovic Fine Foods couldn’t be more thrilled.
Mrakovic Fine Foods was founded in 2003 and now has three locations in the Greater Toronto Area: one in central Etobicoke, another in Oakville, and a large meat plant near Pearson Airport. The business is owned by the Mrakovic family, originally from Sarajevo, the Balkan country’s capital.
“We are the original Bosnian place here in Toronto,” co-owner Adis Mrakovic told CP24 during a recent interview.
He said Bosnia and Herzegovina, one of the seven republics in the former Yugoslavia, is a unique, diverse, and historic place shaped by 500 years of Ottoman rule.
“Our food is European with a Middle Eastern twist,” Mrakovic said, noting that in most cases, the cuisine from Bosnia and Herzegovina is Halal.
Some of the must-try Balkan dishes prepared fresh and sold at Mrakovic Fine Foods are cevapi, which are caseless mini sausages made with beef, veal and lamb served with homemade kaymak (unripened cheese spread) and ajvar (roasted red pepper sauce) on a homemade bun, roasted lamb, and burek, a filo pastry filled with beef, cheese, spinach or potatoes.
June 12 watch party
The day of the Canada vs. Bosnia World Cup match on June 12, Mrakovic Fine Foods will be hosting a huge, free watch party starting at noon with food and games in the parking lot of its Etobicoke location, at 44 Wellesworth Dr., near Highway 427 and Eglinton Avenue West, which they’re calling Balkan House during the FIFA World Cup. All are welcome.
“It’s gonna be big!” said co-owner Amir Mrakovic, who sees Bosnia and Herzegovina’s appearance in the World Cup as a chance to share his roots with the world while also celebrating the many opportunities his family has had in Canada.
“We’re Bosnian, and we’re Canadians, so for us this is so exciting. … We don’t know which side to cheer for (in the World Cup). On match day, we’ll be very happy and very sad. The best results will be a draw.”
Mrakovic said they’re keeping their fingers crossed that Bosnian soccer superstar Dzeko might stop by their Etobicoke location at some point. That might just happen, as the FIFA practice pitch is just down the street at Centennial Park.
Other well-known Bosnian restaurants in Toronto worth checking out are Bonimi, 3319 B Bloor St. W. in Etobicoke, and Sarajevo Grill & Meat, 225 The East Mall in Etobicoke.
Mak European Deli, at 1335 Lawrence Ave. E. - #6, in North York, also sells many products from Bosnia and the Balkans.
Ghana
Over in north Etobicoke, Mather Boateng, the owner of Nyamekye Ghanaian restaurant, at 2965 Islington Ave. - Unit 15 in North York, has been stocking up on goods in anticipation of a successful World Cup run for her country’s team.
Boateng said it’ll be a busy time at her establishment as people gather there for watch parties, especially those who couldn’t land a ticket to the Ghana vs. Panama match on June 17 at Toronto Stadium.
Ghana could also play for a second time in the city in the Round of 32, as it is part of one of the two groups slotted to meet in Toronto on July 2.
The team is also set to hit the pitch on June 23 and 27 in New England and Philadelphia, and matches will be screened at Nyamekye.
“It’s gonna be a party,” said Boateng, who also hopes members of her country’s national team might make their way to her establishment while they’re in the city.
“There’s already a buzz. We expect lots of people will stop by our restaurant and enjoy themselves.”
‘Flavourful and a little bit spicy’
Nyamekye, which is named in honour of Boateng’s great-grandmother and means Gift of God in the Twi language, opened in September 2024 and serves authentic cuisine from the West African nation.
Some of the most popular dishes served there are Jollof rice, a seasoned stewed dish often accompanied by a side of protein, as well as waakye, a rice dish with black-eyed peas, and fufu, a cassava, plantain, and cocoyam dough that is usually eaten with soup in Ghana.
“Our food is flavourful and a little bit spicy,” Boateng said, explaining that many dishes from her country have a base of scotch bonnet peppers, onion, garlic, and ginger.
Some other well-known Ghanaian eateries in the GTHA to check out are Accra Restaurant, 3300 Dufferin St., Unit G in North York; Rita’s Kitchen, 1158 Albion Rd. in Etobicoke; African Chop Bar, 2503 Finch Ave. W. in North York; and Ghana Jollof, 135 Main St. N. - #2 in Brampton.
Panama
While there is no Panamanian restaurant or food purveyor in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, the central American nation will nonetheless be joining the party during the FIFA World Cup by showcasing its cuisine and culture at a number of events, including the South by South East Festival from June 17 to 20 at Nathan Phillips Square and the Soccer International Cup Latin Fair 2026 on June 21 at Mel Lastman Square.
Panamanian food takes its cue from the country’s Indigenous roots, Spanish cooking, and Afro-Caribbean traditions. It also has many global influences due to the Panama Canal.
Rice is a key part of the cuisine and is often prepared with coconut milk. Many dishes also contain beef, chicken, pork, or seafood and are enjoyed with habanero pepper sauce. Culantro, which is stronger and sweeter tasting than cilantro, is a common herb used in Panamanian cooking.
Panama’s national dish is sancocho, a hearty stew made with chicken, corn, plantains and yuca. Other popular dishes are patacones, fried green plantains; ceviche, or seafood; and tamales stuffed with chicken or pork and boiled in plantain leaves.
Panama will be playing two group stage matches in Toronto, the first one on June 17 against Ghana and the second on June 23 against Croatia.
The central American country could also play for a third time in the city in the Round of 32 should they finish second in their group.
Panamanian artists Gaitanes, Don Pablo Mures, Kako y Doralis, Conjunto de Proyecciones Folklóricas Andrés Valiente, and Samy y Sandra Sandoval will be performing prior to both of those matches during the FIFA Fan Fest at Fort York.
A watch party is also set for June 17 from 2 to 9 p.m. at Rhino Bar & Grill, 1249 Queen St. W.
Germany
For those looking to take in an authentic German experience during the FIFA World Cup, Brandt Meats is the place to be.
Established in 1958, this family-owned and operated business based in Mississauga produces and sells authentic homemade German food, deli products, and confections, along with sundries, sweets, beverages, and other goods imported from Germany.
Some of the must-try homemade items at Brandt Meats, 1878 Mattawa Ave., include German potato salad with bacon bits and onions, bratwurst and farmer’s sausage, kassler (smoked pork chop), schnitzel, sauerkraut, pretzels, strudel, and cheesecake.
‘Come join in the fun!’
Store manager Robert Martin, a lifelong Deutschland soccer fan, is inviting everyone to stop by their lunch counter and watch a FIFA World Cup match.
“Come join in the fun!” he said, adding platters of tasty German eats can also be ordered for takeout for those who want to host their own watch parties.
“Us Germany fans we’re crazy, well fed, and ready to go!”
Germany, which is part of Group E, will be taking on Curaçao on June 14; Côte d’Ivoire on June 20 at Toronto Stadium; and Ecuador on June 25. If Brandt is closed when the team is playing, the match will be replayed at a later time, Martin assured.
If Germany moves on to the next round, they’ll likely organize watch parties in their parking lot, Vice President Bridgette Brandt said.
“We’re a strong team. I think this is going to be the year,” she smiled.
Barnsteiner’s, at 1 Balmoral Ave. in Toronto, is one of the only restaurants in the city where you can enjoy authentic German cuisine.
Owned by Bavarian-born chef Herbert Barnsteiner, it serves schnitzel, Bavarian-style potato salad, käse spätzle (Bavarian mac and cheese), and Zürcher geschnetzeltes (a veal ragout with mushrooms in a white wine sauce), along with several Italian and French dishes.
Over in Pickering, Sauters Inn Pub, 109 Old Kingston Rd. - #19, offers several hearty, homestyle German dishes in a charming Tudor-style building, while Denniger’s, which has locations in Hamilton, Stoney Creek, and Burlington, is another well-known German deli and food purveyor offering an authentic experience.
Côte d’Ivoire
While the Ivorian community may be small in size in the GTHA, there are a few eateries in Toronto here serving the West African country’s delicious fare.
One of them is Instant du Palais at 557 Mt. Pleasant Rd. There’s also Le Plato at 785 Danforth Ave.
Ivorian cuisine is known for its flavourful meats, fish, and seafood, either prepared grilled or stewed with spicy. yet flavourful, sauces. Those dishes are usually accompanied by cassava, plantain, yams or rice. Peanuts and palm oil are also commonly used ingredients.
Côte d’Ivoire is set to take on Germany on June 20 in Toronto.
Croatia
Known as the Pearl of the Adriatic, Croatia is a small, picturesque Balkan nation. It’s also a perennial soccer powerhouse and will be giving Panama a run for its money on June 23 in Toronto during the FIFA World Cup. The team might also be making a second appearance in the city if it plays in the Round of 32 on July 2.
One place to take in Croatia’s rich culture and cuisine and cheer on the team is in Mississauga at Croatia Restaurant, 1989A Dundas St. E.
There, patrons can enjoy authentic food made to order and from scratch by chefs trained in “old-world” traditions. Some of the Croatian-style specialties on offer include grilled meat, fish, and seafood dishes, as well as many other Balkan specialties like cevapi, schnitzel, chicken with mushroom sauce, and shish kebabs.
Restaurant ‘brings the community together’
Co-owners Snjezana Krasic and Johnny Mrzljak said they’re looking forward to welcoming fans from throughout the Balkans and Eastern Europe during the FIFA World Cup, with matches being screened daily there.
“We’re a place that brings the community together,” Krasic told CP24 during a recent interview.
On game days, Croatia Restaurant will open its doors for a watch party. All are welcome to come and take in the FIFA World Cup festivities.
“We’re a small country with a really successful soccer team. We’re so excited to have our country in the World Cup,” said Krasic, who is also extending an open invitation to her country’s national team, especially soccer superstar Luka Modrić, to come by for a visit.
Some other Croatian eateries in the GTHA to check out include Stari Grad, 3862 Bloor St. W. in Etobicoke; Joso’s, 202 Davenport Rd. in Toronto; and Croatia Meats, 918 Dundas St. E. in Mississauga.
Senegal
If you want to celebrate with Toronto’s Senegalese community during the FIFA World Cup, go directly to PendAfrica Restaurant at 509 Oakwood Ave.
Owned by Penda Niang, it is Toronto’s only Senegalese restaurant.
PendAfrica opened just under a year ago and has quickly become a community hub, known for its delicious, authentic eats and welcoming atmosphere.
“We offer the real Senegalese culture. We’ll make you travel to Senegal without taking an airplane,” Niang shared during a recent interview with CP24.
“We’re already getting calls for reservations during the World Cup. People want to take in the fun with us.”
Niang said she really hopes Senegalese forward Sadio Mané and his teammates on Les Lions de la Téranga will make a stop there too, especially since this could be the star player’s last time playing in the FIFA World Cup.
In the meantime, Niang said she’s been stocking up on supplies, making extra food, and calling in helpers. She said she expects big crowds will fill her establishment on game days.
People can also order catering from the west-end eatery for their own World Cup events.
Authentic Senegalese dishes
At PendAfrica, patrons can try authentic Senegalese dishes, notably jollof rice from where it originated, says Niang.
“Jollof is actually our language,” she said, noting this dish is known to locals as thiep.
Highly flavourful, Niang said the cuisine from her country is typically prepared with a special spice paste known as “nokoss,” which consists of a blend of garlic, green onions, ginger, and scotch bonnet peppers.
Other popular dishes from Senegal include yassa, which is oven-roasted chicken with olives and a lemon sauce, and mafé, a protein-based meal prepared with a mouth-watering peanut butter sauce. Both dishes come with white rice.
Fire-grilled meat dishes with chicken, goat, and lamb, known as dibi, are also quite common in the West African country and are a must-try, as are pastelles and gumbo made with okra sauce.
Traditional Senegalese-style couscous, called “thiéré,” is another dish not to be missed. This dish is commonly enjoyed during big parties and special occasions.
People can also try Senegalese-style juices at PendAfrica, which are made with bouye, the pulp of the baobab tree, and ginger, as well as bisap, an herbal drink that is made from hibiscus flowers. And don’t leave without trying the famous coconut beignets.
PendAfrica will be hosting a watch party on June 26 when it takes on Iraq at Toronto Stadium.
Iraq
For the first time in three decades, Iraq has qualified for the FIFA World Cup, and people from the Middle Eastern nation living in the GTHA are ecstatic, says Hamzah Al-Ameri, who co-owns Sumaq Iraqi Charcoal Grill with his three brothers.
“Iraqis are football fanatics. There are 48 million people in Iraq and every one of them is crazy about football,” he enthused during a recent interview with CP24 at one of his family’s eateries on Lawrence Avenue East in Scarborough.
Al-Ameri said he’s hoping luck is on his country’s side as Iraq, whose team is known as the Lions of Mesopotamia, is part of a so-called “group of death” that includes Norway, Senegal, and France.
“If we win, it’s going to be a huge moment. The stakes are high, but I’m hopeful, Inshallah (God willing),” he said.
Watch parties
Sumaq will be hosting a FIFA World Cup watch party at its Mississauga location, 3920 Eglinton Ave. W. - #25, on June 26 when Iraq takes on Senegal at Toronto Stadium. Watch parties will most likely also be held when the team plays on June 16 and 22. All are welcome.
Al-Ameri says he’s hoping members of his country’s team will come by, especially superstar Aymen Hussein, as this could also be his final World Cup.
For those wanting to immerse themselves in Iraqi’s rich and diverse culture and cuisine, Sumaq’s veal shawarma is a must, along with its flavourful lamb skewers, which are cooked on a charcoal-fire grill coated with sumac spice. Chicken shawarma and fried chicken dishes are some other Iraqi favourites.
Al-Ameri says they’ve been gearing up for this exciting time, preparing extra food and making sure there’s enough staff available.
Sumaq Iraqi Charcoal Grill also has an express take-out location at Ridgeway Shopping Plaza in Mississauga and is set to open a fourth restaurant in downtown Toronto, near Queen Street West and Spadina Avenue, this month.
While there are a number of Iraqi eateries and food purveyors in the GTHA, another authentic one to try is Alforat Iraqi Street Food, which has several locations, and Misk Iraqi Restaurant, 4555 Hwy 7 - Unit 19 in Woodbridge, and Noor Fine Food, 1 High Meadow Pl. - Unit 9 in North York.
