Makkah Restaurant has been serving South Asian dishes from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh to Toronto for over 25 years including Tandoori, Naan, Butter Chicken and Kababs. 

With the unassuming interior of the restaurant primarily geared to takeout, the owner, Mohammad Miah, alongside his two brothers in law, prepares all of the food in front of the customers and serves it cafeteria-style.

Although the owner is native of Bangladesh, the Donlands location offers mostly Indian and Pakistani dishes with the second location providing more Bangladeshi options. 

The spot has become known for its Tandoor BBQ options over the years including the Whole Chicken ($20 with two Naans) and the Tandoori Chicken Wings ($11 for 12 pieces).

All of their meat is cooked in a charcoal oven to replicate the smoky-spiced flavour of meats found throughout South Asia that are traditionally cooked in an underground oven.

The same goes for the handmade Naan ($1.25). 

Before being stretched out by hand, it's stuck to the side of the steel walls of the oven to give it that fluffy yet crispy combo.

The highly recommended Bihari Kababs (comes with Naan for $12) are marinated overnight in mustard oil, butter and fried onion before also being cooked over the slow flame.

The Seekh Kababs are made with fresh ground beef ($7) or chicken ($7.50), chopped coriander leaves and green chilies.

Named after the Islamic centre of the world (usually spelled Mecca) and located right across the street from a large mosque, all the meat on the menu at Makkah is halal.

The Butter Chicken (regular: $9, boneless: $14) and Biryani are a few classics on the menu. The Biryani offers up a large portion at an inexpensive price (Chicken: $7, Beef and Lamb: $10). 

Although their vegetarian options are much more limited, there are still a few dishes to choose from.

Palak (regular: $7, large: $11) consists of paneer in a thick paste made from puréed spinach. The flavour of spinach was far too strong for my tastes but spinach lovers might say differently.

Vegetable Samosas ($1 each) are a great vegetarian option. The dough is made fresh in-house before being stuffed with potatoes and vegetables.

Faluda ($3), which has been described as India's take on bubble tea, is a milky drink made with coconut and jelly and is sweet enough to sub in for a dessert. It tastes a bit like rice pudding. 

For a less sugary and a bit more refreshing option, they also have Mango Lassi ($3).

With lots of reasonably-priced items on the menu and charcoal tandoori-style grilled meats, Makkah Restaurant offers a good option for those looking for some Indian and Pakistani food.