New Innovation in Pakistani, Afghan and Middle Eastern Cuisine to Be Introduced in Toronto Next Year: Tahir Khan
Report: Mehboob Ali Shaikh
Preparations have been completed to introduce the flavours of Pakistani, Afghan and Middle Eastern cuisine in Canada with a new touch of innovation and to expand a Pakistani business brand onto the global stage. Next year, TKR Restaurant will present a spectacular New Year’s gift to Canadians.
This was announced by Tahir Khan, founder of Pakistan’s renowned Tahir Khan Restaurant (TKR), at a grand event held in Toronto, Canada, yesterday. The event was attended by business personalities, media representatives and guests from various walks of life.
On the occasion, Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) Sherif Sabawi and Deepak Anand, Imran Mehdi Gondal, Muhammad Nadeem, Javed Khan, Muhammad Yasir, Murtaza Chaudhry and others also addressed the gathering.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed for opening a new TKR branch in Canada, under which a TKR Restaurant will be established in Toronto.
Tahir Khan: We Do Not Believe in Simply Selling Our Brand Name
Addressing the gathering, Tahir Khan, founder and Chief Executive Officer of TKR Restaurant, stated that several individuals from Canada and the United States had previously approached him seeking TKR restaurant franchises. However, he said he was not in favour of simply accepting money and granting someone the right to use the brand name.
According to him, before awarding a franchise, a detailed assessment is conducted of the prospective partners’ business backgrounds, working methods and capabilities. He said he did not want to compromise on the quality and reputation of the brand established around the world.
Tahir Khan stated that the partners selected for the Canadian venture had earned his trust through hard work, honesty and dedication. Following this, an MoU was signed with them approximately two to three weeks ago in Islamabad.
He expressed special gratitude to Murtaza and Javed of Afshan Group of Companies, along with other partners, who are travelling from the United Arab Emirates to invest in Canada.
He said securing such a large location and launching a business of this nature was not an easy task. It required not only substantial investment but also great courage and the ability to take risks.
Pakistani Food Brands Should Expand Globally
Referring to Pakistani and Indian restaurants already operating in Canada, Tahir Khan said they were all his brothers and that every person doing business in Canada was also representing their country.
He appealed to Pakistani food brand owners to expand their businesses internationally and bring recognition to Pakistan.
Addressing overseas Pakistanis, he said they were ambassadors of their country and should set an example through their conduct and character that would promote Pakistan’s positive image.
He said his objective was not merely to establish a few restaurants for his children, but to introduce a Pakistani food brand worldwide that would represent Pakistan.
He explained that when he travelled to different countries, he saw international brands such as McDonald’s, KFC and Burger King everywhere, but there was no Pakistani traditional food brand that could serve as a global identity for the country.
According to him, the vision behind introducing TKR in different countries was to ensure that Pakistani cuisine and culture received international recognition.
MPP Sherif Sabawi Assures Full Support from Ontario Government
MPP Sherif Sabawi said that approximately 30 years ago, families migrating to Canada or the United States were concerned that their children might become disconnected from their ancestral culture. However, the situation had now changed.
He said the food, music, cultures and celebrations of different ethnic communities had become part of everyday life in Canada.
He stated that Pakistani cuisine was no longer limited to the Pakistani community. Canadians, Egyptians, Arabs and people from other cultural backgrounds were also developing an interest in Pakistani food.
In this way, different communities were becoming familiar with one another’s cultures and traditions.
He assured TKR founder Tahir Khan of the Ontario government’s full support and also presented him with a certificate of appreciation in recognition of his outstanding efforts.
MPP Deepak Anand Welcomes TKR’s Expansion into Canada
MPP Deepak Anand said that Canada offered extensive business opportunities and that the addition of a new restaurant in the country was a welcome development.
He assured TKR founder Tahir Khan of the Ontario government’s full support and presented him with a certificate of appreciation for his outstanding efforts.
Imran Mehdi Gondal Welcomes Guests and Highlights Team Efforts
Imran Mehdi Gondal welcomed the participants and guests, stating that the entire team had worked hard and struggled to bring the project to reality.
He said that while the success visible to everyone today appeared impressive, it had been achieved after overcoming numerous difficulties and obstacles.
He stated that once the restaurant opened in Toronto, customers would be served the authentic taste of Pakistan. He added that the aim was not only to introduce these flavours in Toronto but throughout Canada.
He also thanked the team members, Tahir Khan, Nadeem Bhai, Murtaza, Tahir Khan and other supporters.
Imran Gondal also highlighted the crucial role of the media, saying that media support was essential to convey any message to the public and the world.
Javed Khan Thanks Partner Families for Their Trust
In his address, Javed Khan expressed special gratitude to the partner families in Canada.
He said that when he proposed the business partnership, the families did not assess him based on his financial standing. Instead, they examined his business background, the brand’s quality, its reputation and its future vision.
He explained that, just as families in society consider a family’s background and character when making decisions about marriage, the partners also placed their trust in him after complete satisfaction.
He also introduced the Chief Executive of Afshan Group of Companies and his business team, explaining that he himself had five years of experience in the textile business.
Muhammad Yasir Congratulates Organisers and Team Members
Addressing the event, Muhammad Yasir congratulated the organisers and team members, stating that everyone had worked together with great dedication and determination to reach this stage.
He expressed hope that guests would soon be welcomed at the restaurant following its opening and that the authentic taste of Pakistan would be introduced throughout Toronto and Canada.
TKR Restaurant to Open in Toronto in 2027
It is worth mentioning that Tahir Khan Restaurant is renowned for serving traditional Pakistani cuisine and high-quality food.
Its signature dishes include Dum Pukht, Charsi Chicken, Mutton Karahi, Kabuli Pulao, Barbecue and Chapli Kebab.
The restaurant was founded by Tahir Khan, who also serves as its Chief Executive Officer.
The establishment of a new TKR branch in Toronto has been announced for 2027, marking a significant step towards bringing the authentic flavours of Pakistan to Canada.
