Taste of Rexdale, Toronto: Revitalizing the Somali Culinary Scene

The aroma of cardamom, cumin, and slow-simmered spices greets diners long before they step through the doors of Hamdi Restaurant in Rexdale. Inside, Burhan Omar moves confidently between the front and back of the house, checking on customers, greeting regulars by name, and occasionally stepping into the kitchen to ensure every dish meets his standard. For Burhan, Hamdi is not just a restaurant—it is the realization of a dream rooted in family, culture, and an entrepreneurial vision shaped by Toronto itself.

As the owner and founder of Hamdi Restaurant, Burhan Omar has helped transform Rexdale into one of the city’s most important destinations for Somali cuisine. Drawing from recipes and techniques passed down through generations, he has created a space where tradition and modern Toronto dining coexist. Each plate tells a story: suqaar cooked just right with tender cuts of meat, fragrant bariis iskukaris infused with warming spices, golden sambusas crisped to perfection, and comforting stews that reflect the heart of Somali home cooking.

Burhan’s journey as an entrepreneur mirrors the experience of many Somali-Canadians who have built lives in Toronto through resilience and community support. Before opening Hamdi, he recognized a growing appetite among Torontonians for authentic, flavorful, and halal dining experiences. Somali food—long cherished within the community—was ready for a wider audience. Hamdi Restaurant was born out of that belief: that Toronto’s diverse population would not only appreciate Somali cuisine, but fully embrace it.

Rexdale, one of the city’s most culturally rich neighborhoods, proved to be the perfect home. At Hamdi, Somali families gather for weekend meals, elders reconnect over familiar flavors, and young people bring friends from other cultures to introduce them to food they grew up eating. Increasingly, non-Somali Torontonians make the trip west specifically for Hamdi, drawn by glowing recommendations, social media buzz, and the promise of something both new and comforting.

What sets Hamdi apart is not only the food, but the hospitality Burhan insists upon. Somali culture places deep value on generosity and welcome, and that philosophy defines the restaurant. Portions are generous, service is warm, and guests are encouraged to take their time. Many first-time diners leave feeling like they’ve discovered a hidden gem—one that quickly becomes part of their regular dining rotation.

Toronto’s food scene has long celebrated global flavors, and Somali cuisine is increasingly earning its place among the city’s most loved offerings. The spices resonate with fans of Middle Eastern and South Asian food, while the hearty, balanced meals appeal to anyone seeking comfort and authenticity. At Hamdi, Burhan has carefully curated a menu that remains true to its roots while remaining accessible to a broad audience—never diluted, but confidently presented as it is meant to be enjoyed.

For Burhan Omar, Hamdi Restaurant is also a platform for cultural pride and representation. In a city where food often serves as an introduction to culture, he understands the power of a meal to change perceptions. Every satisfied customer becomes an ambassador for Somali cuisine, carrying the experience beyond Rexdale and into the wider Toronto conversation.

As Somali restaurants continue to shape Toronto’s culinary landscape, Hamdi stands as a symbol of what is possible when tradition meets entrepreneurship. Burhan’s success reflects not only his business acumen, but his commitment to honoring his heritage while contributing to the city he calls home.

In Rexdale, amid the hum of traffic and the rhythm of a changing neighborhood, Hamdi Restaurant continues to thrive. And at its center is Burhan Omar—an entrepreneur, a cultural storyteller, and a restaurateur ensuring that Somali cuisine is not just present in Toronto, but deeply appreciated, celebrated, and here to stay.