Baykal Deli, owner of Altay Flame Uyghur Cuisine on Beechwood Avenue in Ottawa, has introduced the city to the flavours of China's northwestern Xinjiang province. Born in Turkey and raised as a Kurd, Deli lived in China for 25 years, where he faced challenges finding halal food. A chance encounter with a Uyghur street vendor in Chongqing, who made lamb skewers near a mosque, sparked his love for this cuisine.
A Culinary Journey to Ottawa
Deli moved to Ottawa in 2017 to provide better educational opportunities for his children. Missing Uyghur food, he would travel to Montreal and Toronto to satisfy his cravings. In December 2025, he opened Altay Flame, Ottawa's first Uyghur restaurant, in a former 45-seat SushiMe location on Beechwood Avenue in Vanier. The space retains its cozy atmosphere, now adorned with Central Asian curios.
"Technically, I can say I opened this restaurant for myself, because I enjoy this kind of food," says Deli, 48. "All my customers are my friends; they enjoy with me."
Signature Dishes and Spices
The menu features thick, hand-pulled noodles stir-fried with beef and vegetables, seasoned with cumin and other spices imported from China. Savoury beef morsels and cold noodle dishes with cucumber are popular choices. Deli cooks alongside two Uyghur chefs: one specializes in noodle pulling, the other in wok cooking.
For spice enthusiasts, the "super spicy ride noodle dish" is available, though Deli notes he sometimes dials down the heat to suit local palates, a common practice among Ottawa restaurateurs.
Expanding Ottawa's Food Scene
Altay Flame joins a wave of new diverse eateries in Ottawa, including Yan's Restaurant (Armenian), La Nhau (Vietnamese small plates), and That's Bananas (Brazilian cafe). Deli's establishment reflects the rich culinary crossroads of Central Asia and China, offering a rustic, centuries-old cuisine that continues to intrigue diners.
"I enjoy this kind of food, and I want to share it with Ottawa," Deli says. The restaurant has quickly become a destination for those seeking authentic Uyghur flavours.
