Throughout 2025, restaurant critic Peter Hum found himself repeatedly drawn to Ottawa's western suburb of Kanata, chasing a series of compelling culinary discoveries. His gastronomic tour highlighted the area's growing and diverse food landscape, from crispy Turkish pastries to soul-warming Japanese ramen and robust Filipino classics.
Sweet Discoveries and Savory Bites
One of the newer additions to Kanata's food scene is TAKSIM Sweets & Bakes at 442 Hazeldean Road, which opened in January 2025. Named after Istanbul's famous Taksim Square, this bakery specializes in Turkish desserts. Standouts include dolama and khatmer, both featuring crispy phyllo dough wrapped around soft pistachio fillings. These pastries are baked to order and often served with ice cream for a contrast of temperatures and textures.
The shop also offers a wide array of baklava, substantial slices of Dubai chocolate cheesecake, and savory items like house-made cheese-filled borek. On weekends, TAKSIM expands into Turkish breakfast, serving items such as simit (Turkish bagels) and çakallı menemen, a dish of scrambled eggs with Turkish peppers, tomatoes, and cheese.
Comfort in a Bowl: Ramen and Rice
For those craving Japanese comfort food, Kuma Takumi Ramen and Japanese Kitchen at 484 Hazeldean Road, which opened in March 2025, delivers traditional and high-quality bowls. Hum found its tonkotsu ramen to be among Ottawa's best, praising its creamy, pork-rich, yet clean-flavoured broth. The shoyu ramen offered a lighter but equally savory alternative.
The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident in its practice of ordering fresh noodles every three days from a local supplier who meets its specifications. Beyond ramen, the menu features Japanese curry dishes topped with an omelet and a choice of protein over rice.
Authentic Filipino Flavors
At Saboroso Bistro on Eagleson Road, the food may come in simple take-out containers, but the flavors are authentically and deliciously Filipino. A major highlight was the grilled chicken Inasal, featuring bone-in thighs and drumsticks marinated with lemongrass, dark soy, calamansi (a Filipino citrus), and other seasonings.
Pork belly enthusiasts are presented with two excellent options: deep-fried lechon kawali or the classic sisig, a sizzling mix of pork belly and pig's ear. For a lighter choice, the sweet and sour basa fish is recommended. No meal is complete without trying the deluxe halo-halo, a shaved-ice dessert that's a treat in any weather.
Recognizing Established Favorites
While focusing on newer establishments, Hum's 2025 exploration also included giving well-deserved recognition to some of Kanata's older dining spots, underscoring the suburb's established culinary foundation alongside its exciting new arrivals. The collective impression is of a suburb that has matured into a legitimate and diverse dining destination for Ottawa residents willing to explore west of the core.
The critic's journey, documented in reviews throughout the year for the Ottawa Citizen, paints a picture of a community where global cuisines are not just represented but are executed with care and authenticity, making a strong case for Kanata's delicious appeal.
