For those living in Toronto, Mississauga or anywhere across Ontario who crave the comforting, bold flavors of Turkish cuisine, sourcing authentic ingredients may seem like a challenge. But with a bit of local knowledge and creativity, you can stock your pantry with many of the staples used at Mama Fatma, where Turkish, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern dishes are prepared fresh using halal-certified ingredients.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to find or substitute key Turkish ingredients in Canada, how to navigate local markets, and how Mama Fatma integrates both local and traditional sources to serve up authentic dishes.
Where to Find Turkish Spices
Turkish cuisine is famous for its use of rich and aromatic spices. You don’t need to fly to Istanbul to get your hands on them—in fact, many are available in Canadian supermarkets or Middle Eastern grocery stores.
Paprika & Aleppo Pepper (Pul Biber): These are essential for both seasoning and garnishing many Turkish dishes. Pul biber, in particular, gives a warm heat without overpowering the dish. You can find these at Loblaws, Metro, or bulk food stores.
Sumac: This tart, citrusy powder adds brightness to salads, grilled meats, and even hummus. Look for it in Middle Eastern markets such as Arz Fine Foods in Toronto or Adonis markets in Mississauga.
Cumin, Coriander, and Mint: These core spices are widely available and form the base of Turkish stews, soups, and marinades.
Pro tip: Visit Kensington Market in Toronto or Nasr Foods in Mississauga for a broad selection of Turkish and Mediterranean spices.
These spices are not just for flavor—they’re part of the soul of Turkish cooking. For example, the signature spice blend for kofte (meatballs) often includes cumin, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and parsley.
Common Ingredients in Local Markets
Many classic Turkish ingredients are hiding in plain sight at your local grocery store:
Yogurt: Choose plain, full-fat yogurt. Brands like Astro or Balkan-style yogurt mimic the texture of Turkish varieties. Perfect for dishes like cacık, yogurt-based marinades, and savory sauces.
Eggplant & Zucchini: Eggplant is the star of dishes like imam bayıldı and karnıyarık, while zucchini appears in fritters, stews, and meze.
Tomato Paste & Red Pepper Paste: While tomato paste is readily available, for biber salçası (Turkish red pepper paste), look in Turkish or Arab grocery stores.
Chickpeas & Lentils: Ideal for mercimek çorbası, hummus, and stews. Lentils, both red and green, are often found in bulk sections.
These ingredients bring Turkish comfort food to life, even in a Canadian kitchen.
Inspired to cook Turkish food at home? Come taste the real thing at Mama Fatma before your next recipe adventure.
Substitutes for Traditional Items
Sometimes you won’t find the exact Turkish item, but there are great substitutes you can use in a pinch:
Kasseri Cheese → Mozzarella or Havarti: Kasseri is semi-soft and slightly salty. Havarti or low-moisture mozzarella works well in pide or cheese-based meze.
Sucuk (Turkish Sausage) → Halal Beef Pepperoni: Sucuk is spicy, garlicky, and rich. While the flavor may differ, beef pepperoni offers a similar texture and cooking behavior.
Yufka Pastry → Phyllo Dough: Although slightly thinner, phyllo is perfect for börek and similar pastries. Add a bit more oil or butter for richness.
Pomegranate Molasses → Balsamic Glaze (in moderation): Use sparingly for a tangy finish on salads or kebabs.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. Turkish cooking is all about personal touches.
Need inspiration? Visit Mama Fatma for authentic flavors that guide your home kitchen choices.
Using Local Produce in Turkish Recipes
Freshness matters in Turkish cooking. Whether you’re making çoban salatası or şakşuka, quality produce is key.
Tomatoes, cucumbers, parsley, onions, and mint from Ontario farms can match the freshness found in Turkish bazaars.
Seasonal squash, beets, and beans from local farmers’ markets like St. Jacobs or Brickworks in Toronto are perfect for fall and winter Turkish stews.
Ontario garlic and red onions add a bold foundation to many dishes.
At Mama Fatma, we believe local doesn’t mean less authentic—it means more connected to our community.
Experience how fresh, seasonal ingredients come alive in Turkish recipes—only at Mama Fatma.
Buying Halal Meats in Canada
Halal meat is a cornerstone of Turkish and Muslim dining traditions. In Canada, halal-certified options are easier to find than ever before:
Paramount Butcher Shop, Iqbal Halal, and Medina Fine Foods offer trusted halal meats.
Major grocers like No Frills and FreshCo now feature halal sections with certified labeling.
Ideal cuts for Turkish dishes include lamb shoulder, beef cubes for stew, ground lamb for kebabs, and whole chicken.
When preparing dishes like Adana kebab or İskender, the quality and source of the meat matter greatly.
Mama Fatma uses only halal-certified meats—our promise of quality and trust on every plate.
Mama Fatma’s Supply Approach
Running a kitchen across three bustling Ontario cities requires careful sourcing. At Mama Fatma, our ingredient strategy blends tradition with accessibility:
Dry goods like bulgur, orzo, and long-grain rice are sourced in bulk to maintain consistency.
Daily deliveries of produce ensure freshness, particularly for salads and garnishes.
Turkish imports like tea leaves, tahini, molasses, and pomegranate extract are selected with strict quality standards.
Whether it’s lamb shank stew, manti, or a plate of grilled vegetables, every dish reflects this thoughtful sourcing.
Behind every dish at Mama Fatma is a sourcing philosophy rooted in flavor and authenticity.
Turkish cuisine is all about balance, warmth, and sharing. Even in a multicultural country like Canada, you can enjoy the core ingredients that define this delicious cuisine. Whether you’re cooking at home or visiting us, the taste of Turkey is never far away.