It’s not the best time to own a restaurant and it is even more difficult to open a new one with strict regulations in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. But Muhammad Afzal sees only opportunities.
He opened Sahar of Sudbury, an Indian and Pakistani takeout food restaurant, in May in the former Maria’s Restaurant on Notre Dame Avenue. He does not offer table service so he has not had to implement social distancing measures that pertain to dining rooms.
With the help of social media and some advertising, he has got the news out about Sahar. Foodies are helping spread the word about this tasty addition to the Sudbury food scene.
Afzal comes from Pakistan and has lived in Canada for three years. About two years ago, he bought the Papa John’s Pizza franchise on Lasalle Boulevard. He closed that restaurant and purchased the Maria’s building last year. Now he is working on opening a pizza takeout spot in the front of the building. Sahar’s entrance is on the side of the building by the parking lot.
Afzal studied business administration and was interested in opening an Indian food restaurant. He got advice and some recipes from his brother who owns a restaurant in Zurich, Switzerland.
Afzal smiles as he says there was just too much competition to open a restaurant in Pakistan.
“Where better than Sudbury?” he asks. “Sudbury people love this food. I saw a market for good quality food for competitive prices.”
Curry, garlic and ginger are the main spices used in Sahar’s offerings. Some dishes have saffron or blends of spices such as turmeric, cloves, cardamom and cinnamon.
One of the specialty dishes is biryani, a Muslim rice dish mixed with chicken, lamb, or vegetables. Most Pakistanis are Muslim and do not eat pork.
Tandoori half chicken and spicy wings are popular items as are the curry dishes made with chicken or lamb. Palak paneer is a cottage cheese dish in a thick spicy spinach sauce. Vegetarians will be tempted with rajma made with red kidney beans in a thick seasoned gravy.
Naan and chapati breads are available. Paratha flatbread is served with green sauce made from mint leaves, coriander, green onions and green chiles.
Spicy dishes go down best with soothing dessert items such as kulfi, which is frozen fruit and milk on a stick.
Afzal advises customers to call ahead for pickup orders. “Nothing is precooked, so food takes a little longer to prepare.”
Sahar’s menu is available on Facebook. Delivery is available through SkiptheDishes, DoorDash and Uber Eats.
Afzal, 38, is married and has two young daughters. He lived in Toronto briefly and says he prefers a smaller city like his own hometown.
“I find Sudbury very friendly.”
He has not experienced prejudice here but understands Pakistanis did when they began to arrive in Canada in the 1960s.
“At that time, only the elites learned English, so those immigrants had language barriers. Now English is taught in school” to everyone.
During the last 60 years, Canada has also become more diverse. According to the 2016 Census, more than 200,000 Canadians claim Pakistani ancestry.
You can find Sahar of Sudbury at 499 Notre Dame Ave. Reach them by phone at 705-673-7272.
The restaurant is open seven days a week, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
