Ehsan Burger Launches In Calgary, Bringing Iconic Kabul Street Food To Canada

Calgary, Canada – June 2025 - Ehsan Burger , one of Afghanistan's most iconic street food brands, has officially launched a new food truck in northeast Calgary, Canada. The initiative is led by Ishan Adilyar, son of the late founder Ehsan Adel, and aims to connect Afghan-Canadians with a nostalgic taste from home while introducing a wider audience to authentic Kabul-style fast food.

Ehsan Burger was first established in 1980 in Kabul by Mr. Adel, who began serving his signature Afghan-style burgers in Shahr-e-Naw Park. The business gained popularity for its unique take on the fast-food concept, serving freshly made flatbread wraps filled with sausage, fries, vegetables, boiled eggs, and traditional sauces. Over the years, the food stall adapted to the changing dynamics of the city, operating near Alfath High School in Macroyan 1, the market in Macroyan 3, and later establishing itself more permanently in Macroyan 2 and Karte Char. Despite decades of war, regime changes, and economic hardships, Ehsan Burger became a household name and remained one of the most trusted fast-food brands in Afghanistan.

The launch in Calgary brings this legacy to the Afghan diaspora and other local communities. Located in the Cornerstone area of northeast Calgary, the food truck serves a menu similar to the original Kabul locations, including the well-known Afghan burger wrap, fries, and fresh fruit smoothies. The truck's arrival has already drawn attention from members of the Afghan community who associate the flavors with schooldays, weekend outings, and gatherings with friends and family.

The global fast-food industry began gaining momentum in the early 20th century with the establishment of chains like White Castle in the United States in the 1920s and the rapid expansion of McDonald's in the 1950s. The industry's growth was driven by urbanization, the demand for quick and affordable meals, and a culture that emphasized convenience. In parallel, cities like Kabul developed their own street food traditions, offering affordable and flavorful options such as shawarma, fried potato chips, juice stands, and Afghan-style wraps. These foods, commonly available near schools, markets, and bus stops, became an integral part of daily life in urban Afghanistan.

Ehsan Burger stood out among Kabul's food vendors for maintaining consistency in taste and quality over the decades. Customers have long praised its generous portions, balanced flavors, and the care with which ingredients were selected and prepared. The brand's expansion to Canada represents not only a business milestone but also a cultural bridge between Afghanistan and its global diaspora.

Speaking about the new venture, Ishan Adilyar said,“Ehsan Burger was started by my father in Kabul. He worked hard to build it with care and purpose. Today I am proud to continue this work and bring the same experience to people here in Calgary.”

The Calgary food truck is expected to operate regularly in the Cornerstone neighborhood, which has a high concentration of immigrant communities, including Afghan families. While the project caters to those with fond memories of the original locations in Kabul, it also introduces a broader Canadian audience to a lesser-known culinary tradition rooted in Afghanistan's urban culture.

The launch reflects a growing trend among diaspora entrepreneurs to bring traditional street food into new markets, preserving cultural identity while adapting to modern standards. For many, such ventures offer more than just food-they represent continuity, belonging, and a connection to home.

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