“We wanted to share mamas delicious Syrian culture with the people in Toronto and beyond.. says Marcelle Alexis, Co-founder Zezafoun

Eid celebrations often bring back memories of our time in Dubai and the joy of celebrating with friends and indulging in the various Iftar buffets that most hotels and restaurants plan around this time of the year. I also fondly remember the foodie walks in Mumbai with my sister, that are a delightful culinary journey into the by-lanes of the city which are abuzz with food vendors and street stalls that are a delightful experience to the senses and a symphony of flavors, aromas and textures that elevate the dining experience.

Whilst here in Toronto, a bunch of ladies decided to embark on a culinary journey at Zezafoun last evening. This hidden gem serves some very authentic Syrian cuisine crafted with love and warmth making our meal a memorable culinary experience 

Walking into this restaurant is like stepping into the comforts of Syrian warmth and hospitality.This place is run by Chef Yola and her daughter Marcelle.The ambience is sweet and charming with traditional decor adorning the walls and soft music on the background. Each dish is curated with love and expertise, showcasing authentic recipes handed down through generations.

The “Piece de resistance in my opinion, “ is the Freekeh with Lamb Shank” which is ancient smoked tender wheat grain served with a juicy and tender lamb shank which was cooked to perfection. 

The team here is friendly and warm and love to engage in stories of cultural heritage behind each dish and make everyone feel a part of their family.

Some Highlights of our meal included:

Mezze:

1.Kebbeh: Ground beef and bulgur stuffed with caramelized onions 

2.Falafels: Chickpea Patties served with a Tahini sauce

Mains 

3.Fatteh (Tisiyeh) :Chickpeas and chicken layered over a bed of crunchy pita bread and topped with yogurt and tahini sauce and garnished with pomegranate arils

4.Freekeh with Lamb Shank: Tender juicy lamb shank served on a bed of Freekeh 

Syrian cuisine is a rich amalgamation of various flavours by locally available ingredients, diverse history and geographical location. Some key elements of this cuisine include:

1. Grains: Wheat is a fairly staple ingredient featuring in Syrian cusine especially Freekeh which is the young and tender harvest of wheat. Bulgur wheat is also quite common especially used in salads like tabbouleh or Kibbeh ( savory balls made of ground meat and bulgur).
2. Vegetables: Tomatoes, Zucchini, bell peppers and eggplants feature quite commonly in this cuisine especially in vegetarian stews.
3. Meat: Lamb, chicken and beef are popular and are often stewed, grilled or roasted for various dishes.
4. Spices & Herbs: Common spices include cumin, coriander, cinnamon and all spice, while fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley mint often add a deep flavour to the dish. Pomegranate arils are often used as garnish.
5. Dips & Spreads: Hummus, Baba Ganoush & Muhammara are loved by Syrians and enjoyed at the begining of their meals along with flatbreads such as Khubz ( flatbread or pitas)
6. Sweets & Desserts: Honey, nuts like almonds and pistachios, floral essences like orange blossom water and rosewater are often used in Syrian desserts and teas.

Overall, Syrian cuisine is characterized by its emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients, bold flavors, and hearty, comforting dishes that reflect the country’s rich culinary heritage.

Located at 4 Manor Road East, Toronto, this restaurant is a hidden gem and a culinary journey infused with love, warmth and tradition of Syrian culture. The bold and vibrant flavors transported us to this distant land and we had a wonderful evening discussing summer travel plans and our common passion for good food. It was an evening to remember filled with laughter and joy and the magical culinary explosion of flavors.

Now I did get a glimpse of the desserts on their menu that featured some delectable Baklawa, Kunafeh and Moms Hariseh. However being quite satiated with our heavy meal, we decided to pass this time.

I definitely plan on returning to Zezafoun to indulge in the array of desserts and some Syrian tea at a later date.

Stay tuned for my roundup of delightful middle eastern places as I eat my way around the city!