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lebanese food montreal

Montreal's Lebanese food scene is expanding as a popular taouk chain from Lebanon is set to open its first-ever Canadian location right here in Montreal.

While Montreal is home to countless Lebanese fast food spots including Amir, Boustan, Basha and Shawarmaz, nothing comes close to the real deal back in Lebanon. Luckily, Montrealers will be able to savour an authentic taouk sandwich as if they were enjoying it on the streets of Beirut.

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Montreal is welcoming a brand new Middle Eastern restaurant to its repertoire of must-try eateries. Hayat, which translates to "life" in Arabic will officially be opening its doors this month with a menu promising to transport your taste buds to the coasts of Lebanon and the mountains of Syria.

Located on rue de la Commune Ouest in Montreal's Old Port, Hayat serves up all your favourite Lebanese dishes, mezze-style, which is truly the best way to enjoy the flavours of the Mediterranean. The restaurant seats a total of 60 inside and another 150 on its outdoor terrasse overlooking Vieux-Montreal.

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A popular Middle Eastern dish, the falafel's exact geographical origins are murky, with many claiming that the iconic chickpea fritter first originated in Egypt, while others say that falafel started out in Turkey or Yemen. Although falafel's true origin story remains unknown, what we do know is that falafel is undeniably delicious and abundantly available in Montreal, and that's all that really matters.

Traditionally prepared with chickpea puree, parsley, garlic and a handful of spices including cumin and coriander, falafel is made by forming the chickpea mixture into small balls and frying them until they reach a perfect golden-brown consistency. With a crispy outside and a tender, steamy inside, falafel boasts a well-seasoned and flavourful mix that is often served in a warm, freshly baked pita with a medley of vibrant vegetables including mint, tomatoes and turnips, and tahini sauce. Done right, a falafel pita can reach an almost celestial state, with a balance of textures, flavours and smells that dramatically exceed the simplicity of the dish.

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Montreal is adding a new Lebanese restaurant to its repertoire of must-try spots. Much-loved local Lebanese restaurant Mezzmiz has officially opened a second location promising to transport you and your taste buds to the Mediterranean.

Located on rue Crescent, Mezzmiz serves up all of your favourite Lebanese dishes, mezze-style, what it calls "the act of snacking, savouring and sharing food with family and friends in a convivial manner."

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When it comes to Lebanese fast food in Montreal, only a few places come to mind, Boustan being one of them. With a delectable menu of assorted dishes reigning from the Middle East, you simply can't go wrong with their delish pitas, potatoes, and of course, garlic sauce.

Luckily, you can snag Boustan's garlic sauce in grocery stores, but that's not all you can get your hands on.

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In the mood for some traditional Lebanese coffee? Then Café Chez Téta is the spot to check out. With Montreal restaurants officially reopened, you can visit this Lebanese restaurant located in the Plateau for an experience so authentic you'll be transported to Beirut.

The restaurant offers Lebanese coffee in its traditional form, or with cardamom. Mmm...

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One of Montreal's favourite new Lebanese restaurants, SHAY Griffintown, has officially opened its doors for Sunday brunch and, as I'm sure you can imagine, it's just as tasty as their dinner menu. I got a reservation on its sold-out opening day and it was even better than I expected.

If there are any coffee drinkers out there, you know the first step of any brunch is ordering a hot cup right away. To me, coffee can totally set the mood for the entire experience and our Americano and latte — both delicious — were excellent indicators of what was to come.

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SHAY Griffintown is one of Montreal's tastiest new Lebanese restaurants, though "new" is a relative term.

If the name sounds familiar, it's because SHAY was offering a takeout menu until July when the team officially opened the doors to its dining room and coffee bar. And, if you thought the takeout menu was impressive, just wait until you step inside.

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