As Ramadan began earlier this month, the streets of Montreal are buzzing with the warmth of this spiritual and festive event for the Muslim community.
Among the most popular traditions, the tasting of delicious oriental pastries takes pride of place, and the celebration of Eid el-Fitr, which will be on March 30 or 31 depending on the moon, is the sweet apotheosis of this holy month.
Baklavas, samosas, kanafeh, dates and gazelle horns… We’ve got a list of the best pastries to stock up on before Eid.
Patisserie Samadi
Since 1872, the reputation of Pâtisserie Samadi has spread around the world, offering sweet lovers an authentic taste experience. Founded in Lebanon, this institution opened its doors in Montreal in 2006, bringing with it a thousand years of Oriental patisserie know-how. There are two locations in Montreal and one in Laval.
We can’t wait to try the classics of this Lebanese patisserie, such as Kunafeh, Halawet El Jebn and Shaabiyat.
Pâtisserie Samadi: 5995 Boul Gouin O, Montreal
Pâtisserie Samadi: 595 Boul de la Côte Vertu Ouest, Montreal
Pâtisserie Mahrousé
Pâtisserie Mahrousé has specialized in “out-of-this-world” Middle Eastern desserts since 1970, and their two Montreal locations are open 365 days a year. They also have a delivery service!
Their knafeh, qashta ice cream and baklavas are known to be some of the best in town, and for after Eid (or during) we have to mention their vine leaves and kibbeh, which can also be eaten on the premises.
Pâtisserie Mahrousé: 9705 Boul de l’Acadie
Pâtisserie Mahrousé : 1053 rue de la Montagne
Maghreb Delights
At Délices du Maghreb, you’ll find an assortment of cakes and petits fours inspired by Maghrebian culinary traditions.
Makroute, gazelle horns, briouates... and what’s more, you can stock up on harissa, hallal meat (it’s a butcher’s shop first and foremost) and Moroccan products.
Délices du Maghreb: 5627A Ch. de la Côte-des-Neiges, Montreal
Ad Deyafa
Moroccan restaurant Ad Deyafa offers an exquisite selection of Maghrebian and Algerian pastries, as well as traditional dishes such as mechoui, tagine, harira soup…
Gazelle horns, briouates and chebbakya, and a cup of their mint tea…
Ad Defaya: 5588, Rue Jean-Talon Est
Ryad Pastry Shop
Le Ryad’s baklava is renowned throughout the city. Nuts, dates and honey, and that’s all you need!
Pâtisserie le Ryad: Jean-Talon Market
Boulangerie La Fleur de Sel
This is the city’s most French Oriental patisserie, and the creations are lovingly decorated, fusing the two traditions of French and Oriental desserts.
La Fleur de Sel: 2344 Rue Jean-Talon, Montreal
Happy Ramadan and Happy Eid! عِيد مُبَارَك!