Written by Dahlia Merlo on 06.11.17

The best thing about Montreal is its incredible multiculturalism. You can enjoy an authentic meal from any country around the world, right here at home. If Montreal isn’t your favourite city in the world, you need to give it a second look. Where else can you enjoy authentic nomadic African cuisine other than in Africa? Why, Montreal of course!

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At La Khaïma, a BYOW restaurant, the African dishes are a mix of Middle Eastern, Mauritanian, Moroccan, and Egyptian. You are treated to an incredible African experience. Make sure to take off your shoes before sitting at the table!

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The tables are set up family style. On one side of the restaurant, you can sit on benches, whereas on the other side you have the choice to sit on the ground on their lovely pillows. The ceiling is draped with beautiful and colourful scarves and tapestries. You truly feel like you are entering a nomadic African tent when you enter La Khaïma!

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If you’re lucky, you’ll meet the enigmatic owner who will tell you all about his specialty dishes, where he comes from, and the history of the food he serves. Try his Hibiscus drink for something fizzy and refreshing. You can even buy a few bottles to go!

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Now for the food. The dishes can be made vegetarian or vegan on demand, and all the meat is Halal. There are also gluten-free options! The variety of flavours from all across Africa really translate into the dishes. To start, we recommend the M’berberli soup, made with lentils, ginger, caramelised onions, lime, lemon, olive oil, cumin, and paprika. It’s delicious, hearty, and perfect for the colder months.

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If you love hummus like we do (it’s a mild obsession), then you have to try it with their thick cut pita. It’s different from the traditional Lebanese hummus you may be used to. It’s chunkier and has a variety of spices. Another dish that is sure to warm your bellies and your soul is the rice dish with slow cooked meat and Middle Eastern spices.

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Another veggie dish that is sure to please is the Magoji, with cabbage, carrots, cassava, green beans, chickpeas, sweet potatoes, and zucchini. Their couscous dishes are full of African flavour and a great way to be introduced to nomadic African cuisine.

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If you want an experience that is outside the norm with food you may have never tried, look no further than La Khaïma! You know where you’ll find us (cross-legged in front of a heaping plate of slow-cooked meat and rice).

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142 Avenue Fairmount O, Montréal, QC H2T 2M5
(514) 948-9993

Photos by Dahlia Merlo (@dahllii) and La Khaïma.

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