There's no doubt that ethnic cuisine has added a great deal of diversity to the dining scene in Edmonton. And while some cultures have greater representation in the culinary landscape of the city, others manage to have just a few restaurants offering food reflective of their heritage. Such is the case with Al Salam Bakery and Restaurant, located in the deep south of Edmonton. The Lebanese store – probably one of a handful throughout the city – makes a trip across town worthwhile, not only because of its unique cuisine, but due to its value-added amenities as well.
"It's a bakery, grocery store and restaurant, so it's all three in one," says Mohamad Araji, Al Salam's manager. "And we deliver pita bread to other restaurants in the city." Adding to the charm of the place is the fact that it's a family-owned business, and the service is reflective of that character – you're certain to be treated with warmth when you make your order.
Hummus
Pureed chick peas with tahini sauce, garlic and lemon juice topped with olive oil
Tzatziki
Yogurt. cucumber, dill, olive oil, garlic
Tabbouli
Chopped parsley, tomatoes, green onions, mint, Bulgur, tossed in lemon juice and olive oil
Warrak Ayreesh (Stuffed Vine Leaves)
6 Pieces of steamed grape leaves stuffed with rice and vegetables
Falafel
5 Pieces of ground fava beans and chick peas served with fattoush, hummus and pickles topped with tahini sauce
Vegetable & Olive Plate
Fresh vegetables, pickles and olives
Baba Ghanoush
Grilled eggplant, tahini (sesame paste), citric acid, sea salt, garlic, lemon juice topped with olive oil
Labneh
Pressed yogurt topped with olive oil
Fattoush
Lettuce, fresh vegetables, sumac, olive oil, lemon juice (option of pita chips)
Sahn Foul
Cooked fava beans served with lemon juice, fresh garlic and olive oil
Kibby
3 Pieces of fried kibby, beef mixed with bulgar and stuffed with ground beef
Basket of Fries
Lebanese style pies baked on fresh pita
Zaatar
Thyme, sumac, sesame, wheat and salt baked on fresh dough
Akawie Ajeen
Ground akawie cheese baked on fresh dough
Kishk
Dry yogurt, mixed with tomatoes, onions, olive oil
Chicken Ajeen
Chicken shawarma with mozzarella cheese baked on fresh dough
Cheese Ajeen
Mozzarella cheese baked on fresh dough
Spinach
Mixed tomatoes, onion, garlic, sumac, olive oil and lemon juice baked on fresh dough
Lahem Ajeen
Beef mixed with tomatoes, onions and 7 spices baked on fresh dough
Beef Ajeen
Beef shawarma with mozzarella cheese baked on fresh dough
Cheese
Pizza sauce and mozzarella cheese
Chicken Pizza
Chicken shawarma, green peppers, olives, onions topped with pizza sauce and mozzarella cheese
Mixed Pizza
Chicken and beef shawarma, green peppers, olives and onions topped with pizza sauce and mozzarella cheese
Veggie & Cheese
Green peppers, olives and onions topped with pizza sauce and mozzarella cheese
Beef Pizza
Beef shawarma, green peppers, olives and onions topped with pizza sauce and mozzarella cheese
Lebanese style sandwich wrapped in fresh baked pita
Chicken Shawarma
Marinated chicken, lettuce, tomatoes and pickles with garlic sauce
Mixed Shawarma
Marinated beef and chicken, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, turnips and hummus topped with tahini sauce
Falafel
Ground fava beans and chick peas, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, turnips and hummus topped with tahini sauce
The Trio
One regular size of chicken or beef shawarama, choice of canned soft drink, choice of fatousche salad or french fries
Beef Shawarma
Marinated beef, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, turnips and hummus topped with tahini sauce
Kafta
Marinated ground beef, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, turnips and hummus topped with tahini sauce
Chicken Kabob
BBQ'd chicken, lettuce, tomatoes and pickles with garlic sauce
Beef Kabob
BBQ'd beef, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, turnips and hummus topped with tahini sauce
Chicken Shawarma
Marinated chicken, served with rice, hummus, garlic dip, fattoush salad and fresh pita bread
Mixed Shawarma
Marinated chicken and beef, served with rice, hummus, garlic dip, fattoush salad and fresh pita
Beef Kabob
Cubes of BBQ'd meat, served with rice, hummus, garlic dip, fattoush salad and fresh pita
Beef Shawarma
Marinated beef, served with rice, hummus, garlic dip, fattoush salad and fresh pita
Chicken Kabob
Cubes of BBQ'd meat, served with rice, hummus, garlic dip, fattoush salad and fresh pita bread
Kafta
Baked, marinated ground beef with onions, garlic and parsley
Drinks
Soft Drink Import Juice Bottled Water Dole Juice
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Al Salam handles the classic hummus and pita, which is great in flavour, portion-size, and price – but that’s not all. They have the added bonus of being a deli, which means you hummus-lovers-on-the-go can pop in for a second, pick up a heap of hummus, and race back out again. But, if you feel like you’ve got a few minutes to spare, feel free to take a seat and order shawarma or kebob platter with ample sides of rice, garlic dip, fatoush salad, and – of course – hummus and fresh pita bread.
View this Smart ListFor a healthy dose of Middle Eastern cuisine, this deli serves up hot chicken and beef shawarma at reasonable prices. Don’t forget to top off your meal with a side of fatoush. While I’m not normally a salad-lover, fatoush gets me to eat my greens and enjoy it.
View this Smart ListPita equals carbs. Hummus equals protein. Sounds kind of amazing, doesn’t it? The best part about Al Salaam, aside from the delightful options, is that it’s also a grocery story, so you grab some to take home. The pitas are baked in-house, so they’re fluffy and warm and mmm … Oh, and grab the kabob plate for your protein fix.
View this Smart List