Taste of the Middle East, Toronto 2018 (TOME)

In the Middle East, the generous spirit of hospitality is a very important part of the culture and food plays a paramount role. It is a source of pride to the Middle Eastern to offer food to his guests and be sure they are well fed. So to the guest: Ahlan Wa Sahlan.

The Middle East, in my opinion, can arguably be said to have the greatest variety of food: meat dishes, salads, pastries, sweets, drinks, wraps etc. Considering the position of the Middle East which lies between Asia, Africa and Europe, in ancient times, there were so many cultures travelling through the region with their cuisines and ingredients.

The Middle East adopted some of the cuisines, ingredients and culinary methods. As a result, in addition to their local cuisine, they developed an exotic fusion that is present-day Middle Eastern cuisine. They, in turn, have also influenced other parts of the world e.g Kebab is the Nigerian suya (Skewered meat), Sharwarma wraps etc.

Taste of the Middle East, Toronto 2018

Taste of the Middle East is a food festival organised to celebrate Middle Eastern food, art and music. It is also in support of Canada’s largest food rescue charity, Second Harvest. The festival took place on August 4th, 2018 at Yonge & Dundas square from 11 am to 11 pm and admission was free. The weather was hot with temperatures climbing to the low 30s about 33 deg. C. This was the first Taste of the Middle East (TOME).

It was a high energy fest, there was food, dancing, fashion, art, DJs, food demonstration etc. TOME had a huge turnout of visitors. In fact, it was one of the most exciting food festivals I attended in 2018 and I had a swell time. There was the obvious presence of the OPP (Ontario Provincial Police) to keep things safe, also many media houses were present.

There was so much food, so much variety and the air smelled delicious. The festival theme was “1001 flavours” Middle Eastern cuisine has to offer.

Chef Costa Warwar of Flaming Stove showed us how they make their special Saj bread, spread with zaatar, Nutella etc. they handed out samples after each demonstration. As a lover of coffee, I was excited by the hailed coffee stand but it was the snacks that got me confused, in a good way. So I just bought one of each. The date filled ma’moul, was delicate and tasty, the croissant was flaky and sweet.

Flaming Stove cutting up Saj bread to give the audience

Some Taste Of the Middle East, Toronto 2018 Food Vendors

Hailed Coffee. Coffee, Pastries, Chocolate, dates etc.

Ishtar Catering. Restaurant, Catering and delivery.

Galata Cafe. Authentic Turkish Restaurant

Taste Of the Middle East Souk, Sultan’s tent and Stage

Besides food, there were goods to be purchased from the Souk (market), jewellery, fabrics, clothing, date syrup, spices, perfumes (ASQ, masters of royal perfume-house of oud, musk and amber), etc.