A Guide to Middle Eastern Appetizers: Must-Try Mezze at Reetaj

retajmiddleeastern1
2 days ago
6 min read

Welcome to Reetaj Middle Eastern Restaurant, Oshawa’s best destination for authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. When it comes to culinary traditions from the Middle East, few experiences are as delightful, diverse, and flavorful as mezze—a collection of small dishes served as appetizers. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or trying Middle Eastern cuisine for the first time, our mezze platters offer something for everyone.

In this blog, we’ll explore the history, ingredients, and unique flavors of the must-try Middle Eastern appetizers that we proudly serve at Reetaj. Our goal is to educate, inspire, and whet your appetite. So, let’s dive into this delicious journey through the heart of Middle Eastern culture.

What Is Mezze?

Mezze (sometimes spelled “meze”) refers to a variety of small dishes commonly served as appetizers in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Balkan cuisines. The word “mezze” comes from the Arabic word mazmiz, meaning "to taste" or "to nibble."

At Reetaj Middle Eastern Restaurant, mezze isn’t just food—it’s an experience. Mezze is meant to be shared, encouraging conversation, connection, and a celebration of flavor.

Why Mezze Matters

Mezze serves an important role in Middle Eastern dining traditions. Rather than diving straight into a main course, families and friends start with a variety of appetizers, allowing everyone to sample a bit of everything. This tradition fosters hospitality, generosity, and shared enjoyment.

Here’s why mezze is such a beloved part of Middle Eastern cuisine:

Diverse Flavors: From creamy dips to crisp pastries and marinated vegetables, mezze showcases a wide spectrum of textures and tastes.
Healthy Options: Many mezze dishes are plant-based, high in fiber, and rich in antioxidants.
Perfect for Sharing: Mezze encourages social interaction and communal dining—core values of Middle Eastern hospitality.

Must-Try Mezze Dishes at Reetaj Middle Eastern Restaurant

Here at Reetaj, we’ve curated a mezze menu that combines traditional recipes with local ingredients for fresh and authentic flavors. Let’s take a closer look at some of our customer favorites.

1. Hummus

The Classic Chickpea Dip

Hummus is arguably the most iconic Middle Eastern dip. Made from chickpeas, tahini (sesame paste), lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil, this dish is creamy, smooth, and slightly tangy.

We make our hummus in-house daily, ensuring it's always fresh. Try it with warm pita bread or fresh veggies—it’s a must-order.

Why it's a must-try:

High in protein and fiber
Naturally vegan and gluten-free
A creamy yet light start to any meal

2. Baba Ghanoush

Smoky, Creamy, and Rich

If you love hummus, you’ll adore baba ghanoush. This creamy dip is made from roasted eggplant, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. It has a rich, smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with fresh bread.

At Reetaj, we slow-roast our eggplants to bring out their deep, natural flavor.

Pro tip: Spread it on warm pita for the perfect bite.

3. Falafel

Crispy on the Outside, Tender on the Inside

Falafel is a Middle Eastern street food staple made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, herbs, and spices. These little round fritters are deep-fried until golden brown.

Served with tahini sauce, pickled turnips, and fresh herbs, falafel is a vegetarian favorite that never disappoints.

Fun fact: At Reetaj, our falafel is gluten-free and packed with protein and flavor.

4. Grape Leaves (Warak Enab)

Tangy, Herbal, and Refreshing

Grape leaves, or Warak Enab, are delicate vine leaves stuffed with rice, tomatoes, parsley, mint, and spices. These rolls are served cold with a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice.

Their zesty flavor and soft texture make them a refreshing bite before a heavier main course.

Best enjoyed with: A squeeze of fresh lemon and a side of labneh.

5. Labneh

Thick, Tangy, and Creamy Yogurt Spread

Labneh is a strained yogurt cheese that’s thick and creamy—perfect for dipping or spreading. It has a tangy flavor and is often topped with olive oil and za’atar (a spice blend of thyme, oregano, sesame, and sumac).

Try it with warm pita bread for a creamy, herby delight that pairs well with almost every dish on our mezze menu.

6. Fattoush

Crisp, Bright, and Colorful

This vibrant Middle Eastern salad is made from mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, onions, and crispy pieces of pita bread, all tossed in a tangy sumac-lemon dressing.

Fattoush offers a bright, refreshing contrast to creamy dips and fried foods, making it a well-balanced addition to any mezze spread.

7. Muhammara

Bold, Spicy, and Nutty

Muhammara is a rich dip made from roasted red peppers, walnuts, garlic, breadcrumbs, olive oil, and pomegranate molasses. It offers a unique flavor profile—sweet, spicy, and smoky all at once.

It’s less known than hummus or baba ghanoush but quickly becomes a favorite among those who try it.

8. Sambousek

Flaky Pastries with Savory Fillings

These golden-brown pastries are stuffed with a variety of fillings such as spiced ground beef, spinach, or cheese. They’re crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

Perfect as finger food, sambousek adds a hearty bite to your mezze selection.

9. Pickled Vegetables (Mukhalal)

Tart, Crunchy, and Colorful

Pickled vegetables are a classic accompaniment to Middle Eastern meals. From turnips and cucumbers to cauliflower and carrots, these crunchy, sour sides are packed with flavor and probiotics.

They help cleanse the palate and add texture to your plate.

Why Reetaj Is the Best Place for Mezze in Oshawa

At Reetaj Middle Eastern Restaurant, we blend tradition with passion. Our chefs use authentic spices, fresh ingredients, and time-tested techniques to bring the flavors of the Middle East to life in every dish.

Here’s what sets our mezze apart:

Freshly Prepared Daily: We prepare all our appetizers fresh each day for optimal flavor.
Locally Sourced Ingredients: Whenever possible, we use local produce and meats to ensure freshness and support our community.
Warm Hospitality: From the moment you walk in, we treat you like family—because that’s what Middle Eastern dining is all about.

How to Enjoy Mezze Like a Local

To fully enjoy a mezze experience, we suggest the following:

Order a variety: Pick at least 4–6 dishes for a group of 2–3 people.
Mix textures and flavors: Combine creamy dips with crispy pastries and fresh salads.
Eat slowly and share: Mezze is meant to be enjoyed over conversation.
Pair with pita and drinks: Enjoy with warm pita bread and traditional beverages like mint tea or laban (yogurt drink).

Mezze and Dietary Preferences

One of the greatest benefits of mezze is that it caters to many dietary needs:

Vegan options: Hummus, baba ghanoush, falafel, grape leaves, muhammara
Gluten-free options: Labneh, fattoush (without pita), pickled veggies
Low-carb options: Grilled halloumi (on request), salads, olives

Ask our staff for recommendations—they’ll gladly guide you based on your preferences.

Final Thoughts: Experience the Magic of Mezze at Reetaj

If you're looking for the best Middle Eastern appetizers in Oshawa, look no further than Reetaj Middle Eastern Restaurant. Whether you're dining with family, celebrating with friends, or just exploring new cuisines, our mezze menu is the perfect introduction to the rich and vibrant world of Middle Eastern food.

Come hungry and leave happy—because at Reetaj, we serve more than just food; we serve memories.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best mezze dish for first-timers?

If you're new to Middle Eastern cuisine, we recommend starting with hummus and falafel. They’re mild, flavorful, and widely loved.

2. Are there vegan mezze options at Reetaj?

Absolutely! We offer several vegan options including hummus, baba ghanoush, falafel, grape leaves, fattoush, and muhammara.

3. Can I order a mezze platter for takeout?

Yes, our mezze platters are available for both dine-in and takeout. Call ahead or order online for quick service.

4. Is mezze suitable for children?

Yes! Kids love dips like hummus and crispy items like falafel or sambousek. Just ask our staff for kid-friendly recommendations.

5. Do you offer gluten-free options?

Yes, many of our dishes like labneh, fattoush (without bread), and grape leaves are naturally gluten-free. Let us know if you have specific dietary restrictions.

Visit Reetaj Middle Eastern Restaurant in Oshawa today

Name: Reetaj Middle Eastern Restaurant

Address:7 Nassau St, Oshawa, ON L1J 4A3, Canada

Phone Number: +1 289-240-1515

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