Behind the Scenes at Reetaj: A Day in the Life of Our Kitchen Team

Welcome to Reetaj Middle Eastern Restaurant, where authenticity meets passion. Located in the heart of Oshawa, ON, we’re proud to be recognized as one of the best restaurants in the area. But have you ever wondered what really goes on behind our kitchen doors? What turns fresh ingredients into the dishes that have earned us a devoted following?

In this in-depth look behind the scenes, we invite you to step into the world of our culinary team. From the early morning prep to the late-night clean-up, discover how our chefs, line cooks, and kitchen staff bring the flavors of the Middle East to life daily at Reetaj.

The Morning Begins: Freshness First

Each day at Reetaj begins before the sun rises. While most of Oshawa is still asleep, our team is already hard at work. The aroma of freshly baked pita and simmering spices begins to fill the kitchen around 6:00 AM. This early start is essential because we are committed to using only the freshest ingredients—nothing processed or prepackaged.

Our first priority? Prepping vegetables, herbs, and proteins. Tomatoes are chopped for tabbouleh, cucumbers are sliced for fattoush, and fresh parsley is finely minced. At the same time, chicken is marinated in our signature spice blends, lamb is inspected for quality, and hummus is made from scratch—using soaked and slow-cooked chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and fresh lemon juice.

Transitioning into full production, the kitchen starts to hum with the rhythm of the day. Every action, from chopping to marinating, is done by hand with precision and love.

Mid-Morning: Prepping and Planning

By 9:00 AM, the kitchen is in full swing. Our chefs go over the day’s menu, specials, and any dietary accommodations. We also take this time to check inventory and ensure that all ingredients are up to our high standards.

One of the highlights of Reetaj is our daily specials, which often include regional dishes from Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, and other parts of the Middle East. Planning these dishes requires not only creativity but also a deep understanding of traditional cooking methods.

For example, our kibbeh is made using a family recipe that dates back generations. The bulgur wheat is soaked and seasoned, the meat filling is sautéed with onions and pine nuts, and each piece is hand-shaped before being fried or baked.

The Lunch Rush: Precision and Speed

As noon approaches, the dining area fills up with hungry guests, and our kitchen transforms into a synchronized dance of timing and teamwork. Orders come in rapidly through our POS system, and each station knows their role.

Our grill station handles skewers of beef and chicken shawarma, making sure each piece is grilled to perfection. The sauté station tosses falafel into bubbling oil, achieving the perfect crispiness without sacrificing the moist, flavorful interior.

Moreover, we pride ourselves on customization. Whether someone asks for gluten-free pita, extra tahini, or vegan options, our kitchen is trained to adapt without compromising on taste or presentation.

Throughout this high-energy period, communication is key. Chefs call out orders, servers check for accuracy, and the expeditor ensures everything leaving the kitchen is flawless.

Afternoon Lull: Reflection and Reset

After the lunch rush, there’s a brief lull, and the team takes a well-earned break. It’s during this time that the staff rehydrates, eats, and reflects on the first half of the day. But even during this quiet window, the work doesn't stop.

Prep for dinner begins now—meat is skewered for kebabs, sauces are replenished, rice is steamed with saffron and bay leaves, and desserts like baklava are plated.

In addition, this is when we receive fresh deliveries. We work closely with local Ontario farmers and suppliers to source seasonal ingredients. Our kitchen manager inspects every item, ensuring only the best produce and proteins make it into our dishes.

Dinner Service: The Main Event

As evening falls, Reetaj truly comes alive. Families, couples, and groups of friends gather for a cozy dinner experience. The open kitchen allows diners to watch our chefs in action, and the energy is palpable.

During dinner, the kitchen kicks into high gear again—but with even more attention to detail. Presentation becomes even more important. Every plate of hummus is swirled with artistic care, each platter of mixed grill arranged like a work of art.

What sets us apart is our commitment to the diner’s full experience. Our chefs are not just cooks—they are artists, storytellers, and caretakers of tradition. They put thought into everything, down to the last garnish.

Closing Time: Clean-Up and Quality Checks

Around 10:00 PM, as the last guests leave, the kitchen begins to wind down. But this is not the time to relax just yet. Every surface is sanitized, equipment is cleaned, and leftovers are documented. Food safety is paramount, and we follow strict HACCP guidelines to ensure everything is stored correctly.

The chefs review the day’s service—what went well, what could be improved, and how to prepare better for tomorrow. Because at Reetaj, excellence isn’t an act—it’s a habit.

Our People: The Heart of Reetaj

At the core of Reetaj’s success is our incredible team. From our head chef, who studied culinary arts in Beirut, to our dishwashers who work tirelessly behind the scenes, every member of the kitchen crew plays a vital role.

Training is continuous. New team members are taught the nuances of our spice blends, plating techniques, and cultural origins of each dish. We also host regular workshops and tasting sessions to ensure that our team remains inspired and informed.

Ultimately, our goal is not just to serve food, but to offer an unforgettable cultural experience.

Sustainability in the Kitchen

We believe that sustainability should be at the heart of every kitchen. That’s why Reetaj has implemented eco-conscious practices. We compost food waste, use biodegradable packaging for takeout orders, and limit water usage with modern, efficient dishwashing systems.

Our oil is recycled responsibly, and we have plans to install solar-powered appliances in the near future. Because serving food with integrity also means respecting our environment.

Why This Matters to You

When you dine at Reetaj, you’re not just enjoying a meal—you’re experiencing hours of preparation, centuries of tradition, and the love of a team that pours its heart into every dish. We hope that this behind-the-scenes look helps you appreciate the craftsmanship and passion that define us.

So the next time you bite into our shawarma or savor our lentil soup, remember—there’s a whole story behind it.

5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What makes Reetaj different from other Middle Eastern restaurants in Oshawa?We focus on authenticity, freshness, and hospitality. Our dishes are made from scratch daily using traditional recipes and local ingredients.

2. Do you offer vegetarian or vegan options?Yes, we have a wide variety of vegan and vegetarian options including falafel, hummus, lentil soup, baba ganoush, and more.

3. Can I watch the kitchen while I dine?Absolutely! Our open kitchen layout allows guests to see our chefs in action, preparing meals with skill and passion.

4. Are your ingredients halal and locally sourced?Yes, all our meats are 100% halal, and we work with Ontario-based farms and distributors to source fresh, local ingredients whenever possible.

5. Do you offer catering or private dining experiences?Yes, we offer catering for events and can also arrange private dining experiences. Contact us directly to plan your next event.

Final Words

Thank you for taking the time to peek behind the scenes at Reetaj Middle Eastern Restaurant. From the first ingredient chopped in the morning to the last plate washed at night, our kitchen is a place of hard work, harmony, and heart.

If you’re in Oshawa, we invite you to experience it for yourself. Come dine with us, feel the warmth of our culture, and taste the passion in every bite.

Reetaj Middle Eastern Restaurant – Bringing the Heart of the Middle East to Oshawa.

Contact Us Best Restaurant in Oshawa

Name: Reetaj Middle Eastern Restaurant

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

Phone Number: +1 289-240-1515

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