How Spices Define Middle Eastern Cooking: Flavor Profiles You’ll Taste at Reetaj

At Reetaj Middle Eastern Restaurant in Oshawa, ON, we believe that every dish tells a story — and spices are the storytellers. Middle Eastern cuisine is deeply rooted in centuries of culture, tradition, and, most notably, spice. Each bite brings together a mosaic of flavors, revealing the region’s history, geography, and identity.

In this blog, we’ll explore how spices define Middle Eastern cooking and give you a flavor tour of what you can expect to taste at Reetaj — the best Middle Eastern restaurant in Oshawa. We’ll dive into the origins, uses, and flavor profiles of key spices and how they come together to create the unforgettable dishes our customers love.

The Essence of Middle Eastern Cuisine: A Symphony of Spices

Middle Eastern cuisine is not about heat — it’s about depth. Unlike cuisines that rely on spicy chilies, Middle Eastern food emphasizes warmth, complexity, and aroma. Think cinnamon in savory meat dishes or the smoky notes of cumin blending with garlic and lemon. The result? Dishes that are bold, balanced, and deeply satisfying.

These are some of the essential spices that define our food at Reetaj Middle Eastern Restaurant:

1. Cumin – Earthy and Warm

Cumin is one of the most recognizable and widely used spices in Middle Eastern cooking. Native to the eastern Mediterranean and India, cumin has an earthy, slightly peppery flavor with nutty undertones.

At Reetaj, cumin is used in our lentil soup, grilled meats, and falafel. It not only adds warmth but also brings depth to dishes that might otherwise feel one-dimensional.

Flavor profile: Earthy, nutty, slightly bitterDishes at Reetaj: Lentil soup, falafel, shawarma marinade

2. Sumac – Tart and Lemony

If you’ve ever had a tangy red powder sprinkled over your salad or kebab at Reetaj, that’s sumac. Made from dried berries, this spice adds a bright lemony flavor without the acidity of citrus.

We use sumac generously on our fattoush salad and as a final touch on our grilled meats to balance richness with freshness.

Flavor profile: Tart, lemon-like, slightly fruityDishes at Reetaj: Fattoush salad, chicken kebab, grilled lamb

3. Cinnamon – Sweet Warmth in Savory Dishes

You may associate cinnamon with desserts, but in Middle Eastern cuisine, it’s a staple in savory dishes. Cinnamon adds warmth and a touch of sweetness, especially in rice and meat-based meals.

At Reetaj, cinnamon stars in our kabsa rice, lamb stews, and even in our baklava, where it complements the sweetness of honey and nuts.

Flavor profile: Warm, sweet, woodyDishes at Reetaj: Kabsa, lamb stew, baklava

4. Turmeric – Golden and Earthy

Turmeric gives dishes a rich yellow hue and a mild earthy flavor. It’s a grounding spice, often combined with cumin and coriander.

We use turmeric in our rice pilaf, soups, and marinades to create that signature golden glow and depth.

Flavor profile: Earthy, slightly bitter, mildly pepperyDishes at Reetaj: Turmeric rice, chicken soup, mixed platters

5. Cardamom – Aromatic and Complex

Cardamom is one of the most luxurious spices in the world. Its flavor is hard to describe — floral, citrusy, and sweet, with a hint of mint and smoke.

At Reetaj, cardamom is used sparingly but effectively, especially in our Arabic coffee and desserts like maamoul.

Flavor profile: Sweet, minty, floral, slightly smokyDishes at Reetaj: Arabic coffee, maamoul cookies, rice pudding

6. Za’atar – Herbaceous and Tangy

Za’atar is not just one spice — it’s a blend, typically made from thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, and salt. It has a grassy, lemony, nutty flavor that enhances both flavor and texture.

You’ll find za’atar on our manakish (flatbread), sprinkled on salads, or served with olive oil and pita bread.

Flavor profile: Herby, nutty, tangyDishes at Reetaj: Za’atar manakish, pita with za’atar, za’atar fries

7. Coriander – Citrusy and Sweet

Coriander seeds, not to be confused with cilantro leaves, are often ground and used in marinades, rice, and curries. They add a subtle citrus note and a touch of sweetness.

We use coriander in our chicken marinades and vegetable dishes to create a refreshing balance.

Flavor profile: Citrusy, slightly sweet, warmDishes at Reetaj: Chicken kebab, roasted veggies, mixed grill platters

How These Spices Work Together

One of the key aspects of Middle Eastern cooking is layering spices. While Western cooking might focus on one or two spices per dish, Middle Eastern dishes often incorporate five or more — each adding its own note to the symphony.

For example, our slow-cooked lamb shank is marinated with garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, and bay leaves. This creates a deep, rich flavor that is both comforting and bold.

The secret isn’t just in the spices, but in how we use them. At Reetaj, spices are:

• Toasted for aroma

• Ground fresh for intensity

• Blended in-house for consistency

• Balanced with fresh herbs, citrus, and yogurt

Spice and Hospitality: A Cultural Connection

In Middle Eastern culture, food is more than nourishment — it’s hospitality. Spices are seen as a way to honor guests, enhance health, and celebrate heritage.

At Reetaj, we continue this tradition by:

• Preparing every dish with care and authenticity

• Using traditional spice blends passed down through generations

• Ensuring our customers experience genuine Middle Eastern hospitality

When you step into Reetaj Middle Eastern Restaurant in Oshawa, you’re not just getting a meal — you’re joining our table.

Must-Try Dishes at Reetaj for Spice Lovers

Here are some signature dishes where you can taste the full impact of these incredible spices:

1. Shawarma Plate

Marinated in a secret blend of cumin, turmeric, coriander, garlic, and paprika — slow-cooked and served with rice and tahini sauce.

2. Kabsa (Spiced Rice with Chicken or Lamb)

A traditional Saudi-inspired dish made with cinnamon, black lime, cardamom, cloves, and more — cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor.

3. Fattoush Salad with Sumac

Fresh vegetables tossed with crispy pita and a sumac-lemon vinaigrette.

4. Za’atar Manakish

Flatbread topped with our house za’atar blend and olive oil — baked fresh in-house.

5. Lamb Kofta Kebab

Seasoned ground lamb with garlic, onion, parsley, and cumin, grilled and served with fresh bread.

Spice and Health: A Bonus Benefit

It’s worth noting that many of these spices have health benefits, which is one reason they’ve been used for centuries. For example:

• Turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory

• Cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar

• Sumac is rich in antioxidants

• Cumin supports digestion

So not only are you enjoying rich, delicious flavors — you’re also nourishing your body with every bite.

Why Reetaj is Oshawa’s Best Middle Eastern Restaurant

At Reetaj, we don’t just follow recipes — we follow tradition, passion, and purpose. What sets us apart?

• Authentic recipes and spice blends that come straight from the Middle East

• Fresh, high-quality ingredients

• A warm and welcoming atmosphere where you’re treated like family

• Consistent flavor in every bite — because we prepare and toast our spices in-house

Whether you're exploring Middle Eastern cuisine for the first time or looking for a taste of home, Reetaj Middle Eastern Restaurant in Oshawa is your go-to destination.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What spices are commonly used in Middle Eastern food?

Middle Eastern cuisine uses spices like cumin, sumac, cinnamon, turmeric, cardamom, coriander, and blends like za’atar. These create the signature warmth and complexity of the dishes.

2. Is Middle Eastern food spicy (hot)?

Not typically. It’s spiced, not spicy. Middle Eastern food focuses on warmth, aroma, and depth rather than heat.

3. Do you make your own spice blends at Reetaj?

Yes, we toast and grind our own spices in-house to ensure freshness, consistency, and authentic flavor.

4. Are the spices you use healthy?

Absolutely. Many Middle Eastern spices have health benefits — turmeric for inflammation, cinnamon for blood sugar, and cumin for digestion, among others.

5. What’s the most popular spiced dish at Reetaj?

Our shawarma plates and kabsa rice are two of our most popular dishes — both are deeply flavored with a custom blend of traditional spices.

Visit Reetaj Today and Taste the Tradition

If you’re in Oshawa, ON, and looking for authentic Middle Eastern food made with love, tradition, and perfectly balanced spices, come visit Reetaj Middle Eastern Restaurant. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, we promise a culinary experience that transports you straight to the heart of the Middle East.

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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