Boujadi Cafe Restaurant  (Closed) 

Owner Retired.  9/10/09

By Max Lent

999 Eglinton Ave.W. Toronto, Ontario, Canada M6C 2C7
Tel: 440-0258 email: charloba@rogers.com
Web Site: http://www.boujadi.com/  
Revised 5/04

The Boujadi Cafe Restaurant specializes in Kosher Moroccan cuisine.  Boujadi is the name of a Moroccan village.  The question I asked myself when I first heard about this restaurant was whether making Moroccan food Kosher would enhance or destroy it.  The answer is that Boujadi prepares some of the best Moroccan food I have ever tasted.

The pace at Boujadi was relaxed.  Our server provided us a menu as we were seated and allowed us to take our time deciding what to order.  The servers are well trained and know how to describe the food to the uninitiated.  We ordered a pot of mint tea to help us review the extensive menu.  The tea is served in glasses and often poured from high above the table.  This practice fills the air around the table with a delightful fresh sweet mint aroma.  Nuts, raisons, vegetables, and couscous show up frequently in the ingredients of the menu items.  Almonds and olives each in their own dish are presented as nibble food. 

The couscous at Boujadi is the best I have had in North America.  There was a couscous restaurant  in Paris that I visited many years ago that has taken on legendary status in my imagination.  Unfortunately, I don't remember it's name and have no idea if it is still in business.  I found it through Patricia Wells's Food Lover's Guide To Paris .  It was located near the Arc de Triomphe.  Good couscous, like that served by Boujadi, is light and has a fine texture.  The best couscous, like what I had in Paris is made by hand. It should have a slightly granular texture, but still be soft.  It should have a complex flavor from having been steamed over a well seasoned stew or broth in a two part pot called a couscousiere. 

Over several visits I ordered a variety of items from the menu and every selection was delectable.  I recommend exploring the menu and trying new things.  The servers are good about making recommendations.  Save enough room for their excellent desserts.

How to make Moroccan mint tea

• Fill a 16 oz. Moroccan teapot or similarly sized pan with water

• Bring water to a boil

• Add one bunch fresh mint leaves

• Add one tablespoon green tea

• Add five teaspoons of sugar

• Bring to a boil again

• Let steep five minutes

• Add a sprinkling of orange-blossom water (available at Indian and gourmet markets)

• Serve hot
   

Other reviews

• Boujadi Cafe by Kathleen Sloan