Amal, Toronto

131 Bloor St W, 2nd Floor, Toronto, ON

Amal redefines hummus. Seriously, it brings a whole new meaning and perspective to hummus and how it can be enjoyed.

I’ve never seen hummus or baba ganoush (eggplant dip) dressed up so nicely; pomegranates, olive oil, herbs -- such a holiday vibe (we went in December). And I’ve never thought so highly of pita bread until I crossed paths with Amal's warm, freshly baked pita bread.

Amal puts store bought hummus (or honestly probably any hummus you've had) to shame but also proves you shouldn’t feel limited to eating it with those so-called 'healthy' crackers or carrots! Definitely a foodified cultural literacy wake up call for me.

This spot serves up Middle Eastern soul food and, at the same time, a glimpse into Lebanese history and culture. Amal curates a sophisticated yet cozy and authentic dining experience with contemporary Mediterranean charm.

Menu items are made for sharing. While this is not required, I highly recommend going this route because there are too many yummy flavours you'll want to dip into (just trust me on this one!). Easily shareable dishes also make this spot perfect for dates, families and larger group gatherings.

Traditional Lebanese spices and costal flavours come together in a modern, trendy storefront making Amal stand out. It brings a refreshing edge and innovative culinary experience to Toronto’s hottest and most luxurious strip, Yorkville.

The interior is elegantly muted with neutral, earthy hues and hints of blue and green. The music, though, is what livened the food, flavours and experience for me. It heightened both my senses and taste perceptions all thanks to strategic tunes from Amal’s resident DJ (only on Fridays and Saturdays!).

Dress up when you go! Nothing too crazy, but a chance to wear that cute, dressy casual outfit you weren’t sure fit the late night dress vibe at something like Kasa Moto or STK across the street.

Heres what we ate at Amal, TO:

Pita Arrayes ($20)

9/10

Kafta, radishes, pomegranate molasses

These spicy middle eastern stuffed pitas were savoury, comforting and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Stuffed with Kafta, a middle eastern version of the traditional American meatball, but instead made with ground beef or lamb, Lebanese spices, onions and fresh parsley. The portion sizes (pita quarters) are generous and make for a smart sharing option. The pomegranate molasses brightened up the bolder meat flavours on a taste-level. This combination was excellent. Overall a great ratio of sweet to savoury.

Chicken Shawarma ($24)

6/10

Toum, pickles, house fries

The chicken shawarma had a cinnamon-y taste to it. Maybe it was just me, but I felt like it had a more smokey cardamon taste (even though the waiter confirmed there is in fact no cinnamon in the shawarma!). It was pretty strong, and being a once-in-a-blue-moon shawarma eater, I couldn't get into it.

Again, this could be my lack of Middle Eastern/Lebanese spice education, but this did deter me from enjoying the dish overall.

Fries were amazing, undoubtedly!!

Hummus ($12)

10/10

Chickpea purée, tahini, lemon

The hummus was topped with pomegranates and an olive oil drizzle. Aesthetically, it was beautiful -- picture perfect, actually (see above). Overall awesome, 10/10.

Baba Ganoush ($13)

10/10

Roasted Eggplant purée, tahini, lemon

Though I had, prior to visiting Amal, always chosen hummus over baba ganoush, this was actually my favourite menu item! It hit all the right notes, taste buds, neurons, you name it for me — the citrus to cream ratio was just ughh unexplainably delicious. I can't eat store bought baba ganoush and say the same :(

Both the hummus and baba ganoush tasted so light and refreshing -- now this is what I look for in a good quality dip.

This spot was so different from those I usually venture out to. I’m so glad I gave it a try. It diversified my palate for sure, and I’m looking forward to expanding my taste horizons from here !

Very authentically prepared food and a mature and sophisticated choice for a worry-free, dressy casual night out in Yorkville.

Let me know your verdict when you try this hidden gem for yourself!

Until my next dose of YUM,

xx Sab