Kadoushi

The idea for this Lebanese restaurant goes back to co-owner Gus Elsamma’s childhood. “When were kids back in Lebanon and we were hungry, we go to our moms, and when she asks us what we would like to eat, we told her ‘Make us a kadoushi.’”

Unlike shawarma, which has a more broad origin, kadoushi is an distinctively Lebanese sandwich. Derived from the root word “kadshi”, meaning bite, it’s a pita and fillings tightly folded to keep in the warmth of the traditional street food. The restaurant also offers other fare, including tawouk (chicken skewers), soujouk (a Lebanese sausage), and falafel, that can be prepared as subs, platters, salads, and power bowls―all halal and made with fresh ingredients, of course.

When they opened earlier this year, It was easy for the co-owners to decide on a location for the restaurant. “Vanier is a hidden gem of Ottawa. Vanier is a vibrant society, it’s a multicultural society, it’s close to downtown, it’s close to Gatineau, close to the river, plenty of parks, plenty of good bicycle paths, and it has its own flavour.” Elsamma said. “And since day one, the community embraced us. That by itself brought another positive reason.”

Get a bite of Kadoushi at 416 McArthur Avenue!