Dunya: delicious Shawarma and Falafel on Sherbrooke East

The recently opened Dunya restaurant in Montreal is already making waves as a must-visit spot for lovers of Lebanese cuisine. Behind this exciting venture are chef-owner Rami Nassim, his partner Megan Heckinger, Michael Kassabji, and Imad El-Nawam. This young, dynamic team is reimagining Lebanese food by focusing on simple yet exquisitely executed dishes.

Rami Nassim, who grew up in Lebanon before honing his craft at the Ferrandi culinary school in Paris, has worked in prestigious establishments like Le Clarence (2 Michelin stars in Paris). After moving to Montreal, he gained valuable experience at Vin Papillon and Heni, where he served as sous-chef. “I wanted to create a project that highlights the richness of Lebanese cuisine but in a simple and accessible way,” he explains. At Dunya, you’ll enjoy dishes packed with flavor, exceptional quality, and affordable prices.

“Shawarma is a craft, not just a dish. It’s inexpensive, fun to eat, and incredibly tasty,” Rami says with enthusiasm. We were quickly won over not only by Dunya’s energetic young team but especially by their mouthwatering sandwiches. The menu features a beef shawarma with tarator sauce, onions, tomatoes, and parsley. The meat, interlaced with lamb fat on the spit, is tender and full of flavor. If you prefer chicken, their shawarma, served with classic toum (that famous garlic mayo), pickles, and fries, is simply divine.

Falafel fans will love their vibrant, colorful falafel plate—100% gluten-free, also available in a sandwich (with gluten!). Everything is prepared before your eyes, and their falafel fryer, covered by a stunning copper cylinder imported from Tripoli and adorned with calligraphy, adds a theatrical touch to the whole experience.

As for sides, Dunya offers fries to dip in one of six house sauces (or try them all!). If you’re after something lighter, their fattoush salad is also an excellent choice. To drink, you’ve got options like homemade iced teas, sodas, and smoothies. And don’t miss their homemade ice cream! We fell in love with the honey and pistachio flavor—utterly decadent. The flavors change with the chef’s inspirations, so be prepared for delightful surprises!

“From the music to the design, style, and service, we’re stepping outside the box. We wanted to create something new—practical, beautiful, affordable, and, most of all, delicious,” Rami points out. There’s no room for nostalgia here; the team embraces a modern approach. Everything, from the branding by Aseel Hariri to the minimalist design by Andrée Uranga from Studio Fig, reflects this vision. As soon as you step in, you’re welcomed by a calming, clean space where the focus naturally shifts to the beautiful vegetables and fresh herbs displayed on the counter. “Our dishes are bold in flavor, so we wanted a calming, streamlined space. Everything here is designed to be simple and functional. We’re so proud to see this idea come to life and to see people appreciate it. It’s not just about pride—it’s a deep sense of satisfaction,” he concludes.

Dunya is a must-try!

Written by Fabie Lubin
Photography by Alison Slattery

Last update: October 04, 2024

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