Tunisian Couscous @ Malak Restaurant

Malak Restaurant

3319 Bloor Street West,
Etobicoke, ON M8X1E7
Phone: (416) 236-5693
Website: www.malakrestaurant.com

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This could be one of the most delightful dishes I’ve ever had in my life.. I believe The way Tunisians prepare their Couscous might be a bit different and more delicious.

Simply, the dish has everything! The meat (Lamb), the vegetables (cooked and salad), the carbs (couscous)! So that what makes it consistent containing a high load of nutrition beside its deliciosity! The huge plate is served with a side salad. The couscous is spread all over the plate with its sauce and vegetables (carrots, turnips, potatoes, peppers), then on top comes the famous lamb shank. The couscous tastes a bit spicy with a great touch of steamy meat sauce, the vegetables were passionately cooked along with the tender lamb meat that would melt in your mouth.

Tunisian Couscous

A brief overview about Couscous:

Couscous is very famous in the countries of the Arabic Maghreb (North Africa) which are Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria and Libya. It is also widely a known dish in other countries like Syria, Turkey, France. Couscous is made from Semolina (wheat) and the process of making it isn’t easy!

Traditionally, North Africans use a steamer called a kiskas in Arabic or couscoussière in French. The base is a tall metal pot shaped rather like an oil jar in which the meat and vegetables are cooked in a stew. On top of the base a steamer sits where the couscous is cooked, absorbing the flavors from the stew. The lid to the steamer has holes around its edge so that steam can escape.

The Steamer used for cooking Couscous

As a last word, what made me crave this special dish more was the way it was prepared. After I heard from my Tunisian friend its detailed preparation story, it made me appreciate the efforts put into cooking my meal (Not like a quick subway sandwich that takes 30 seconds to get it done and probably eaten!!). I also hope one day I will get the chance to be able to taste the real authentic Couscous at its place of birth!

About Malak Restaurant:

Malak Restaurant opened in August 2008. It only offers the great Couscous meal only for dinner on Friday’s and Saturday’s. But that’s not only it! There also got some great thing to try like special Mediterranean appetizers, I recommend: Garlic Potatoes, Houriya (special Tunisian spicy dip), Hummus, Kibbeh (Fried bulgur meat balls stuff with ground beef), Fattouch salad, and Filos (similar to spring rolls but Mediterranean style). Beside appetizers, there are also very good dishes like BBQ grills (chicken and beef), Tajine Malsouka (Puff Pastry stuffed with chicken and mushrooms on top, picture below), and some other good stuff too.

Tajine Malsouka