Les Filles Fattoush

Why it matters: this is a social-economy project whose kitchen gives Syrian refugee women in Montreal a first work experience, built around their own family recipes – Tourisme Montreal describes the mission as empowering those women through meaningful employment and cultural connection. What started as spice blends and catering is now a permanent year-round cafe-boutique in the heart of Jean-Talon Market. Order the mezze by weight – the hummus and babaghanouj are the ones regulars come back for – then finish with a Turkish coffee and baklava at one of the few seats inside. Practical tip: it is a small counter with limited seating, so come off-peak, and the Middle Eastern pantry shelf (pomegranate molasses, za’atar, pita chips) is the easiest edible souvenir in the city.