I tried the Moroccan-style Ramadan buffet and it was delicious!

In Montreal, journalist Louis-Philippe Messier travels mostly on the run, his desk in his backpack, looking for fascinating things and people. He talks to everyone and is interested in all aspects of this town's history.

Ramadan fasting started this week and it was suggested that I go to dinner at one of the many buffets in Montreal, which start specifically at sunset.

“You should try the Ramadan buffet even if you haven't!” My barber told me.

He showed me a Montreal TikToker that devotes videos to these buffets.

A few hours later, I arrive at Malak (“Angel” in Arabic), a Moroccan restaurant in the Saint-Michel district on Boulevard Pi-IX.

According to the owner, the clientele is 99% North African. All-you-can-eat buffet for $24.

A sensor near the entrance wafts its smoke, which I usually associate with an organ and Gregorian chants.

This perfume is not an accompaniment to this evening mass, but an attractive and colorful feast ftourRamadan is the Moroccan name for breaking the fast every evening.

Appetizing aromas wafted from the kitchen. The light is bright, and the music is festive; High volume.

“People come at the last minute!” owner Mouhcine El Meliani exclaimed.

If his face looks familiar to you, it's because he caused a major media “outrage” for Montreal taxi drivers against Uber seven or eight years ago. Here he is a restaurant.

last minute

Ten minutes before the start, Mr. El Meliani and an employee hurry to place everything at the service counter: breads, pancakes, soup, fish puffs, hard-boiled eggs, etc.; And I am still there alone with my 7 year old son.

At 6:55 p.m., the first customers arrive, greet the owner warmly, help themselves, and dine from 6:56 p.m. (exact time ftour Tuesday evening).

Three minutes later another arrives: he starts smoking a cigarette outside before going inside (before the lack of tobacco ftour For some it is more painful than abstaining from food).

Most Ramadan eaters eat with family or friends.

“People invite each other, but soon they get tired of cooking, and then, my tables are reserved days in advance,” enthuses Mr. El Meliani.

During my visit on Tuesday evening, Malak's customers were Ramadan orphans.

“My wife is visiting her family in Tunisia and instead of being alone at home, I'm here,” said Driss, a customer.

“I'm not very religious, I drink alcohol, but I really fast Ramadan,” another solitary eater told me.

A young couple arrives.

“In Morocco, we don't go to restaurants because everyone invites themselves to eat in thirty days… But here, there aren't enough Moroccans for that… or we don't know enough!” Akram and Ikram Somatri told me with a smile.

Akram and Ikram are roasting Somatri mint tea.

Louis-Philippe Messier

All are friendly with my son who has found a way to stuff himself with only dates, honey, cream cheese, bread and sweetened fermented milk. Rib With strawberry coulis.

I treat myself to fish puff pastry, followed by four mini-sandwiches Bat bout The soup is topped with liver, chicken, shrimp and corn while emptying the bowl Harira And several glasses of mint tea.

These “batbout” sandwiches are small, but if you eat four of them, it will fill a corner.

Louis-Philippe Messier

Many customers stay and then order tagines (along with the buffet).

If my report had taken place in an Afghan or Pakistani restaurant, the menu would have been completely different. But the meal would start at the same second.