Meet the Masters
Behind the Flavors of Our Middle Eastern Kitchen
At Ottawa Kabab, every dish tells a story of dedication, tradition, and artistry. Behind the scenes, our talented chefs combine years of expertise with a love for authentic Middle Eastern flavors, crafting meals that capture the heart of our culture. Their skills and vision are the foundation of everything we serve, from savory grilled meats to exquisite desserts.
Our chefs bring decades of experience and an unrelenting commitment to authenticity. They have transformed Ottawa Kabab into a destination where Middle Eastern culinary traditions come alive with every bite. Below, learn more about the stories, skills, and passions that drive them to create unforgettable dining experiences.
Our Culinary Chef
Mamoun Srdah
Hailing from Syria, Mamoun Srdah brings years of expertise and a deep-rooted love for authentic Middle Eastern flavors to Ottawa Kabab. His culinary journey began in traditional Syrian kitchens, learning the foundations of Syrian cuisine and Middle Eastern cooking, where he mastered the art of blending aromatic spices and fresh ingredients. Over the years, his skills evolved, turning a lifelong passion into a profession dedicated to preserving and sharing authentic Syrian cuisine.
Mamoun's vision for Ottawa Kabab started in 2021 when he took over the restaurant and transformed it into a culinary destination. His unique approach to Middle Eastern cooking combines tradition with innovation, creating dishes that are as heartwarming as they are delicious. Every plate served under his guidance tells a story of heritage, community, and the joy of sharing a meal.
Besides his culinary expertise, Mamoun studied Business Management at Algonquin College in Ottawa, complementing his years of hands-on restaurant experience with a strong foundation in business, leadership, and operations. This combination of culinary knowledge and business education has helped shape his vision for Ottawa Kabab and its continued growth.
Charcoal Grilling
Mamoun’s experience with charcoal grilling is central to his cooking, from preparing and seasoning meats to achieving the smoky flavour and tenderness associated with traditional Middle Eastern kababs.
Syrian & Middle Eastern Cuisine
Rooted in Syrian culinary traditions, Mamoun brings an understanding of regional dishes, spices, marinades, rice preparations, and mezze from across the Middle East.
Meat Preparation & Marination
From lamb and beef to chicken, Mamoun understands how different cuts should be seasoned, marinated, and cooked to bring out their flavour while maintaining tenderness and juiciness.
Traditional Recipes & Flavours
Mamoun combines recipes and techniques learned through years of experience with his own approach, preserving familiar Middle Eastern flavours while continually refining the dishes served at Ottawa Kabab.
Our Culinary Chef
Skills & Experince
Grill
Mamoun Srdah’s talent shines brightest at the charcoal grill, where he crafts tender and flavorful meats that are the heart of Ottawa Kabab’s menu. His expertise lies in using time-honored grilling techniques to create dishes like kebabs, lamb shanks, and chicken skewers that are perfectly charred and infused with smoky goodness.
Cook
Beyond grilling, Mamoun's understanding of halal Middle Eastern cuisine in Ottawa enables him to create a harmonious balance of flavors in every dish. From marinated meats to aromatic rice dishes, his creations embody the richness of his Syrian roots while incorporating Lebanese and Iraqi influences, making each meal a celebration of diverse Middle Eastern traditions.
Our Pastry Chef
Huthaifa Al Aridi
With 25 years of experience, Huthaifa Al Aridi is a true artisan in the world of traditional Syrian and Middle Eastern pastries, desserts, and fresh bread. His journey began in Syria, where he honed his skills in creating traditional sweets that have been cherished for generations. His dedication to his craft brought him to Ottawa Kabab, where he now shares his expertise with customers who crave authentic flavors.
Huthaifa’s passion lies in preserving the authenticity of Middle Eastern desserts while adding his unique touch. His meticulous attention to detail and use of high-quality ingredients ensure that every sweet he creates, from kunafeh to baklava, delivers a taste of home with every bite.
Fresh Bread
Soft, warm, and aromatic, this bread is a staple of every meal, baked fresh daily by Huthaifa.
Fatayer
Warm, golden, and filled with creamy cheese, these pies reflect Huthaifa’s expertise in traditional baking.
Turkish Baklava
Flaky layers filled with pistachios and syrup—Huthaifa’s baklava is a sweet symphony of texture and flavor.
Kunafeh Nabulsieh
Crispy pastry and melted cheese come together in this iconic dessert, a masterpiece of Huthaifa’s baking artistry.
Our Pastry Chef
Skills & Experince
Baking
Huthaifa Al Aridi’s freshly baked bread is the heart of many Middle Eastern meals. Soft, warm, and perfectly textured, it pairs effortlessly with any dish. His expertise also shines in savory pastries like cheese fatayer and meat sambousek, each prepared with a golden crust and flavorful fillings that capture the essence of Middle Eastern baking traditions.
Desserts
Huthaifa’s kunafa is a masterpiece, blending crispy pastry with gooey cheese for a dessert that’s both rich and satisfying. His baklava, with its delicate layers and nutty sweetness, is another highlight, while his warbat bil ashta offers a creamy and luxurious treat that leaves a lasting impression.
Team Effort
As a halal Middle Eastern restaurant in Ottawa, Ottawa Kabab’s success is a testament to the collaboration and dedication of its chefs, management, and team. Mamoun Srdah and Huthaifa Al Aridi work hand in hand to deliver a dining experience that celebrates Middle Eastern culture. Their shared commitment to quality, authenticity, and hospitality is the cornerstone of what makes Ottawa Kabab a beloved destination.
From the kitchen to the café, every member of the Ottawa Kabab team contributes to creating a welcoming atmosphere where guests can enjoy the richness of halal Middle Eastern cuisine in Ottawa. Together, they have built a community space that feels like home—one dish, one dessert, and one smile at a time.