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where it all began
our story: welcome to semsem
SemSem is an Ottawa-based culinary venture founded on a passion for sharing authentic Palestinian and Levantine cuisine. Since opening our doors in 2016, we have dedicated ourselves to moving beyond common fast-food concepts to introduce the rich, nuanced flavors of a traditional breakfast, served with genuine warmth.
the heart of our name
“Semsem,” the Arabic word for sesame, is the cornerstone of our identity. This humble seed is at the core of countless Middle Eastern dishes: from freshly baked breads and kaak to sweet treats like barazek cookies. Choosing this name felt deeply familiar and symbolic. It represents the essence of our heritage in every dish we create, serving as an emotional and pragmatic guide for our brand.
From Family Table to Restaurant Kitchen
Owners Mayssaa Chaltaf and Mohamed Al Abed were both born in the heart of the Middle East, growing up with an instinct for great food and a love for homemade flavors. Their passion was nurtured over countless family meals around the same table, discussing their favorite traditional dishes. It was during one of these conversations that the dream of SemSem was born, a shared vision to capture that authentic, homemade taste and share it with Ottawa.
Our Commitment to Excellence
Our success is built on an unwavering commitment to high-quality ingredients, authentic recipes passed through generations, and consistent excellence. We are proud to have cultivated a loyal clientele and earned a reputation that extends far beyond our city.
- Consistently rated as one of Ottawa’s top breakfast spots.
- Featured in local and regional media.
- Proudly promoted as a top-rated dining experience for guests of Ramada Hotels across North America.
- Welcoming patrons who travel from cities like Toronto and Montreal specifically for a taste of home.
Join Us
After careful planning, SemSem opened in 2016, marking the start of something special. Today, our dedicated team continues to uphold the founders’ original passion for great food, heartfelt service, and unwavering standards.
We look forward to welcoming you to our table and sharing a piece of our heritage with you. Join us for breakfast soon!
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start your day with Semsem today
Explore our menu and taste the tradition.