STREET FOOD
A universal truth about the street food of the world is that it is practically infinite – thus, it gives us an infinite opportunity for discovery, experimentation and surprise.
Be charmed with Arabic hospitality. Relish the richness of Homestyle Palestinian Street dishes and be enchanted by the shadow play of the music. Share stories over a mouthful of spiced food and when you can’t eat another bite, relinquish yourself to the intensity of the day to a cup of specialty coffee or tea.
Anyone who has eaten on the streets knows about street food. Sometimes it is poor people selling to poor people – that’s certainly how it began long ago. Street food then was the only alternative to home food. But it was also the early version of a restaurant – when restaurants didn’t exist, but people still needed to be fed. Street food is great food prepared with care, technique, and the best of ingredients; an innovative experience that consistently surprises and satisfies; and a feeling of being personally connected to Yafa Café
Palestinians pride themselves in their hospitality and worth is measured according to how well guests are treated, family, friends’ neighbors and acquaintances are treated with the utmost generosity when dining at an Palestinian table. It is no different in Yafa Café. Our refined Homestyle cuisine is served with unpretentious abundance and in the spirit of Arabic hospitality; you will be welcome like members of the family.
Throughout the world food is served in the streets – In Canada, hot dogs, Beaver Tails (fried pastries with sweet or savory toppings) and Poutine (French fries topped with gravy and cheese curds) are sold on the streets. The world of street food is rich and exciting; one-pot meals, slices of fruit, fried dough, little stuffed breads, sandwiches, chestnuts, drinks – prepared and cooked right in front of you and then consumed seated, standing or walking while you take in the sights, sounds and smells of the city.
Owners found distinct charm in the family operated food carts and corner markets scattered throughout Broadway and the Farmer Market in Winnipeg where the aroma of fresh food, hand crafted sauces and homemade cheeses saturated the air. This trip began our obsession…our inspiration…our mission to bring this experience to Winnipeg.
Palestinian food has been internationalized well for its fresh ingredients, aromatic spices, flavorful herbs, it emphasizes a balance of flavors, its textures, and colors, making it visually appealing and satisfying to eat. Palestinian food gained popularity due to the global spread of Palestinian communities and diaspora cooking healthy ingredients that align with current food trends, became popular for its versatility with its wide variety of dips, appetizers, grilled meats, and vegan options, making it suitable for different dining preferences and dietary restrictions. Overall, increasing interest in cultural diversity and exploration of new flavors has contributed to the internationalization of Palestinian food.
At Yafa Cafe, we hope that we can show you not only how to taste Palestinian foods but also how to appreciate and treat the culture we come from. You will lovingly enjoy all kinds of food, in particular the Msakhan, the dish that we claim as our own national dish. This dish of sumac-heavy roasted chicken with caramelized onions over fresh baked bread is served communally! At Yafa Café, we serve it in 4 different versions at Yafa: improvised versions like Msakhan rolls or “Empanada” – Fatteh Msakhan – Manakeesh Msakhan and Msakhan Feast.
We opened Yafa Café in tribute to our mothers and grandmothers cooking with a mission to create fresh, healthy Palestinian food focused on the preparation of high-quality ingredients and attention to simplistic cooking. Today’s consumers are looking for healthier, better-quality food with convenient, fast delivery to accommodate their hectic lifestyles. We see this as our mission – to continue to deliver on these themes and to continue to find new channels through which we can expand the brand and the family of loyal Yafa Café customers. Yafa Café was created with the belief that you don’t have to sacrifice quality and flavor for speed and value.
And since there is nothing more comforting and delicious in any culture than a home cooked meal, Yafa Cafe also brings you thalis – traditional family meals highlighting Palestine’s amazing culinary diversity.
