Zaad

What is Zaad? Positioned along the bustling Bloor corridor at 348 Bloor Street West, Zaad brings the street-food traditions of Jerash, Jordan, straight to the edge of the Annex. Founded by veterans with nearly two decades in downtown Toronto's Middle Eastern food scene, this independent operation bypasses franchise shortcuts in favor of scratch-made marinades and fresh spit-roasted meats. The interior is bright, utilitarian, and fast-paced, offering casual booth and table seating alongside an energetic counter that opens out onto the sidewalk when the weather warms up.

Zaad Menu & What to Order The star of the menu is the saj bread: ultra-thin, griddled, and rolled tight around spiced chicken or a rich beef-and-lamb blend with garlic sauce, tahini, and pickles. For a different format, order the Shawarma Stuffies—thick half-pitas loaded with meat and veggies—or the charcoal-grilled Shish Tawook skewers. Everything is 100% halal, while vegetarians can turn to the crispy house-made falafel platters and tangy tabbouleh, ideally paired with an order of hand-cut fries and an ayran yogurt drink.

Know Before You Go Zaad runs entirely on walk-in counter service with no reservations, making it a reliable drop-in spot for U of T students and neighbourhood locals. Lines can stack up during peak weekday lunch hours and evening takeout rushes, but the assembly line churns out orders quickly. The restaurant is located steps east of Spadina subway station and remains open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.