Upscale Iraqi restaurant that upholds tradition
Joummar is probably the only restaurant of its kind for hundreds of kilometers: an upper-tier Iraqi restaurant. The setting is elegant and more importantly, the food is bountiful and tasty.
The food
Although dishes are on the expensive side, you’re getting your money’s worth. I was shocked by the gigantic takeout containers. It was the type used for rotisserie chickens.
Quzi (قوزي) is an iconic Iraqi dish consisting of slow-roasted lamb over rice. Well, Joummar certainly didn’t skimp on the meat—I got a large rack of lamb. It was roasted to perfection. The lamb had no hint of gaminess and was exceedingly tender. The fat had rendered beautifully. Spices (clove and cardamom) were simple but effective. Special mention goes to the rice, which was actually savoury from being cooked in broth and doused with gravy. 8.5/10.
The “white beans gravy” (مرقة فاصوليا) looked like baked beans but tasted nothing like it. It was better. The sauce was light and savoury and the beans were al dente. 8/10.
The quzi also came with a fresh-made pita. It was thin and caramelized well, but the texture suffered after takeout. I’m sure it would have been wonderful hot off the oven.
Tashreeb (تشريب) is another Iraqi dish that has spread across the Middle East. It started as a peasant dish made from leftovers. Essentially, it’s a broth used to dip or soak bread. It’s a popular option for breaking fast during Ramadan.
As always, the size of the takeout container was intimidating. There was a whole loin of lamb in my tashreeb. The pita came soaked in the tashreeb and was close to disintegrating after lying in the container for a long time. A smarter choice would have been to pack the bread separately. On the positive side, the browned bread crust imparted a delightful taste.
I enjoyed the flavours of the broth. It wasn’t complex but succeeded in invoking different taste buds. Sourness from the lemon, umami from tomatoes, and earthiness from onions and cardamom. The log of meat was too heavy for me. Although it was neither over- nor under-cooked, it could have used more seasoning. 8/10.
As if the tashreeb wasn’t enough, there was also a full serving of rice. Like the one that came with the quzi, it wasn’t just plain rice. It had some seasonings and was tasty on its own.
The place
Joummar is near the southwestern edge of Mississauga, in an area filled with power centres. In the evenings, it’s the only hub of activity in the strip mall it occupies. It would make for a romantic night out if not for the throngs of families that descend here.
The restaurant has a spacious but uncovered outdoor dining area. The indoor area is preferable as one can look inside the glass-walled kitchen. The oven is particularly impressive. Lighting fixtures and tableware are elegant.
Verdict
Upscale setting with top-notch Iraqi cooking. A rarity. 8.5/10.
Practical information
- Name
- Joummar
- Rating
- 8.5/10
- Recommended dishes
- Lamb quzi
- Prices
- Lamb quzi with white bean sauce: $25.99 ($23.00 excluding tax)
Lamb tashreeb: $24.86 ($22.00 excluding tax) - Address
- 2575 Dundas Street West, Unit 1, Mississauga
- Hours
- Daily 0930h – 1230h, 1330h – 2300h
- Date of visit
- August 2020, October 2021