In a cozy black and orange building on Albert Street, Daanook serves up Syrian food with a lot of heart. For Karwan Kahil and Shler Ali, Daanook is a dream realized—a place where they can share their passion for cooking and community while honouring their roots. They firmly believe that “the best conversation happens over food, and food brings people together.” Daanook provides them with the perfect setting to bring this belief to life.
Karwan and Shler were not always restaurateurs. Refugees from Syria, Shler was originally an engineer, and Karwan had a background in geology. “As a refugee, when you change your home country, it’s like you re-root a tree to new land,” Shler explains, reflecting on their move to Canada in 2016. Building a new home, building connections, and creating a routine were all top priorities for their family.
“As a refugee, when you change your home country, it’s like you re-root a tree to new land.”
Shler ali
The idea to open a restaurant firmly took root after a family tragedy changed their lives. In the summer of 2020, they lost loved ones and were left feeling adrift. “We felt like we had to rebuild our base to feel more connected to the community here,” shares Shler. They wanted to establish a foundation that allowed them to both connect with and support the community. With Karwan’s passion for cooking and a strong desire to share Syrian cuisine, they poured their hearts into opening Daanook in November 2020.
Daanook delights with Syrian cuisine crafted from fresh, local ingredients. They are known for their chicken and beef shawarma and falafel, served in wraps or platters. Other traditional Syrian dishes shine, like Kibbeh, a shell of bulgur wheat stuffed with beef and spices, or the fresh Tabbouleh and Fattoush salads. First-timers can try the Daanook dish, which includes a little bit of everything — the perfect introduction to Syrian cuisine. The menu accommodates various dietary needs, ensuring that vegetarians, vegans, gluten-free, and keto diners can all enjoy the offerings. Many of the dishes feature bulgur wheat, an essential ingredient that helped inspire the restaurant’s name.
“The best conversation happens over food, and food brings people together.”
Daanook is a Kurdish term that refers to the process of transforming wheat into bulgur grain, a celebration marking the harvest. It evokes cherished memories for Karwan and Shler, who looked forward to commemorating Daanook when they lived in Syria. Families and communities gather to boil, dry, and process the wheat in September or October, with each neighbourhood renting a large black pot for the occasion. The tradition is steeped in community spirit, as the pot is passed from family to family, each offering bowls of Daanook to children and pregnant women. Shler recalls fond moments from childhood, following the smoke from the pot to different households to sample their boiled wheat, eaten with butter and salt or sugar. The fall harvest is as much about the grain as it is about honouring the community and celebrating the abundance of working collaboratively with your neighbours. It’s a theme that Daanook the restaurant wholeheartedly embraces.
Honouring connection and working collaboratively with neighbours resonates with the owners, who first felt the community’s embrace when they opened the same day as code red COVID-19 restrictions were announced in Winnipeg. “It was very, very tough,” shares Karwan, “But the neighbourhood came together to support us.” They had Exchange District neighbours help by spreading the word on social media, recommending the restaurant to friends, and ordering food themselves. “It really made us feel part of the community here,” adds Shler.
“We always say the Exchange is Winnipeg’s heart.”
Since then, they’ve prioritized finding ways to collaborate with others and build deeper connections. It started with commissioning their friend, Syrian artist Bistyek, to create a mural on the side of their restaurant. They gave Bistyek complete creative freedom, and he depicted a story about refugees, honouring the experiences of many who settled in Winnipeg. When an earthquake struck Syria in 2023, they wanted to give back. Partnering with the MCC, they organized a fundraiser featuring Karwan’s band and a live painting by Bistyek. The Royal Albert Arms generously donated the stage and venue, and the community rallied to support the event, raising proceeds for earthquake relief. Again, they saw the spirit of community in the Exchange brought to life. “We always say the Exchange is Winnipeg’s heart,” says Shler, and the couple is grateful to contribute to its vibrant pulse.
At the heart of Daanook is family, a concept that extends to all who are part of their network. From the moment you step inside, you’ll feel the warm atmosphere and the personal touch of being greeted by a member of their family. The restaurant’s walls, adorned with artwork celebrating Syrian traditions and gifts from their supportive neighbours, reflect the deep roots Karwan and Shler have nurtured in their new home. They look forward to continuing to serve their community through excellent food and quality service.
Visit Daanook at 58 Albert St to enjoy delicious, fresh Syrian cuisine.
