What began with a single question—“Do you know ladies who would want to work?”—has grown into one of Montreal’s most inspiring food enterprises. Co-founded in 2017 by Adelle Tarzibachi and Josette Gauthier, Les Filles Fattoush is a social enterprise that provides meaningful employment to Syrian refugee women through the cooking and sale of traditional recipes. The project started with spice blends and catering, and has since expanded into a full-scale operation: a production kitchen, an online shop, two published cookbooks, and retail partnerships with IGA, Lufa Farms, and specialty grocers.

Their flagship boutique at Jean Talon Market stocks homemade dips, sweets, and pantry staples, while a seasonal kiosque dishes out Syrian street food like muhammara, falafel, kibbeh, and mastic ice cream. Beyond food, it’s a story of community and dignity. Several women who started as kitchen staff are now team leads—and some, homeowners.