Balbastik is described in reviews as a warm, welcoming spot delivering hearty Mauritanian-inspired dishes at friendly prices, with house made bread that many readers praise for its soft interior and lightly crisp crust. The sandwiches stand out, from beef meatball to vegan bean crepes, noted for generous portions, bold flavors, and satisfying textures, while chicken options and other menu items also get compliments. Drinks and desserts, including hibiscus and mint beverages, baobab popsicles, and other housemade options, are portrayed as bright, refreshing complements to the meals. The staff and ambiance earn frequent praise for kindness, hospitality, and a cozy, music-filled atmosphere that makes guests feel at home and eager to return. Overall, Balbastik appears as a neighborhood gem offering authentic flavors, good value, and a welcoming place for dine-in or takeout, with many expressing intentions to explore more of the menu.
I got a baobab popsicle on a hot day & the vegan tajine another time. The hibiscus drink is delicious & the owner gave it to me on the house. the prices are really reasonable
Good vibes, nourriture délicieuse & prix plus que raisonnable. J'ai choisi le sandwich au boeuf & on m'a offert une délicieuse limonade hibiscus/menthe les deux étaient 🤯.
L'homme qui m'a servi & gracieusement offert la boisson a été très gentil. Options végétariennes qui ont l'air très bonnes aussi.
Jun 27, 2025
on Google
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Everything was immaculate from the decor to the food. The owner is so incredibly kind & generous! The food was amazing & priced very reasonably. This restaurant overall felt like a warm hug, I recommend to absolutely everyone.
So good! The owner was so kind & friendly. I love that they have vegan options that are interesting. I had the vegan sandwich which had a bean filling. The drinks are so good too. I just wish they were open for dinner!
Wow! La nourriture est toujours super bonne, plusieurs options véganes. Les portions sont généreuses & les prix assez bas. Le pain est fait maison & c'est l'un des meilleurs que j'ai jamais mangé! Il est toujours servi frais & chaud, il est moelleux, mais l'extérieur est un peu croustillant. Le service est très chaleureux. On nous a offert la première fois des glaces au baobab à la fin de notre repas. Une autre fois, je suis arrivée 30 minutes après la fermeture & on m'a vu essayer d'entrer. On est venu m'ouvrir & on m'a préparé le sandwich que je voulais, tout en m'apportant un jus d'hibiscus pour patienter!! Ça parait que les proprios ont à coeur les gens de leur communauté. J'adore cet endroit :)
Jun 2, 2025
on Google
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Balbastik - Fresh West African Flavors & Warm Hospitality
I had the pleasure of visiting Balbastik yesterday, & it was a memorable experience from start to finish.
Balbastik is owned by a kind & passionate man from Mauritania, & you can feel the love & care he pours into every detail-his culture & music are truly at the heart of it all. The bread is made fresh in-house, & it makes all the difference-especially in their Spicy Beef Meatball Sandwich, which quickly became my favorite. The meatballs were flavorful & satisfying, with just the right amount of heat. The sauce, made with eggplant, tomatoes, & onions, had a beautiful balance of savory & sweet, thanks to a light drizzle of honey that tied it all together.
To sip alongside everything, I had their housemade juice with orange, mint, hibiscus, & lemon-it tasted like sunshine in a glass. I also couldn't resist trying their homemade baobab popsicle, a refreshing & unique treat, perfect for a hot day. & to finish? A classic mint tea-sweet, aromatic, & the perfect comforting end to the meal.
Beyond the food, the décor is warm & inviting, transporting you straight to Mauritania. Traditional music fills the space, creating a calming atmosphere that makes you want to stay a little longer.
Everything at Balbastik is made with heart, & it shines through in every bite. Whether you're stopping in for a quick meal or settling in for a cozy visit, it's a place that welcomes you with open arms & leaves you feeling nourished in every way.
✨ I spotlight my favorite local gems on TikTok @foxy.appetite & IG @foxyappetite-& Balbastik is officially on my list.
I was invited to visit as part of a collaboration-sharing my genuine experience above.
This place has great decor, great service & great food. We had a bomb shakshuka with sweet mint tea, & I'll be returning to try the sandwiches one day. I recommend it to all my friends visiting the area & to you, dear Google reviews reader.
May 10, 2025
on Google
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I often can't resist stopping in for a chicken sandwich when I'm out doing errands. The friendly atmosphere, affordable price & delicious flavours keep me coming back & quickly turned this new restaurant into a neighborhood institution - can't wait for more Balbastik popsicles this summer!
My friends love coming here for the chicken meatball sandwich, but I come for the bean crêpes. They are naturally gluten free as the batter is made from fermented black eye peas. You can ask for them sweet with honey & date syrup or savoury with any of the sandwich fillings as a topping. The veggie'meatballs' are delicious, incredibly well seasoned & also gf.
Apr 6, 2025
on Google
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Wow! Quelle bonne idée est-ce que nous avons eu d'aller essayer leurs sandwiches. L'extérieur ne payait pas de mine mais nous étions intrigués. La musique, l'atmosphère mais surtout la gentillesse & la politesse du proprio & de la serveuse.
Faut évidemment mentionner la qualité, les saveurs & bon goût des sandwichs. Nous avons essayer une au poulet, l'autre au boeuf…
Nous reviendrons pour essayer le brunch!!!
Montréal est une ville fantastique qui accueille des gens incroyables…
Ah oui, vous devez essayer le frappé au fruits du Baobab.
Merci & à bientôt
This place is simply wonderful. The service is kind & warm, the food looks, smells, & tastes unreal, & the decorations are so charming! Perhaps the best sandwich in Montreal? We got a chicken sandwich & the brunch shakshouka & it really hit the spot. Highly recommend!
If I could give more than 5 stars I would. The food is incredible!!! I've been twice & have yet to try a sandwich more packed with flavor. The hot sauce is mind blowing. The place is very cozy & in the summer they sell delicious juice & popsicles. The owner is so nice & was able to accommodate my friends gluten allergy with no problems. Great spot for your gluten free &/or vegan friends!!
