Suma's Egyptian Grill is where traditional Egyptian cuisine meets classic American fast food. From meaty smash burgers to flavourful shawarma, this spot in East York serves it all in style.

The restaurant first opened in September of 2023. Though dwarfed by many of the nearby buildings, its bright yellow sign, decorated with a photo of the Valley of Kings, assures passersby that its atmosphere is welcoming and its food is authentic.

The dining room is small but stylish, with obvious Egyptian influences in its decor. Hanging lights reflect off the marbled counters, illuminating the otherwise dark space.

Egyptian proverbs and idioms — such as "sleeping in honey" and "a clever woman can spin yarn even if all she has is a donkey's hoof" — can be found on the walls, alongside pictures of Egyptian actors and athletes.

If these details weren't enough to establish the restaurant's connection to Egypt, archaeological documentaries can be seen on wall-mounted TV screens, giving diners deeper insights into topics such as ancient burial rites and mummification. Salah, the owner, tells us that, despite the city's diverse culinary culture, Egyptian food isn't very well represented in Toronto. His desire to introduce people to new flavours drove his eventual decision to open the restaurant.

Most menu items have their roots in Egyptian street food, but some are staples of diners across North America. Even so, these outliers, such as sandwiches and pizza, are given Middle Eastern makeovers to better match the restaurant's culinary sensibilities. The Classic Burger Combo ($11.99) comes with all the usual fixings: a smashed beef patty wedged between two soft brioche-style buns, topped with tomatoes, lettuce, onions and pickles and covered with melted cheese.

Though not as show-stopping as some of Suma's other options, this little burger is still quite satisfying, especially when paired with a pile of crispy fries. As such, it makes a great meal for folks who aren't quite ready to leave their comfort zone.

Suma's Signature Grilled Chicken ($9.99) is an interesting take on a chicken wrap. Underneath a layer of aluminum foil, you'll find a pita filled with spiced chicken, cheese and veggies.

Because this dish is both clean and compact, it's ideal for eating on the go.

The Egyptian Sausage Hawawshi ($11.99) is a tasty turnover made from a pressed pita stuffed with minced meat.

Eating it isn't too different from eating a calzone or a Jamaican patty. The main difference is that the spiced sausage meat inside is seasoned with onions, peppers and chillies.

The Egyptian King Breakfast ($17.99) is a new addition to the menu. This huge platter consists of several smaller dishes, none of which would be out of place at a bed and breakfast in Cairo.

These include ful medames (also known as fava bean stew), salty mish cheese and crunchy falafel, as well as sides of green salad, tangy pickles, and tahini sauce.

A nearby basket is filled with fluffy baldy bread, which can be used to sop up the stew or hold sauce and vegetables.

You can also share these tidbits with the table — though intended to feed a single person, the meal is big enough to satisfy the cravings of an entire group. Milkshakes ($5.99) come in a variety of flavours, including strawberry, mocha and cookies and cream. Mango is one of the most popular options, thanks to its creamy consistency and appealing orange colour.

Suma's Egyptian Grill is located at 977 O'Connor Dr.