Considered a pioneer of elevated Levantine cuisine, Chef Moeen Abuzaid always imagined bringing his craft to the global stage. Taking a leap of faith, with only a few words of English, he moved from Amman, Jordan to New York City in 2009, in pursuit of his dreams.

“I became a chef by accident. It’s true, I grew up in Jabal Al Taj, Jordan, just a short drive from Al-Wehdat refugee camp, where my mother, from Lod and my father from Yaffa, lived as refugees.”

Moeen discovered his passion for the culinary arts and ingredients at a very young age, beginning his journey at eighteen years old working in some of the most renowned hotels in Jordan.

In 2009, his desire to be known for elevated Arabic cuisine brought him to New York City, the creative culinary epicenter of the world. Here, amid the city’s vibrant food scene, Moeen worked alongside some of the globe’s most illustrious chefs, expanding his palate and discovering new ingredients. This melting pot of culinary innovation became his playground, where he started infusing these diverse flavors into traditional Arabic favorites.

Driven by an unyielding quest to master his technique and express his unique style, Moeen thrived in NYC’s dynamic gastronomy landscape. Over more than a decade, he collaborated with world-renowned chefs, each partnership adding a new layer to his culinary repertoire. His relentless pursuit of excellence led to the conceptualization and successful launch of his NYC pop-up, “The Broken English,” which quickly became a sensation.

Chef Moeen’s path brought him to Toronto in 2019, where he continued to create and collaborate globally. He crafts new dishes that pay homage to the cuisine of his region while re-imagining classic Arabic food through international techniques and local ingredients.

Today, you will find him nestled in the heart of Toronto, in the Roncesvalles neighbourhood, a welcoming haven for diverse communities and eclectic appreciation of culture. At Arbequina Restaurant, Chef Moeen is taking guests on an unforgettable gastronomic journey through the Levantine, where each dish tells a story of tradition, innovation, and rich cultural heritage.

Guests will embark on a local, sustainable, zero-waste, and zero-proof culinary adventure. Welcome.