Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver made a trip to Toronto recently and as a cooking connoisseur with over 65 locations in 22 countries, it’s safe to say his taste is to be trusted. So, where did the beloved chef stop for a bite while in the city? An east-end gem known as the original home of Egyptian brunch in Toronto – Maha’s Egyptian Brunch.

Oliver’s recent visit was for a signing at Yorkdale Mall’s Indigo on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, to promote his latest book, Simply Jamie, but he made some time to indulge.

Maha’s shared a photo to Instagram on Saturday, Jan. 11 writing, “We had the most special guest join us for Family Dinner the other night. Thank you for being so wonderful, @jamieoliver until next time.”

The vibrant pic shows Oliver enjoying a meal with a group and in response to a comment asking if “he is as charming as he seems,” Maha’s commented back stating, “Yes, he really is. Jamie’s such a wonderful person and truly an incredible Chef.”

Maha Barsoom, head chef and owner of Maha’s, also shared a photo to social media of her and Oliver, backing up the claim that he’s a stand-up guy captioning it, “You’re simply the BEST! What a great honour to have a family dinner with an amazing Chef @jamieoliver. Thank you so much for visiting us and making our dinner a very joyful one.”

maha's brunch
Image via @jamieoliver/Instagram

Oliver posted about the dining experience on his own Instagram stories saying, “Dropped into the family dinner for supper thank you @mahasbrunch @mahabarsoom @mahamx.”

Planning a trip to Maha’s yourself? The menu includes dishes such as the Cairo classic, a traditional breakfast dish with tomatoes and onion, seasoned fava beans, sliced boiled egg, falafel, creamy home-made tomato feta, charred Balady bread and salata balady.

Another savoury option is the sunny eggs and foole made of two eggs on a bed of fava beans, served with salata balady.

For Jamie Oliver, only the best.

Maha’s Egyptian Brunch can be found at 226 Greenwood Ave.