Our Story
Winnipeg's Premier Middle Eastern Destination
Habibiz Cafe is Winnipeg's premier authentic Middle Eastern restaurant and hookah lounge, located at 1373 Portage Ave in the heart of the West End neighbourhood near Polo Park. The cafe is a vibrant, culturally immersive destination known for its rich Palestinian and Arabic cuisine, welcoming atmosphere, and the unique distinction of being Winnipeg's only alcohol-free hookah lounge.
Owned and operated by Canadian-Palestinian brothers Ali Zeid and Sammy Zeid, Habibiz Cafe was born from a desire to celebrate their Palestinian roots. The brothers opened the cafe at 1373 Portage Ave, creating a space that combines their culture and heritage with modern Canadian life. "What happens at Habibiz Cafe today, I did not envision this," Ali has reflected. "It came with our modern life living here in Canada with our culture, our roots — we combined it."
The culinary experience centres on Winnipeg's most celebrated shawarma — including the viral crispy chicken shawarma and succulent lamb shawarma wraps — alongside handmade falafel, creamy homemade hummus, fresh tabbouleh, sambusa, kebabs, rice plates, and a full selection of hookah flavours paired with Arabic coffee and sage tea. Every dish is 100% Halal-certified.
