Treat yourself to a customizable Bosnian brunch from this Upper Beaches neighbourhood gem. Somun Superstar was founded in 2019 by longtime entrepreneurs and life partners Alen Zukanović and Sanja Topić Zukanović.
The pair initially began to produce their traditional somun, a staple in their hometown of Sarajevo, by renting a restaurant's kitchen after hours, then selling their bread at Courage Foods, their local specialty grocer. After receiving a high demand for what they were serving, Alen and Sanja were able to open up their own storefront in their neighbourhood in September that same year.
Somun Superstar founders and life partners Alen Zukanović and Sanja Topić Zukanović.
As their name suggests, Somun Superstar specializes in somun -- a wood-fired bread known for its smoky taste and chewy texture. According to the duo, "what bagels are to Montreal, somun is to Sarajevo" and they bake these in batches of 30 throughout the day, ensuring they're as fresh as can be. Somun is available both on their own or in sandwiches.
Their most popular option: the "Loaded Sandwich", is bursting with flavour as it comes with grilled ćevapčići (beef, veal and lamb sausage), kajmak (cream cheese), ajvar (roasted red pepper spread), onions, pickles and hot peppers.
Good news for those who don't eat meat, all their original sandwiches are now offered with vegan alternatives, made with vegančići (vegan patties) that they make in-house.
Like many restaurants in Toronto, Somun Superstar had to adapt to COVID-19 limitations on their offerings. Since, they have expanded their menu to include wood-fired pizza with Bosnian-inspired toppings on Friday and Saturday evenings, as well as "Somun at Home" which recently added Bosnian brunch boxes to the list.
This selection includes a variety of popular in-store choices, that will help bring the special experience of Somun Superstar home. These boxes are extremely customizable with many cheeses, meats, sweet options and more.
Somun at Home offerings don't stop there. Also available in boxes are a "Somun Provisions" pack that includes their fresh somun alongside spreads and a "Grill it Yourself" pack that adds on fresh ćevapčići.
Beyond the recent expansion of their menu, Alen and Sanja also prioritize being a green business, with the goal of fostering a zero waste establishment. This passion can already be seen. Last year, they received a Silver Chef Hospitality award, which acknowledged them for having the largest leap forward in environmental sustainability and environmental conservation. Not only does the business use compostable packaging, but all their local deliveries are made by bike (if possible).
In addition, Somun Superstar also loves engaging in their community, having hosted a culinary collaboration and a poetry night in the past, which they hope to resume again once it's safe to do so. The restaurant has also partnered with Food Rescue Canada and Second Harvest from the early beginnings of their shop, donating somun left unsold at the end of the night. Alen says, "Baking somun is very labour-intensive, but it's a labour of love and it's great to know that no somun is going to waste."
Somun Superstar hopes to expand their delivery service and introduce more Torontonians to Bosnian culture from their perspective.
Until then, you can find them at 998 Kingston Rd. Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. and Fridays from 11:30 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.
