3Cents Resto & Cafe — Restaurant in Ottawa

I truly want to give this business a 5-star rating and support our local businesses, but I also have to be honest about my visit because my experience was extremely poor at this location in December. I really want to be able to write a good review for these hard-working people, so I will order some food again today to give this business another chance (as I do want to support our small businesses, but I have to be honest about my initial experience as well).

I had been wanting to visit 3Cents2 Pan-Bread & Coffee shop since back when they opened up, and it was conveniently located next to my dentist’s office, so I decided to finally pay a visit after a long time of wanting to do so. I initially went inside just to see what the atmosphere would be like with no intention to buy (because my dentist did not allow me to eat for the next few hours), but once I got inside I figured I might as well find a small way to contribute and also try something. The dentist told me I couldn’t eat yet, so I asked for something cold to drink. I had the intention of coming again in the future and bringing my family the next time because they had been wanting to try it too. The owner and I greeted each other kindly, and he was friendly up until I asked “is everything halal?” (As this is a question I tend to ask every restaurant before ordering — it is not meant to offend anyone, it is just for my confirmation and so that I can let family and friends know for their knowledge too). The owner got visibly upset, disappointed, and annoyed by my question and said “What do you think? Of course we are halal, I am Muslim too, can’t you see?” — although I understand and respect that, the owner should know that the definition of what is “halal” or permissible to eat tends to be different depending on who you are talking to. I told him I had only stopped by to see what the restaurant was like and to see all of their options so that I can bring my family in next time & that I didn’t intend on buying today, but I would next time. He seemed ok with that and let me take time to read the menu. Although I wasn’t allowed to eat after my dental procedure, I decided to order a milkshake to support the business in the very little way that I could. I asked for one flavour, the owner didn’t have it, I asked for a second flavour, he didn’t have that either, so I finally let him decide for me & told him to give me what he has then. He chose Oreo (I like Oreo so I thought that would be great). His ice cream machine wasn’t working, but he continued to make the “milkshake” anyways. I felt cheated/played. I understand if the machine isn’t working, but I was asked to pay for watery Oreo milk when in fact the owner should have taken it upon himself to let me know that he couldn’t make it or offer me something else that I could buy instead. I understand that restaurants are struggling, but where I work (for example), if I cannot provide customers what they asked for or if it turns out to be defective, I will not sell it to them because that is not what they asked/paid for — I would offer them a different product instead or explain why it is defective. It is not kind of the owner to do that and unprofessional.

I am giving this place another chance as I would have loved to try their food, but the last bad experience threw my family and I off from going there for months. Inshaa Allah I hope this experience will be better, as I love supporting our local businesses. We ordered the liver with pan-bread and a few other things. I will...

Review of Breakfast at 3Cs – Ottawa

We visited 3Cs in Ottawa late night for some munching and were pleasantly surprised by the simplicity yet warmth of the meal. The table was set with freshly made chapati/roti, a Kibda (liver), a spiced scrambled egg dish, and a pot of lemon tea served with clear glass mugs.

Kibda ( liVer) (4/5) The kibda was tender, with a slow-cooked texture that absorbed the depth of the spice blend. The spices had a rich, slightly oily finish that paired perfectly with the fresh chapati. Flavors leaned towards a traditional South Asian profile — earthy, mildly spicy, and aromatic with a hint of tomato tang.

Spiced Scrambled Eggs (4/5) The eggs were cooked to a perfect soft texture without being overdone, featuring chopped tomatoes, green chilies, and onions for a burst of freshness. The seasoning was well-balanced, making it enjoyable both on its own and wrapped in the chapati.

Chapati (4/5) Fresh, soft, and evenly cooked, the chapati had just enough char marks to give it that authentic griddle aroma. It folded easily without cracking, making it ideal for scooping up both the liver and the scrambled eggs.

Tea (4/5) Served in a shiny metal teapot with clear glass mugs, the tea was light and refreshing.

Service & Atmosphere Service was friendly and informal, giving a home like feel. The wooden serving trays and patterned paper liners added a rustic touch to the presentation. The environment was relaxed and ideal for a casual breakfast meet-up with friends or family.

Overall Rating: 4/5 A simple, hearty meal done well late at night. Every component, from the bread to the tea had carried its own appeal, and the flavors...

Came by for a post dinner tea, inside it’s decorated very well, there are pictures all over the wall, some antique artifacts like an old radio near the sugar/cutlery station a mirror featured wall really gives the illusion of a bigger space. They have some seating available, including floor cushions. There is a sign that states limit to one hour when busy which I can understand.

We arrived shortly before the post Iftar rush. It got very busy very quickly. Staff seemed to be overwhelmed as they get through all customers. We waited to have our order taken but sat down when they were busy. Eventually we placed our order and waited. Since we only got an adani chai and kunafa, we got our items quickly. The Adana chai was cooked well, it was creamy and flavourful. We got sugar sticks $.75 the concept it great, however, the stick breaks very quickly leaving your drink incredibly sweet so make sure to not leave it in there if you want a somewhat sweet tea.

The kunafa was $12 for a piece. This was dissatisfying, it appeared to be re-heated because that was definitely not a fresh kunafa. It was dry and around the edges. We only had a few bites and left it.

Overall, They have a large selection of drinks to choose from, and sandwiches. It appears to be incredibly busy during Ramadan but I will definitely come back to have...