Did you know Dubai’s police force boasts some pretty cool supercars? Visit this Middle Eastern destination and you’ll see officers driving around in rides such as a Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bugatti Veyron and an Aston Martin.
As we celebrate everything Middle Eastern this week, here are some more fun facts and five restaurants to get your falafel on:
•The Saudi Arabian Royal family is considered to be the richest royalty in the world with more than $2 trillion Australian – however with 15,000 family members, this wealth is well spread out.
•The Dead Sea at 420 metres below sea level is the lowest point on Earth.
•Camel racing is a popular spectator sport in Kuwait, with the Kuwait Camel Club using robotic jockeys instead of humans.
Inspired by Tel Aviv Markets
A feast for the senses awaits at the end of a narrow laneway, tucked in between two heritage-listed sandstone buildings, at Shaffa on Albion Street in Surry Hills. This inviting Middle Eastern restaurant and bar is inspired by the fragrant, lively markets of Tel Aviv; step into a moody vibe of exposed brick, velvet banquettes and an open kitchen offering a glimpse of Chefs in action.
Embark on a memorable culinary adventure with kingfish ceviche, rockmelon, celery, cucumber, sumac, coriander and nasturtium, or cauliflower, garlic labneh, Aleppo oil, fried kale leaves, ras el Shaffa, grated tomato, pickles and almonds; move onto mains such as lamb shoulder chermoula, chard, pickled pumpkin, toum and jus, or chicken shawarma, tahini, amba, pickled cabbage, herbs and laffa.
Unforgettable Dining Experience
Traditional recipes meet the freshest ingredients to create an unforgettable dining experience at Gebran Lebanese Cuisine on Wattle Street in Mount Lewis. Immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere that captures the essence of Lebanese culture at this Sydney dining destination, where guests can experience weekly live entertainment on Saturdays when good vibes keep coming all night long; bring your friends and family to enjoy an array of authentic Lebanese dishes such as a sambousik flaky pastry filled with creamy chicken and mushrooms.
For a memorable main, think oven-baked lamb shanks on a bed of rice, topped with pan-seared mince, pine nuts, herbs and spices; seafood lovers opt for butterflied, marinated and grilled jumbo Tiger prawns, best enjoyed with a Bay Breeze cocktail.
Relaxed Wine Bar Setting
Enjoy the flavours and experience of Naim Restaurant in a relaxed wine bar setting at The Hamsa Room on Collingwood Street in Paddington. Serving as a complementary feature to Naim, The Hamsa Room echoes design features like Moroccan-inspired tiles on the bar and intimate table settings along with a selection of grazing plates, cocktails, craft beer and wine.
Meet friends for an after-work drink and snack on scallops, creamy bechamel sauce and pickled guindilla chilli, in a savoury tart shell, before mains like crispy skin duck Maryland with spiced lentils, hearty cauliflower mash, creamy onion soubise, citrus salad and pine nuts, paired with a glass of Le Juice Beaujolais. Those dining in groups or finding it hard to choose may opt for the three-course Naim banquet with seven classic dishes plus some off-menu flavours.
Middle Eastern Fast-food Options
Sydneysiders head to Epping Star Eatery on Beecroft Road in Epping for a diner with all the options from delicious burgers to sensational kebabs. This locally-loved fast-food joint garners a loyal crowd of foodies looking for fare to tickle their taste buds that keeps them coming back for more. Chow down on some chips-on-a-stick, hot chips or wedges, smothered in chicken salt, BBQ salt, salt and vinegar, garlic, or lemon and pepper; before wrapping your hands around a chicken kebab with lettuce, tomato, onion, tabouli and cheese.
Burgerholics devour options like the house special with beef patty, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles and special red sauce relish; or grab a hot butterflied whole chicken, marinated and char-grilled, paired with a healthy salad for a quick and easy family meal.
Insta-worthy Cocktails and Food
Soak up panoramic views of the Coral Sea and dine on a feast of Middle Eastern delights from the highest rooftop bar in Cairns at Rocco on the Esplanade. Picture yourself sipping a herb-infused Insta-worthy cocktail while admiring the 270-degree vistas with earthy-toned surrounds and Middle Eastern prints setting a warm ambience to get lost in the oasis of greenery and sweeping views.
Expect an inspired drinks menu with sophisticated sweet and savoury cocktails to go with prawn skewers with toum and cucumber yoghurt to start, or Baharat lamb and pine nut cigars; then delve into barramundi fillet, ras el hanout and creamed corn with sides of saffron jewelled rice and grilled pita bread, or lamb neck cooked in whey with burnt onions and pickled grapes.
