By Marie-Antoinette Issa.
Ramadan is a time of reflection, devotion and unity. A season of fasting, but also of feasting with loved ones, strengthening bonds and sharing moments of generosity.
However, for many, it can also be a time of solitude - a stark reminder of the absence of family or support. This year, Cafe Levant is ensuring that no one in the Greenacre community has to experience Ramadan alone. With an unwavering commitment to hospitality and charity, this family-owned Lebanese cafe is bringing people together through food, connection and the true spirit of giving.
Breaking Fast and Strengthening Bonds
As the call to Maghrib prayer signals the end of the day’s fast, Cafe Levant transforms into a hub of warmth and camaraderie. Open from 7.30 pm until midnight every evening of Ramadan (which this year runs from Friday, February 28 to Sunday, March 30) guests can savour a select menu featuring Lebanese ‘kaak’ flatbread sandwiches, fragrant Arabic coffee and indulgent desserts like the famous cheesy knafeh.
One of the stars of the late-night offering is the Ashta Atayef pancakes - delicate buttermilk pancakes enveloping a ricotta-like clotted cream, served with caramelised banana, seasonal fruit, maple syrup and vanilla ice cream. It’s a sweet way to celebrate the day’s fasting and share a moment of joy with family and friends.
A Place at the Table for Everyone
Every Monday night during Ramadan, Cafe Levant is also opening its doors to women in the community for a free Iftar dinner, in partnership with the women’s empowerment group, Elevate Itt. This initiative welcomes reverts, sisters and those who might otherwise break their fast alone. With the aroma of freshly prepared home-cooked meals filling the air and the warmth of shared conversations, the evening is about more than just eating - it’s about belonging.
"Ramadan is a time for gathering,” says co-owner Jinan Affiouny. "We want every woman to feel like she has a place at the table, no matter her circumstances.”
A Community Iftar Under the Stars
From Thursday to Sunday, Cafe Levant is also curating an Iftar set menu that pays homage to its Lebanese roots. Jinan and her siblings have crafted a selection of family recipes that bring the essence of Middle Eastern hospitality to every dish.
The menu changes weekly, but guests can expect comforting Ramadan classics like sambousek - flakypastries stuffed with spiced mince and pine nuts - alongside crisp fattoush, velvety hummus topped with slow-cooked lamb brisket, and sweet delights like the exclusive Dubai chocolate pancakes, adorned with crispy kataifi and pistachio cream. Each meal tells a story of generations of tradition, love and culinary craftsmanship.
Beyond the food, what makes Cafe Levant special this Ramadan is its unwavering dedication to fostering a sense of community. The cafe’s vibrant atmosphere, the laughter of families reunited and the kindness of strangers breaking bread together, embody the spirit of the season.
