During the last decade, Middle Eastern fare has become a global sensation with its fresh, wholesome, healthy and aromatic flavours skyrocketing in popularity – none more so than in Australia.
Considered the new Asian by many Down Under foodies, Middle Eastern cuisine is far more than kebabs, hummus and tabouli… it transcends borders, taking inspiration from countries like Egypt, Morocco, Lebanon, Turkey and Iran.
Long considered the cradle of civilisation, playing a vital role in promoting trade and linking the East with the West, the Middle East has been the birthplace of major religions and ancient cultures.
But did you know that Saudi Arabia imports sand and camels from our shores? Known as the ‘ships of the desert’, apparently Saudis don’t find their camels to be tasty – Australian camels are fatter and more delicious – while the sand found in the Kingdom is not fit for construction.
Here are five of our favourite spots to get your falafel fix and so much more…
Take a gastronomic journey along the Mediterranean basin at New Jaffa on Stanley Street in Collingwood. Delve into Middle Eastern, North African and Southern European fare in stunning surrounds of Persian pendent lights, white subway tiles and potted greenery; while on balmy days the courtyard beckons with mosaic tiled tables and black wrought iron chairs.
Devour main dishes such as spiced beef cheek with turmeric couscous, almonds, currants, tahini, fresh parsley and pickled radish; or lamb kebabs, green tahini, harissa, green chilli, garlic, tomato, olive oil, pine nuts and fresh mint.
Inspired by Turkey’s rich culinary history Safran restaurant on Ocean View Road delivers authentic recipes with contemporary twists to Ettalong Beach diners. From dishes cooked in Ottoman Palace kitchens to street food, Safran covers all tastes and palates, enjoyed in stylish surrounds of a green tiled bar, recycled timber flooring, arched windows and Middle Eastern-style lights.
Embark on your culinary journey with grilled scallops in the half shell, with hazelnuts, herbs and lemon; before mesmerising mains such as spatchcock marinated in sumac and paprika, grilled over charcoal, with vegetable pilaf, charred spring onion and toum.
Those seeking Middle Eastern fare with flair head to Love Chargrill’d on Sentry Drive in Stanhope Gardens. Take a break from retail therapy at Stanhope Village to relax and refuel at this rustic restaurant, where the tantalising aromas of charcoal grilled chicken waft in the air, tempting diners to sit a spell and peruse a menu offering rolls, burgers and share plates.
Satisfy everyone with a mixed grill plate with chicken, lamb, kofta, hummus, garlic dip, salad, pickles, chips and Lebanese bread; or a charcoal lamb plate, with potato and salad.
Take flight on a familiar journey reimagined at Babylonia on Smith Street in Fitzroy. Discover an oasis in a sea of city living and pause to rejuvenate and refresh at this unique dining destination, where three separate areas create space for guests to relax and unwind, free from the pace of modern life.
Start with creamy garlic prawns, with pita bread to soak up the sauce, or crispy pastry lamb sambousek, with spices and pine nuts; followed by baked barramundi, chilli, capsicum, tomato, onion, herbs and spices, with lentil rice and salad.
Just like its owners, Olive Thyme Turkish Cuisine on Sandgate Road in Albion is where Turkish tradition meets modern inspiration. Nestled in a beautiful heritage-listed 1920s building, this restaurant has a warm, welcoming ambience of polished wood floors, intimate table settings clothed in white linen and walls adorned with colourful china plates.
Fremantle octopus, tahini bean purée, daikon, green olives and activated walnuts will impress seafood lovers; while carnivores opt for lamb backstrap, smoky eggplant, soft onion cups and pilav, finishing sweetly with a dessert of Turkish Delight and vanilla bean gelato.
For more Middle Eastern restaurants to appease hunger pangs, click here.
