Carole Levy
Word on the street is that once you try head chef Ramy Nasralla’s kunafa dessert, there’s no going back. Or should that be, ‘there’ll be plenty of going back’?
That now famed dessert is just one of the captivating tastes of Egypt-inspired street-style food that diners are loving at Dukkah restaurant in South Kingsville, ever since owners Ramy and wife Veronica put out the welcome mat two years ago.
Ramy says he gave long and careful thought to his menu, balancing old, authentic Middle Eastern recipes with the adoption of local ingredients and contemporary simplicity.
Menu teasers
Zaatar calamari with caraway harissa aioli joins the small-plate line-up of great hummus (with Egyptian dukkah of course); cheese cigars; pulled-lamb slider; and quinoa tabouleh, among others.
The big-plate list includes the popular chicken shawarma tagine, with layers of 24-hour marinated grilled bird, served with saffron rice, pita chips and roasted garlic aioli, pomegranate and toasted almonds. This dish, quintessentially Middle Eastern, is joined by many other tastes of the classics, but with Ramy’s signature twist-a-bit style. Sides are plentiful and super-tasty.
Vegos and vegans are well catered for, and there’s another gorgeous dessert (Om Ali) to compete with aforementioned kunafa.
The bar
Four on-tap craft brews include Moon Dog and Little Creatures and a well-curated wine list offers several award-winning local labels.
The mood
The evocative look of exposed rustic brickwork, handmade/hand-painted pieces, and industrial lightfittings suspended from a soaring ceiling is all very chic, but the feel remains cosy and in touch with the sharing-perfect food. Tables are well spaced for hearing comfort, lighting is just the right dim, and chillout music in the background.
Takeaway
Takeaway is available for pick-up and delivery. This has kept Dukkah going strong through COVID-19 lockdown and will continue to be a big part into the future. Ramy and Veronica say they feel very grateful for their customers’ support and found this particularly
humbling because they know others are
going through their own tough times. The pair ensure that whenever possible, they do what they can to help less fortunate people in the community.
More
Wednesdays have a happy hour, local musos drop in once a month, and kids are treated to their own menu.
Dukkah Restaurant, 23 Vernon Street, South Kingsville. Opens 5-10pm Friday-Saturday; and 5-9pm Sunday-Thursday (closed Monday). Inquiries: 9399 3737 or www.dukkahrestaurant.com.au
