FIVE OF THE BEST MIDDLE EASTERN RESTAURANTS
Dishing up diaspora delicacies from Syria, Turkey and beyond: the best food from that part of the world to be found in this part of the world, in the view of Elouise Hobbs.
SHAAM NIGHTS
Shaam Nights certainly lives up to its reputation as one of the best Middle Eastern grill houses in south Wales, serving amazing Syrian cuisine in ample portions. The meat platters, which include spiced meat and light flatbreads, are a real crowd-pleaser and the lamb shawarma always comes highly recommended. Despite being alcohol-free, the drink options are amazing, especially the fruit cocktails.
City Road, Cardiff
Info: 029 2048 2824 / www.shaamnights.com
MINA
Inspired by the hospitality of Lebanese culture, Mina’s menu combines European and Middle Eastern flavours. Their large range of ‘mezza’ dishes – appetizers including salads, stuffed grape leaves and traditional dips – and their main courses, consisting of meat and fish dishes, make for a hearty meal. And their authentic Turkish style coffee is the perfect way to round-off an evening.
Crwys Rd, Cardiff
Info: 029 2023 5212 / www.minarestaurant.co.uk
KEYIF
Recently celebrating their first birthday, Keyif, located off Penarth’s high street, has quickly become a firm favourite. Their set lunch menu, which includes vegetable fritters, lamb skewers and moussaka, is a great budget-friendly option, while signature dessert dish Kunefe deserves a special mention: combining sweet and savoury by mixing shredded filo pastry with butter and cheese, and topping with pistachios.
Glebe St, Penarth
Info: 029 2070 2429 / www.keyif.co.uk
ISTANBUL RESTAURANT
Mixing traditional and modern cuisine, this establishment has worked hard to get the balance right. Their Turkish pizzas are delicious, especially the Kiymali – which combines lamb with onion, peppers and parsley – and the Sucuklu, topped with spicy Turkish sausage. Vegetarian options are vast and the Black Sea speciality of lahana dolma, cabbage rolls stuffed with a dill and rice mix, are a real treat.
St. Helens Road, Swansea
Info: 01792 654966 / istanbulswansearestaurant.co.uk
FALAFILO ISLAND
Falafilo Island is one of the finest restaurants in Newport, serving a mixture of Syrian and Lebanese food, which of course means plenty of grilled meats, fresh vegetables, and gorgeous fluffy rice. There’s also a fantastic story behind the restaurant too – it is run by two former Syrian refugees, who have since settled in Wales and built a new life for themselves, evidence of the sort of open, welcoming Wales we’d like to see in the world.
High St, Newport
Info: 01633 904550 / www.falafiloisland.com