Middle Eastern cuisine is a hugely diverse style of food, rich in both culture and flavour. Whether it’s acting as your post-clubbing saviour in the form of a kebab or providing a romantic date-night atmosphere in the form of a shared mezze platter, there’s something for everyone within the menus of your local Middle Eastern restaurant. Yes, even all fussy eaters reading this! So, if you’re looking to transport yourself to warmer climates, connect with ancient cooking traditions derived from the beginning of civilisation itself – or simply fancy a great lunch out with a mate – here are just a few of the gems to be found in York.
BAB TOOMA
Named after a borough in the old city of Damascus, Bab Tooma acts as your gateway into an authentic Syrian dining experience. With beautiful Arabic furnishings, a bustling atmosphere, and incredible recipes that’ve been passed down through generations of families, this is as close as you’ll get to the real thing without booking a plane ticket. Grills, salads, cold & hot mezze – there’s so many wonderful variations to choose from at Bab Tooma that you may spend a good portion of your meal in silence, reading through their huge selection of platters. But with many dishes starting at affordable £5 price tags, the silence might also be because you’re too busy eating everything! Find them on Goodramgate in the heart of York, and make sure to arrive with an empty stomach.
BABYLON
Tucked away on Church Street is Babylon, a family-run restaurant that’ll be guaranteed to satisfy those tastebuds. Like a home from home, this place provides a welcoming traditional interior and food to match. Pizzas, falafel, and chicken skewers are just a handful of things that are available to try, as well as some delightfully colourful drinks to wash it all down. On a sunny day, you might not even remember which country you’re in. They’re dog friendly too, so don’t worry about trying to find a place for both you and your pooch to sit and relax – Babylon have you covered.
LOS MOROS
Starting its life as a street stall on the iconic Shambles of York, Los Moros has since expanded into a restaurant which provides customers with a colourful array of food from North African origins. Influenced by the many different cultures which have changed the makeup of the area’s cuisine over the last century, Los Moros serves to embody that melting pot of flavours, ideas, and attitudes. You can peruse the Middle Eastern mezze or take your pick at some of the Mediterranean fish they have on offer, but whichever option you choose, you’re sure to leave feeling satisfied. Don’t take my word for it though: pop into their restaurant on Grape Lane at lunch or dinnertime to experience the food for yourself.
MIDDLE FEAST
Remember what I was saying about a post-clubbing saviour? Well, that’s Middle Feast all over. Open until 3am (4am on a Friday & Saturday), this takeaway is famed for its quality food and excellent presentation. Their chefs prepare fresh shawarma, kebabs, wings and chips every day, and even if there’s nothing on the menu you fancy, you can talk to the staff and see if they can rustle something up just for you. That’s some pretty good service. No need to fret if you’re a vegetarian either – Middle Feast have a generous selection of veggie options to choose from, meaning everyone is accounted for and no one goes hungry. Whether it’s a carb-loaded kebab after a night out that you’re craving, or just a hearty lunchtime wrap cooked by chefs who care, head on down to Lendal Road and see what they can do for you.
YEMEN HEAVEN:
On 98 Walmgate sits Yemen Heaven, a one-of-a-kind Yemeni restaurant that brings the beautiful cuisine of Yemen straight to the doorstep of York. Using recipes passed down from generation to generation, this family-run business is dedicated to sharing their passion for traditional, authentic food. And with produce bought from the local farmer’s market, plus spices imported directly from Yemen and Saudi Arabia, it truly symbolises an important blend of cultures, tastes, and community. You can try the secret family recipe that goes into making their Fah’sa dish or indulge in a hearty concoction of beans and herbs cooked in broth, called Fool. There are so many ways to explore the world through food, and Yemen Heaven is the perfect place to begin your culinary adventure.
Images- @babtooma_uk, @losmorosyork, @middlefeastyork
