In this episode of "What's Good in the Hood," the Myffy takes us on a culinary journey through Auburn, a diverse suburb known for its car culture and a variety of international cuisines.Auburn boasts an array of culinary choices, with offerings from various cultures, including Nepalese, Afghani, African, and Lebanese food.
Jasmin 1 (22 Civic Road)
At Jasmine One, the Myffy enjoys a Lebanese breakfast featuring delicious falafels and grilled meats. This restaurant offers a complex and mouthwatering start to the day.
SALAM CAFÉ AND RESTAURANT (4/6-10 Harrow Road)
Salam Café and Restaurant, located on a quiet side street in Auburn, offers a delightful fusion of traditional Somali, Ethiopian, Sudanese, and Arabian cuisine. It include bariis mansaf, featuring slow-roasted lamb served with spiced pilaf and chilli relish, often enjoyed with their unique flatbreads. The menu also features suqaar with tender lamb, japati, and enjera, a gluten-free fermented crepe made from teff, paired with rich lamb curry and a variety of pickles and ferments, creating a delicious and interactive dining experience.
KHAYBAR (64 Auburn Road)
Khaybar, stands out for its fifth-generation Afghani recipes, passed down within the family. The restaurant offers a unique experience where Chef-restaurateur Mujtaba Ashrafi, also a black belt in Shinkyokushin karate, might serve you Afghan dumplings (mantu) topped with yoghurt, beef mince, and crisped up split peas. Their qaboli pallaw features tender lamb falling off the bone, served with a spiced and jeweled basmati rice adorned with candied carrot, pistachios, almond slivers, and raisins, making it a special place for authentic Afghani cuisine.
PERANAKAN PLACE (139 Parramatta Road)
Peranakan Place specializes in Nonya or Peranakan cuisine, offering a delectable fusion of Indo-Chinese and Malaysian dishes. The menu includes Nonya-style laksa, char kway teow, and a savory beef rendang curry with aromatic spices, served alongside light, tissue-thin roti. Despite its location on Parramatta Road, the restaurant surprises with a hidden treasure trove of incredible flavors.
NEW STAR KEBAB (15 Auburn Road)
New Star Kebab, is known for its Turkish mixed plate that features meats cooked over charcoal, imparting a delightful smoky flavor and charred goodness. The restaurant can get busy, especially on Friday nights, but a day trip offers a shorter queue and the opportunity to explore the full menu. The mixed plate includes spiced beef mince and lamb skewers, served over buttered rice with charred vegetables, accompanied by house-made chili sauce, hummus, and toasted Turkish bread for a satisfying and flavorful experience.
GAZIANTEP SWEETS (Shop 1/3-5 Station Road)
Gaziantep Sweets, is a must-visit in Auburn for its tempting Turkish delights, sticky baklava, pistachio rolls, and Turkish ice-cream. The menu features knafeh, a sweet cheese dessert made with buttery spun pastry soaked in sugar syrup and layered with cheese, as well as havuc dilimi, a giant baklava slice filled with ice-cream and garnished with crushed pistachios—a delightful treat for dessert enthusiasts in the area.