Meet Mama Manoush – Brunswick East’s newest Lebanese eatery in a trendy warehouse space. You may think your mama’s food is good, but we’re willing to bet you’ve never tasted anything like Mama Manoush’s.
Mama Manoush has made a big entrance into the Melbourne food scene, relocating from its popular small Nicholson Street haunt to a larger Lygon Street venue in the old Lady Carolina space. The restaurant has hipster warehouse vibes with neon lighting, brightly painted walls and funky lighting. There’s an enclosed garden out back for those hot summer nights or casual Friday night drinks.
Lebanese food connoisseurs will be in heaven when you see the extensive menu on offer. Authentic, finger-licking, and picturesque, are three words that come to mind. For inexperienced Lebanese eaters (such as myself), the menu presents a whole new world of kafta, sambousik, makanek, and baba ghannouj to navigate. Lucky for us, there’s Mama’s Banquet – a sample of the best dishes and true Lebanese villager eating experience!
My tip to the wise…come hungry! The banquet begins with a heap of pita and three picturesque dips; hummus, baba ghannouj, and labne drizzled in olive oil – the true Lebanese way! Just as your appetite has been piqued, the feast begins. Tender stuffed vine leaves (warak areesh), cheese filled cigar sticks, falafel, and tangy lemon garlic chicken wingettes are the starters.
Followed with charcoal grilled meats, and salads – a colourful spread fit for a true foodie! My favourites were the lamb cutlets – lightly seasoned, tender & juicy, and the fattosh salad – a vibrant mix of tomato, cucumber, radish, mint, capsicum and olive oil sumac dressing. The perfect antidote for a hot summer day.
Whatever you do, save room for dessert at Mama Manoush! The baclava ice cream is a real winner – a plated up deconstructed ice cream cone with three scoops of baclava ice cream goodness drizzled in crushed pistachio and raspberry syrup. If you’re feeling more adventurous (and after a knock out Instagram photo) try the kanafeh – a cheese filled baked pie drizzled in syrup and pistachio nuts.
– Ember Mitchell
Ember is an American turned Aussie. Her love affair with Melbourne goes back five years, and she still can’t get enough of this city! Discovering new hideouts and hidden gems around Melbourne is her hobby. Marketing Strategist by day, spontaneous adventurer, brekky enthusiast, and aerial acrobat by night. Follow her foodie adventures on Instagram @effinggoodtime
Mama Manoush
175-177 Lygon St
Brunswick East VIC 3057
https://www.mamamanoush.com.au/
Mama Manoush is the new kid on the block in Brunswick East, serving up traditional Lebanese dishes in a trendy warehouse space.
