Summary

Starting at the infamous Tiba's Lebanese Restaurant, The Taste of Lebanon Tour is a short trip up Sydney Road (800m) to Balha's Pastrys via a bakery and a shisha lounge! [Best done during the day}

Description

Melbourne is one of the most harmonious multicultural cities in the world and if there was a street in the city that truly showcased that, it's Sydney Road. Brunswick and Coburg have a proud Middle Eastern heritage and in the Taste of Lebanon Tour, you have the chance to experience one of those cultures first hand. But that's not all you'll be able to see! Sydney's Road's colonial beginnings are still visible from the shop fronts you will enter. Step back from the store and you'll discover the Victorian designed rooftops and ornaments that adorn Middle Eastern stores.

Aim to get started at lunch time at one of the most successful Lebanese restaurant chains in Melbourne, Tiba's. The restaurant opened in 1983, but if you look up at the facade of the building you can still see the original Victorian design from the early 1900s. On the roof are ornate finials and the verandah is an Australian style filigree. Walk inside and take your pick from the menu but be careful not to over order and don't forget to try their delicious assortment of dips! After that, it's time to digest your meal with a relaxing arghile at Arabica Lounge (Hookah Bar). It's only 300 metres from Tiba's and along the way you'll pass a middle eastern grocer and some elegant dress shops, many of which are Lebanese owned (eg. Joe Halabi's.) Don't forget to keep looking up at the original Victorian roof top facades as you walk. At Arabica Lounge choose from an array of different tobacco flavoured hookah's (mint, rose, apple, peach, mango, melon or grape). The cafe's middle eastern decor, with it's authentic rugs, curtains and cushions will have you feeling like royalty. Don't forget to try their traditional Lebanese coffee! Next stop is A1 Bakery, where you can buy some of the things you've just ordered! Want some Arabic coffee ground coffee beans? Or traditional Lebanese bread? Why not pick up some za'atar to make some of your own at home with olive oil. The bakery is a family business that first opened on Sydney Road in 1992. It's now expanded to two other locations in Dandenong and Fairfield. Don't be afraid to ask someone what supplies you'll need! Once you're stocked up, it's time to top it all off with some sweets at Balha's Pastrys. Just another 200 metres down the road, prepare yourself for dessert heaven. Tarik Afouni, the owner, worked in a number of renowned pastry shops in Tripoli before being forced to flee Lebanon during the civil war. Since 1991 he's channeled his passion for gourmet, high quality Lebanon's sweets into Balha's. Try some Ma'mul, Knafe, Wared al Sham, Znoud al Sit, Ballorieh, Baklawa or a whole range of other traditional desserts. Curious to know how they make them? If it's not too busy, ask chef, Houssam how he does it!

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Points of Interest

1. Tiba's Lebanese Restaurant

Aim to get started at lunch time at Tiba's. Take your pick from the menu but be careful not to over order and don't forget to try their delicious selection of dips!

2. Arabica Lounge

Relax with some arghile at Arabica Lounge (Hookah Bar). Choose from an array of different tobacco flavoured hookah's (mint, rose, apple, peach or grape) or try some traditional Lebanese coffee.

3. A1 Bakery

Here you can buy some of the things you just ordered! Want some Arabic coffee ground coffee beans? Or traditional Lebanese bread? Don't be afraid to ask someone what supplies you'll need!

4. Balha's Pastrys

Ask for some Mamul, Knafe, Wared al Sham, Znoud al Sit, Ballorieh, Baklawa or a whole range of other traditional desserts. Curious to know how they make them? If it's not too busy, you can ask a chef!

Features

Public Transport

Drinking water available

Seating available

Public toilets

Pram friendly

Historical interest

Art and culture