25 Martin Place, Sydney NSW
Photography Credit Jiwon Kim
Stepping into Aalia, you are instantly greeted by the tantalising aromas of exotic spices and freshly prepared dishes. The restaurant is a hidden gem that invites guests to embark on a culinary journey through the rich and vibrant Middle East and North Africa flavours.
Aalia’s culinary team, led by Executive Chef Paul Farag, has spent years exploring dishes and techniques from lesser-known regions and coastlines. They discovered forgotten ingredients from millennia ago and uncovered recipes from within the pages of 10th-century Arabic cookbooks.
The team beautifully combines these ingredients from across territories and times, contrasting tradition with modern techniques to offer diners an Arabian nomadic time-travelling odyssey of delights. No wonder the restaurant received two chef hats within months of opening.
The idea behind the menu is to start with a few raw dishes and mezze, followed by mains and sides. You could start with a raw dish like Kingfish with green tomato ezme & dill, and follow it with a mezze like Pharoah’s Foie Gras with pickled grapes & broad beans. Move on to the Lamb Neck Shawarma with tarator, pickles & Saida saj, or try a 2GR Flank Steak 9+ with biber salcasi & fenugreek. The selection of desserts also tells a romantic story from far-flung shores.
Whatever you select on the menu, you will enjoy a journey through Aalia’s interpretation of the stories behind each origin, and you’ll find inspiration in every dish.
Aalia’s interior was designed to match its food offerings by providing an experience that fluidly blends the past with the now, the interior with the exterior. Sculptured architectural features, tactile materials and luxe furnishings are used in perfect synergy to create intimate and relaxing spaces. Sit back and relax while reflecting on the essence of culture from another world.
Recreate Paul Farag's signature recipe -
Sea Urchin Waraq Simsim
on P.172 in the 2024 edition of Flavours of Australia.
Flavours of Australia
- 92 signature recipes from top Aussie Chefs
- 200 stories about the best chefs and places to eat and drink around Australia
Read the stories of some of Australia's most decorated chefs and rediscover some of our oldest family institutions. Recreate your favourite meals at home and relive your most memorable food experiences with signature recipes from our most coveted restaurants and identities.
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