Moroccan deli-cacy, East Brunswick cafe and deli

Moroccan deli-cacy may be the new kid on the block in East Brunswick but it has a rich heritage.  It is situated in the old Miramar Nut Shop that was one of the first Lebanese mixed businesses in Melbourne.  Now it is a cafe-cum-deli run by Hana Assafiri who has run much loved Moroccan Soup Bar.  I am happy to report that the standards are every bit as high as the expectations.

My mum told me how good Moroccan deli-cacy looked last week just before I read Michael's high praise for the cafe. Yesterday I had lunch there with my mum.  It was every bit as amazing as I had hoped.  We arrived at the cafe.  It still feels like a nut shop with bins of spices, tubs of nuts and shelves of tinned goods.  Around the edges are colourful red stools and outside is more seating.

At the back of the shop is a display cabinet of salads, grain dishes and even a mountain of a yoghurt that was on its way to becoming a cheese but stopped midway, according to Hana.  She is a welcoming and bustling presence behind the counter.  She asks if we have any allergies and dishes up a platter of wonderful colours, tastes and textures.

It is a glorious feeling to sit at a tiled table with Hana's creation before me.  The cafe is light and airy with the large windows open to let in fresh air.  Without a menu I am at a loss to tell you everything I ate.  I just know it was the sort of lunch I wish I had every day.

I was initially impressed by the spiced couscous with soft dried apricots and dried cranberries.  Other dishes include a barley and legume dish, creamy chickpeas, another grain dish, smoky baba ganoush, green salad, fried zucchini, the yoghurt, fried haloumi, pickles, wonderful falafel and hearty wholemeal bread.  I noticed some spiciness and my mum noticed lots of mint.  For those seeking a vegan lunch, Hana was creating a vegan platter when I spoke to her later.

We also order fresh mint tea which is worth ordering just for the gorgeous silver teapots.  It is also a refreshing drink.

The food is different each day.  Compare this to the meal that Michael had.  He also had some ricotta pancakes with a coffee.  I noticed some turkish delight, macarons, and (I think) almond crescents on display on the counter.  But I was too full to want anything sweet.  It was a meal that was satisfying without leaving me feeling uncomfortable.  I can't wait to go back.

Before we headed home, I had a wander around the corner to check out the street art in Ann Street.  It is changed since I was there last year, most notably with the controversial Karma Sutra Burger.  The Moroccan deli-cacy has added new colour to an interesting part of East Brunswick and I am sure will attract yet more people to this area.

Moroccan Deli-Cacy
313 Lygon Street
Brunswick East
03 9387 6805