Tahina

Northcote’s favourite Israeli street-food bar Tahina has opened their second store on Brunswick St.

The team behind Tahina self-confessed health freak, Natalie Powell and Tel Aviv-born chef Roy Sassonkin, hope to redefine casual dining on Brunswick St with an entirely vegetarian menu which draws inspiration from Nat’s interest in plant-based health and Roy’s childhood growing up in the culinary melting pot which is Tel Aviv.

Tahina offers diners an affordable, healthy and casual option while exploring the laneways and shops of Melbourne’s famous Brunswick St precinct. The restaurant features a spectacular open courtyard where you can enjoy a couple of Israeli lagers or one of Tahina’s famous healthy smoothies.

We loved tasting our way through Tahina’s delectable menu. The pita pockets are simply stunning. The Yarakoht was a beauty – stuffed with sautéed mushrooms, pumpkin, hummus, israeli salad, pickled cabbage and tahini. The Shuit was similarly delicious and filled to the brim with creamy  white beans, sautéed spinach mixed in tahini and garlic with israeli salad, pickled cabbage and tahini. 

The falafels at Tahina are a notch up from the regular, and the falafel salad is a great way to enjoy them 6 falafels (3 green and 3 red) sit atop a bed of hummus, Israeli salad, spicy green salad and pickled cabbage topped with tahini, parsley and zaatar spice. 

Another interesting dish is the side of roasted eggplant which is sheer yum. Melt in your mouth roasted eggplant is slathered with hummus and topped with crispy zaatar kale chips and tahini. 

Also on the menu are a range of desserts including vegan malabi, a  coconut milk pudding infused with rose water and topped with pistachios and maple syrup as well as an equally moreish vegan chocolate souffle with chunks of vanilla halva and topped with halva fairy floss. 

Location: 362 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
Phone: 03 9972 1479
Link: www.tahinabar.com