Moroccan Soup Bar Chef Hana Assafiri Now Has a Cookbook and a Deli Cafe

Pop into the deli for mint tea and macaroons, and then make Moroccan Soup Bar's iconic chickpea bake at home.
Tom Clift
November 22, 2015

The food at Moroccan Soup Bar has long been a staple of many a northsider's diet. Located on St Georges Road, the environmentally conscious eatery serves up great vegetarian food in a communal setting, under the watchful eye of chef Hana Assafiri. Now, after 17 years, Assafiri has expanded her reach, quietly opening up a deli cafe offshoot on Lygon Street a few blocks away. Combine that with a new cookbook which is currently on shelves, and it's safe to say that we'll be enjoying her food for quite a few years to come.

Deli-cacy is located at 313 Lygon Street, Brunswick East, in the site previously occupied by Miramar Nut Shack. Those looking to eat in can choose from a selection of healthy wraps and salads, the mixed mezze plate (which changes daily), or snack on macaroons and Moroccan shortbread with their nus nus (a Moroccan take on the latte) or fresh mint tea.

The deli counter, meanwhile, is laden with tasty offerings, including olives, cheeses and Moroccan Soup Bar's famous dips. According to The Age, Assafiri will eventually start selling take home dinners, and even has plans to open up a cooking school.

In the meantime, those desperate to try Assafiri's food at home can pick up a copy of her book, Moroccan Soup Bar: Recipes of a Spoken Menu and a Little Bit of Spice, which is available in book stores or either one of her restaurants. Cauliflower stew, haloumi salad and almond macaroons are just a few of the delectable recipes you'll find inside. And yes, she also gives away the secret to her beloved chickpea bake.

Deli-cacy can be found at 313 Lygon Street, East Brunswick. Its trading hours are 9am – 5pm seven days a week.

Via The Age.

Image: Moroccan Soup Bar, Fitzroy North.

Published on November 22, 2015 by Tom Clift
Tap and select Add to Home Screen to access Concrete Playground easily next time. x