Middle Eastern Yum Cha

Overview

Out to shake-up the image of Middle Eastern fare, Glebe's Thievery is transforming itself into a month-long Middle Eastern yum cha pop-up, running until the end of September.

Drawing on Executive Chef Julian Cincotta's recent jaunts across Asia, the menu delivers a clever twist on the Chinese dim sum experience — a flavour mash-up that sounds a little left-field, but that Cincotta promises works a treat.

Here, you'll find yourself tucking into creations like lamb kofta pancakes, bastourma-spiced char sui lamb cutlets, baba ganoush dumplings and Middle Eastern salt & pepper bug tails — and maybe with a rose and pistachio Chinese doughnut bun for dessert.

And, in homage to yum cha's traditional roots — the word translates to 'drink tea' in Cantonese — the feast comes complete with its own specialty range of tea cocktails, served in share-friendly teapots. Try drink like the Turkish Sour Cherry Iced Tea with rye whisky and a Hot Buttered Chai, heavy on rum and spices.

Middle Eastern yum cha will be on offer for Saturday lunch, and dinner Tuesdays to Saturdays. Opt for an a la carte selection, or leave the decisions at the door with the 11-course set menu for $53.

Updated: September 5, 2018.