Overview
Inspired by Middle Eastern street vendors and the thematic splendour of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, Thievery is Glebe's newest foodie hideout, opened last night by the brains behind Eat Art Truck.
Shaking up the regularly stereotyped Middle Eastern vibe of late-night kebab shops, Thievery is set across two floors of rustic timber, antiquey chandeliers, exposed brick and peeling paint. With an open bar downstairs (that's open plan, not free-for-all), Thievery is your new go-to for Araks (Middle Eastern beers), baklava-inspired cocktails and ice cream kebabs. Yes, ice cream kebabs. Created by EAT co-owner Mo Moubayed, former Rockpool and Chin Chin chef Jordan Muhamad, with consultation from Julian Cincotta (Nomad, Rockpool and 2015 Josephine Pignolet Chef of the Year), Thievery is the workings of Sydney's craftiest culinary masterminds.
Don't go looking for your widely stereotyped Middle Eastern fare here. Muhamad and Cincotta have crafted one eclectic menu to kick things off with — one best enjoyed with your hands. Get right into it. There's your fancy answer to the ol' staple kebab: the Malek Samke Hara kebab of snapper, almonds and chilli ($14). There's Lebanese fried chicken with ink toum ($14) and kingfish nayyeh with cracked wheat and aleppo pepper ($18). And for dessert, you're looking at pomegranate roast figs with sweet labne ($12), 'The Lady Finger' ($5) and an ice cream kebab (!) with booza chocolate, rose floss and chocolate pearls ($8).
Thievery doesn't just happen under cover of darkness, there's a solid brunch menu cranking as well; with dishes such as as fried eggs, chickpeas, succuk and sheep’s milk yoghurt ($16) or shanklish, tomato, red onion and flatbread ($14).
If you're keen to delve into this den of banditry for libations only, the cocktail list will probably have you staying for a few. Each cocktail attempts to recreate signature Middle Eastern flavours — the Baby Got Baklava ($16) sounds just insane. If you're feeling a little peckish at the bar (and significantly brave), try the complimentary Lupin Beans — a legume which can be extremely toxic if not cooked properly. BRING IT.
Find Thievery at 91 Glebe Point Road, Glebe. It's open Tuesday – Thursday 6- 11pm, Friday 6pm – midnight, Saturday 11am-3pm and 6pm - midnight.