The Duos Behind Saga and Kepos Street Kitchen Are Joining Forces at New Rosebery Lunch Spot Salma's Canteen

Sydney recently lost one of its favourite spots for decadent pastries and loaded sambos. After satisfying cravings on Enmore Road for six years, Saga Enmore had its final service on Sunday, June 25. However, when one door closes, another opens, and the beloved duo behind Saga have already announced their new culinary home — Salma's Canteen.

Saga's Andy Bowdy and Maddison Howes will be linking up with another popular Sydney duo, Michael Rantissi and Kristy Frawley of Kepos Street Kitchen, to open this new Rosebery lunch spot which combines the best that each pair has to offer.

Opening along Botany Road on Wednesday, July 12, Salma's Canteen will offer a mix of hearty mains and salads from Rantissi, deli delights and sandwiches, and Bowdy's signature sweet treats — all in the one spot. The regularly changing menu will lean on fresh produce from Carriageworks' weekly market. You can also expect some beloved favourites from the Saga menu to make their way over including yuzu cheesecake, salted honey tart and passionfruit and fennel seed palmiers.

Carriageworks Farmers Markets, Jacquie Manning

Takeaway will be the main mode of operation at Salma's, but there will be a few spots both indoors and outside where you can sit for lunch or a post-work snack. It will also keep its doors open until 7pm Tuesday–Saturday, so you can swing past and pick up your dinner after work or a flaky pastry for dessert.

"I started out my career 18 years ago at Pink Salt, working under Michael, so to open a place together is pretty awesome," says Bowdy. "Michael and I have very similar philosophies in terms of food — we both love fresh, vibrant food and celebrating ingredients that are in season."

Saga, Kimberley Low

Salam's will also offer you the chance to add to the inventory of your home kitchen. Bowdy's shortcrust pastry and fruit curd, as well as Rantissi's savoury fillings, will be available for purchase so that you can incorporate them into your next home cook-up.

"Everyone who loves food has a Salma in their life — a feeder and nourisher who brings people together to eat and talk, sending them home piled with leftovers," says Rantissi. "Salma's Canteen is the new Salma in your life — a one-stop shop that's part kitchen, part takeaway, part diner, and part shop."

Saga, Kimberly Low

Salma's Canteen will open on Wednesday, July 12 at Shop 2, 797 Botany Road, Rosebery. It'll be open 11am–7pm Tuesday–Saturday and 10am–4pm Sunday.