By Franz Scheurer
Neither the restaurant nor most of its clientele would look out of place anywhere along the Lebanese coast from Tripoli to Beirut. Ornately painted walls with lots of colourful stonework match the intricately decorated light-wells and the large mosaic-tiled floor. Impressions of harbour life, painted on the rough walls, complete the picture of a Middle Eastern seaside diner.
The menu (in English and Arabic) is short and concise. Portions are generous and, unless you decide to share, you’re either going to leave a lot of food or roll home very full. The mixed plates (either mezze or meat) provide enough food for 2. The ‘huomus’ is good, the ‘baba ghannouj’ excellent and the ‘felafel’ superb. If ordering a mixed plate, you will want an extra serving of these crunchy, yet succulent morsels, they go very well with the garlic dip and I love some ‘harissa’ (North African chilli paste) with them. A typical breakfast dish of ‘foule’ is a lot more acidic than I am used to and did not excite but the simple Lebanese-style olives are fantastic. The whole plate of pickles and olives, served as an accompaniment, is a good idea as they act as a palate cleanser between the various morsels of food. The ‘tabouleh’ is much too upmarket, mainly consisting of parsley, and the lack of substance, in the form of cracked wheat (burghul) is sadly lacking.
The ‘kebbeh’ are superb; a perfect mix of crunchy, smooth outside with a very strong, meaty centre, packed with lamb mince and soft, slightly roasted pine nuts. The ‘shish tawouk’, chicken thigh fillet, was a bit too dry for our taste, as was the ‘shish kebab’, also quite chewy. The ‘kafta’ was a bit rubbery, perhaps pre-made and reheated to order.
The restaurant does not allow alcohol and is cash only, value for money is terrific. Lots of locals use the take away facility it seems. A visit to Jasmin is definitely worthwhile for the felafel and kebbeh, the rest of the menu however is solid without being extraordinary.
Score: 5.5/10
For more information:
Jasmin Restaurant
30 B Haldon Street
Lakemba NSW 2195
Tel.: 02 9740 3589