Mama Rumaan knows best at this riverside Middle Eastern restaurant
From a distance, Mama Rumaan may strike you as just another shed on the Docklands waterfront. But inch closer and the scent of charcoal grilled meats and spices will tickle your nostrils and entice you to head inside to discover the source of the irresistible aromas.
As you enter the bright and bold interior features long tables canopied by large archways and mood lighting, which sets the perfect scene for a Middle Eastern feast.
Mama Rumaan stays true to Middle Eastern cuisine with an emphasis on food that is best shared and enjoyed together. Except, perhaps, when everyone is eyeing the last portion of your favourite dish.
Mama Sabah’s family-style cooking pays homage to recipes passed down through her family, which are evident in the authentic Levantine-style dishes.
Start your feast with a range of delectable dips including hummus, labne and baba ganoush. Whether your choice of edible dunking apparatus is pickled vegetables, fried pita with zaatar, or flatbread, each dip is addictively good.
Rumaan means pomegranate in Arabic and it is therefore no surprise that this flavoursome fruit is featured across the menu. Dive into the beautifully bright fattouche salad, where pomegranate seeds are generously scattered throughout like juicy, sparkling gems. You will no doubt enjoy the fresh tabouli which is ideally balanced with fresh flavours.
A crowd favourite is the sambousaik, crunchy cigar shaped filo pastry stuffed with seasoned lamb mince. Cheese lovers will rejoice at the new Rakakat – filo pastry rolls filled with haloumi, feta and mozzarella cheese. To follow, make sure you try with vine leaves filled with seasoned rice and the signature Egyptian falafel.
If you’re hankering after something more substantial, the aromatic Qouzi – a slow cooked lamb shoulder paired with pomegranate, wheat and chickpeas – is a mouthwatering feast that will delight your tastebuds.
After the big feast, the question of dessert arises: do you or don’t you? If you’ve only got a little room, opt for the traditional baklava of filo pastry, nuts, cinnamon, butter and sugar syrup. For a refreshing and new treat, stick with the theme of the meal and try the Pomegranate Mouhalabiya, featuring orange blossom custard with fresh pomegranate and fairy floss.
To make decision-making that little bit easier when it comes to what to eat, Mama Rumaan offer a four course ($45) or six course ($55) option that includes a delicious selection of feature dishes.
There’s a variety of wines, spirits, champagne, beer and ciders are on offer, but why not try the Efes beer from Turkey to quench your thirst and add to your Middle Eastern experience. If cocktails are more your tipple, try ‘Mama’s Light Cocktail’ which is a refreshing muddle of gin, Cointreau, sugar syrup, pomegranate juice, lemon and soda water.
Mama Rumaan provides delicious food in a relaxed and fun environment. While you’re there, you can enjoy flavoured shisha on the terrace overlooking the water, play board games or enjoy the delights of live Arabic dancing!
Open:
Tuesday-Friday: 12pm-3pm & 5pm-Late
Saturday: 5pm – Late
Sunday: 12pm-Late