S Sahra by the River serves authentic Lebanese and Middle Eastern cuisine, prepared fresh on site according to family recipes that haven’t changed since Talal Alamein founded the restaurant in 2004. As his brother, Mejad Alamine (he retained the French spelling of the name), says, “if you had hummus here 12 years ago and had it now, it will be the same taste”. The hummus that arrives as part of the Sahra Feast is smooth and has an impeccable mixture of those traditional ingredients such as tahini, chickpeas and garlic. There’s no need to change it. I spread it over the warm Lebanese bread, and mix in some of the fresh and crispy tabouli and it is delicious. The trio of meat skewers is juicy and tender, the baba ganoush is zesty and the pickled vegetables explode with flavour. Majed points out that everything served at Sahra by the River is made on the premises – all the sauces, all the pickled vegetables, and all with Alamine family recipes: “everything is made fresh”. Upon Majed’s recommendation, we also try the maghmour - an eggplant and chickpea casserole with a rich tomato Arabica sauce served over basmati rice - and its hearty flavour is just what we need on this overcast Parramatta day. As we eat, Mejad regales us with his fascinating life story – he left Iraq in the 1980s in protest of the regime at the time (an opinion which has changed over the years), and travelled around Europe managing hotels, before immigrating to Australia. It is a similar story to that of Talal, who arrived in Australia in the early 1970s and began his life in the country selling donuts for a few cents at Parramatta Westfield, before graduating to his own kebab shop and then, in 2004, Sahra by the River. Talal’s son, Ryan Alamein, has since taken over as owner of the business and has put his own personal touches to the brand. The menu and branding have been refined and Ryan is looking to branch out with a second restaurant elsewhere in Sydney. Alongside the food, we sip on homemade lemonade, and then when the meal finishes, we have a small cup of Lebanese coffee, tinged with cardamom, which is served out of a traditional golden coffee pot. Sahra by the River has a wide-open dining area with large tables, and it specialises in banquets (the eight course banquet is only $35 per person). At night, the restaurant gets a lively atmosphere and there will often be a belly dancer to entertain diners. At lunch, the restaurant is quieter, and service is fast, so you won’t miss your later appointment at work, or overstay your break. Whatever time you visit, look out for Mejad, and make sure you say hello – he’ll make your day. Sahra by the River can be found at 2/76 Phillip St Parramatta, open for lunch and dinner daily except for Mondays. Phone 02 9635 6615. Alongside the food, we sip on homemade lemonade, and then when the meal finishes, we have a small cup of Lebanese coffee, tinged with cardamom, which is served out of a traditional golden coffee pot MERCEDES-BENZ PARRAMATTA 20 SEARCH ENGINE