In recent years the food of the Middle East has become increasingly popular in the UK. The vibrant spices, flavours and colours are loved in cities across the country, and now the delights of specific Levantine regions are being embraced. Levant is considered to be one of the most ancient and authentic cuisines in the Arab world, and within that is the unique food of Syria – a delicious delight which can be experienced right here in York.
Damastique opened on Goodramgate earlier this year, showcasing the fresh food of their home country. Owner Qusay Amer tells us more about Syrian cuisine: “It’s one of the most unique cuisines in the Levant. This cuisine came from four countries in the Middle East, so in the Levant you could possibly find similar flavours. But we’re talking here about ethnicity; specifically Syrian.”
At Damastique, ‘specifically Syrian’ means dishes that are big in flavour and represent the communal spirit of home. Qusay has been in the restaurant industry for almost a decade, bringing Middle Eastern favourites to UK palates, and aims to elevate this further at his new restaurant. “The ethos is to improve the taste of exceptional food; to please everybody that comes through our door.”
When through their door, Damastique are keen to create a special atmosphere. “It makes you feel transformed out of the UK” Qusay enthuses. “You are in the heart of the Middle East, in the old streets of Damascus.” The authentic dishes being served up transports you here too: “It’s food you don’t find anywhere else” confirms Qusay. “The starters are very different. So if you want to go for a change, come to Damastique.”
The mouthwatering menu is full of charcoal grills, cold dips, hot potatoes, special salads and spiced shawarmas. “Our food is not too spicy, but it’s very flavoured” Qusay states. “Sometimes we struggle to find the spices here, so we bring them over from the Middle East. It makes it rich, you feel the ethnicity.” Elsewhere on the menu, ingredients are local, quality and fresh: “I think that’s what makes the difference.”
His passion to serve the authentic food of Syria and build genuine connections in York makes Damastique a harmonious arrival here, as Qusay concludes. “Food is important because it’s one of the best ways to bring people together. It represents unity for Syrian people. It’s a really important factor to represent your country anywhere in the world. I feel proud for Damastique to be in York and to represent Syria at its best.”
