Lunch with a side of hope
I’m so glad to have finally eaten at the Damascus Rose Kitchen in the Old Fire Station on George Street. There aren’t many places where you feel that your lunch can change lives, but a meal in this café really can. It’s a social enterprise committed to supporting and empowering refugee women based in Oxford. The skilled cooks develop their independence and build community while sharing their traditional (mostly Syrian and Middle Eastern) cuisine with customers. The food they prepare builds bridges and tastes great: a real win-win.
The space is colourful, welcoming, and bright, with huge windows overlooking the street.
It’s the kind of informal, friendly, café where you order at the counter and nab your own table. The menu features vegetarian and vegan dishes, with small plates dominating. There are also a few mains and even an all-day breakfast. Two of us shared four small dishes (£4 or £5 each) and felt that it was a good-sized meal that was great value. We enjoyed the Zahra, which was delicious fried cauliflower topped with tahini and lemon juice.
There was a refreshing broad bean salad, flavourful with garlic and coriander. I relished the Batata Harra, an incredibly moreish dish of diced potato, garlic, coriander and chilli that I resented sharing. Our final choice was the Syrian pizza, topped with spinach, cheese, and sumac. I liked it, though it could have benefitted from a bit more zing.
The couple next to us ordered the lentil soup, which looked delicious; it’s on my must-order for the next visit. I’ll be going back soon. There is a sign in the café that reads ‘Food is survival. Food is love.’ This message really carries the hope associated with the Damascus Rose that gives the café its name. This flower is one of the most beautiful and iconic products of Syria, and a source of sustenance and medicine as well as cosmetic uses. No wonder it has been celebrated by UNESCO on its list of the ‘intangible heritage of humanity.’
Here in Oxford, we can do our small part by celebrating the Syrian food served with such care by the women in the café. See you there!
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