Mama Rumaan

the verdict

Vegetarians, vegans and gluten-free foodies—prepare to party. Melbourne’s favourite modern Middle Eastern canteen, Mama Rumaan, is home to an enormous selection of fragrant dishes that are easy on your eyes and your stomach.

A share-style venue, expect herby gluten-free Mdardara with long grain rice, lentil pilaf, traditional herbs and spices and caramelised onions. Mama’s Old Spice Rice with fried rice, chicken, peas, slivered almonds, sultanas and potato can be made vegan and will have you chasing down the last grain on your plate.

Sides are equally inclusive with gluten-free Marinated Chicken Tekka with rich garlic sauce and pomegranate molasses. Veg skewers and Mezze Dips with hummus, baba ghanoush, jaijk, fried pita with zaatar and flatbread is a perfect starter for vegetarians and carnivores alike.

Select from sticky sweet desserts with options like Mama’s Chocolate Pot with tahini, caramel, baby fig and halva ice-cream. Rosewater Panna Cotta with raspberry and vanilla crumbs is the lighter sugary alternative if you’re struggling with your Middle Eastern feast (and trust us, you’re going to overeat). 

Overwhelmed by the drool-worth options, or just plain hangry? Let Mama—the expert—feed your crew with a five or seven-course banquet menu which can be made vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free friendly.

Positioned in the heart of Docklands, at the end of Central Pier,  snag a hotspot on the outside terrace for a lazy Sunday lunch. A testament to Melbourne’s cultural melting pot, this vibrant, colourful eatery has enough room for your whole foodie crew and your own mama. Inside industrial black beams, a metallic cage and dusty pink dominates the buzzy, warm space.

Image credit: Griffin Simm for The Urban List