Yesterday (Saturday night), Hurstville City Council hosted a Lebanese and Middle Eastern night market. People from different ethnic groups and communities from all over Sydney joined in the festivities.
The event saw various foods from different Middle Eastern countries on display and to entertain the crowds there was live entertainment, fashion stalls, games and children’s activities.
The Knafeh Jerusalem Street Food was deemed a favourite amongst the market-goers with the line stretching along the streets. For those unfamiliar with Knafeh, it is a Middle Eastern sweet cheese dessert that includes toppings of pistachios and sugar syrup, as well as ashta ice-cream.
Knafeh Jerusalem Street Food pop up. Photo: Sahar Mourad.
Local resident Sandy Monisha, said “this was my first time eating knafeh and I was absolutely blown away. It was delicious, and the ashta ice-cream definitely made the dessert that much more delicious. It was definitely the star of the show!”
The famous Knafeh. Photo: Sahar Mourad.
Setting the authentic Middle Easter theme were four belly dancers who braved the cold weather to take to the stage and perform exquisite dance moves, captivating the crowd with their hypnotic movements.
St George local Verina Galdas loved the atmosphere so much that her and her friend began to perform their own dance moves. Galdas said she enjoyed the event and was impressed with the entire event.
“It’s been an amazing night, especially with the knafeh, and all the belly dancers. A lot of entertainment showing all the Middle Eastern Cultures; from all parts of the Middle East, from Egypt to Lebanon. It’s just been an amazing vibe tonight,” she said.
Belly dancers performing. Photo: Sahar Mourad.
Sandy also shared the same views of Galdas, “there’s an uplifiting and energetic atmosphere. The entertainment is great, particularly the belly dancers. Tonight really allowed the community to get a glimpse into some of the Middle Eastern delights.”
Judging by the positive atmosphere and delicious food, the event was a success and brought the best of the Middle East to the Hurstville area.
Sahara Ocean 