Nish Nush: A Middle-Eastern Street Food Joint on Bree

Images: Leah Rolando

Welcome to Nish Nush, the tastiest hotspot for shawarmas and falafels in town. When we first opened our humble hummus hatch on Bree Street in 2021, our motto was simple: “No drama, just shawarma.” And guess what? We’re still jamming to that tune, two years later, in our new location just two doors down, a charming space that used to be a motorbike shop (right below the old St. Stephen’s NG Church).

Our new place is bigger and better, offering both indoor and outdoor seating options. Plus, we have a delightful little courtyard tucked away at the back. As soon as you step inside, you’ll feel the inviting atmosphere. Picture stone walls and stone-flagged steps, coupled with cozy wooden beams. Take a seat on our vibrant café stools at the sunshine-yellow-tiled counter, or find a spot at one of the tables along the opposite wall. It’s a laid-back and cheerful setting that perfectly complements the authenticity of our Middle Eastern street food.

Shawarma Bliss

So here’s how it all began: I was born in Israel, and I had this craving for the most amazing pita. But no matter where I looked, I just couldn’t find the perfect one. That’s when I decided to take matters into my own hands and create my own pita bread.

I wanted my pita to be something special – something that could hold a ton of delicious filling without falling apart. And that’s exactly what I accomplished. The result? The original hatch on Bree. It’s a place where you can indulge in the incredible flavors of the Middle East.

At the original hatch, we serve up a variety of mouthwatering dishes. From falafel to hummus to shwarma, everything is made from scratch daily. And let’s not forget about our homemade tahini and Yemeni zhoug – a spicy chili and fresh coriander sauce that adds an extra kick to every bite.

When you step into the original hatch on Bree, get ready to experience the vibrant and bold flavors of the Middle East. We’ve put all our heart and soul into creating a menu that will satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more. So come on over and see for yourself what all the buzz is about.

So, check it out! We moved to a new space, and let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer. Not only did we amp up our menu, but we added some seriously awesome new items that are sure to blow your mind.

Okay, first things first – let’s talk about the Lebanese arayes. Picture this: succulent lamb and beef mince stuffed into a pita, then fried until it reaches crispy perfection. But we don’t stop there – we drizzle it with tahini and top it off with a spicy and sour pickled mango sauce called amba. Trust me, your taste buds won’t know what hit them.

Now, if you’re into creamy deliciousness, our hummus bowls are just what you need. We’re talking dreamy, creamy hummus topped with your choice of chickpeas, spicy fried mushrooms, or succulent lamb-rump shwarma straight off the spit. It’s a match made in food heaven, my friends.

Looking for a vegetarian option? We’ve got you covered with our sabich. Originally from Iraq, this dish features fried aubergine, boiled egg, and a fresh salad, all tucked into a pita. Oh, and don’t forget the amba and tahini – they take it to the next level. If you prefer, we can plate the sabich with some tasty pickles on the side.

Of course, no meal is complete without some killer sides. Our fresh and crunchy salads are the perfect accompaniment to your main dish. And if you’re in the mood for something crispy and irresistible, try our potato disks dipped in spicy mayo. Trust me, you won’t be able to get enough.

So, what are you waiting for? Come on down and treat yourself to a finger-licking feast that will leave you wanting more. We can’t wait to have you!

Prepare to be amazed

I’ve got a super exciting treat for you – a Middle Eastern inspired dessert called malabi. It’s like a panna cotta but with a twist. This version is made with coconut milk and rosewater and drizzled with raspberry syrup. Trust me, it’s absolutely delightful. But if you’re more of a chocolate lover, you can’t go wrong with the chocolate tahini frozen fudge slices. They’re incredibly addictive!

I want to make sure you have all the information you need. So here’s the scoop – you can order everything on the menu to-go. And if you want to stock up on some frozen falafels to enjoy at home, you can do that too. Just keep in mind that they don’t have a liquor license yet, so you can bring your own booze or enjoy their zesty homemade lemonade. Here are their opening hours: Monday to Thursday from 10:30am to 8:30pm, Friday from 10:30am to 9pm, and Saturday from 12pm to 9pm. If you need to get in touch, you can reach them at 063 483 4284 or nishnushcpt@gmail.com. And the restaurant is located at 100 Bree Street in Cape Town. Trust me, it’s worth a visit!