
Established · 12 signalsprepared_food Otago
Abdal's Gourmet Foods
Original SourceTradition PreservedArtisan QualityOperator PassionCommunity tractionCraft ObsessionEmerging momentumAuthentic SourcingPersonal ConnectionStory RichMoment of CareFringe Culture
Their Story
Abdal Moneem-Kyassah arrived in Dunedin, New Zealand, as a Syrian Civil War refugee in 2017 with limited English but a wealth of culinary skills and aspirations. He had prior experience in hospitality businesses in Syria, Saudi Arabia, and Malaysia. Abdal's Gourmet Foods was established as he…
What They Make
- Shatta (Syrian Hot Sauce): A traditional, medium-hot Syrian harissa made with capsicum, tomato, chili, and spices.
- Za'atar: Abdal's blend features foraged Central Otago wild thyme, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, sumac, mixed herbs, spices, and salt.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Made from scratch, all ingredients are halal, and the vinegar undergoes a 40-day fermentation process.
- Falafel Mix: A dry mix that customers can prepare at home.
- Saj Flatbreads: Cooked on a gas-fired Saj Dome, topped with Za'atar and Shatta.
- Saj Lamb Wrap: Minced lamb seasoned with special spices, Abd Shatta sauce, mozzarella cheese, coleslaw, potato chips, and tahini sauce.
- Saj Chicken Wrap: Chicken seasoned with special spices, Abd Shatta sauce, mozzarella cheese, coleslaw, potato chips, and mayo sauce.
- Vegetarian/Vegan Saj Flatbreads: Often include cheese, olives, and mushrooms.
- Falafel Donut: Made from scratch, often served as 5-piece servings.
- Falafel Salad: Falafel on mixed greens and shredded cabbage with cherry tomatoes, topped with tahini sauce.
- Chicken Salad: Mixed salad greens topped with chicken, jalapeño slices, shatta sauce, and mayo.
- Tabouleh Salad: Tomato, spring onion, mint, capsicum, parsley, and avocado, dressed with lemon and olive oil.
- Mutabbal: Smokey roasted eggplant served in a blend of tahini and gluten-free yogurt, served with pita bread.
- Fasolia Bilzait
- Mandi Chicken
- Common soft drinks (e.g., Pepsi, Sprite)
Awards & Recognition
- Award-winning Za'atar and Shatta — National Recognition
More from Abdal's Gourmet Foods
Catering services
How to Get Their Products
Direct Sales
25 Lynn Street, Maori Hill, Dunedin 9010, New Zealand
Online ordering for delivery/takeout (via Uber Eats and DoorDash in Dunedin), physical stall at Otago Farmers Market (every Saturday morning), food trucks at various public and private events, commercial kitchen for catering/pickup.