I’ve been remiss in writing about food of late, and will make amends with a week of food reviews. I hope you’re feeling hungry. To begin, the United Arab Eatery is a small cafe on High St in Northcote that has opened recently for lunch after trading for dinner for several months. It is operated by the founders and former owners of Munsterhaus on St George’s Rd, North Fitzroy.

Its salad bar concept aligned with the cute aesthetic, complete with custom joinery, are all reflective of the Munsterhaus design (they’ve also recycled the crockery). The food reminds me of that at Munsterhaus too, though is also has something new: an emphasis on middle eastern flavours.

The girlfriend enjoyed her falafel and beetroot salad, while I was very pleased with my lamb and cauliflower pide. There’s also some simple sweets. I loved the date and walnut slice.

UAE was a spontaneous find on a random walk along High St north of Arthurton Rd / Separation St. It’s next door to For the Love of Pizza and Gringo Vibes, which I went to and enjoyed some months ago. With the main High St cafe strip at saturation point, this northern strip is at the beginning of revival and gentrification, much like the section of St George’s Rd north of Scotchmer St in North Fitzroy, where Munsterhaus is located.

UAE’s takeaway is positively reviewed by Katherine at My mini manifesto.

UAE is great and I’d happily return.