Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards judge Kadean Vendryes continues her review series of the restaurants at The Marketplace with Shams Middle Eastern Cuisine and Bakery.

Shams Middle Eastern Cuisine and Bakery debuted in 2012, with only a takeaway operation. On Saturday, May 16, at 1:30 pm, scoring one of two unoccupied tables at the Marketplace location felt like a huge win for starters! Upon entry, the cosy dining room was packed with diners enjoying excellent Middle Eastern food, soft rhythmic background music and lively chatter.

I was graciously welcomed by the proprietor, who insists on being called Sham. Sham is the ‘chief cook and bottle washer’ for the time being and does it all impeccably. Given the constraints, I seized the moment to peruse the menu at the register, and placed my order. Sham was very helpful in my meal choice, after which he personally ushered me to my table and sanitised the surface, leaving it sparkling clean.

The Menu

Middle Eastern cuisine includes famous dishes such as hummus (blended chickpeas), falafel, fattoush (salad), labneh (yogurt), kebab, kafta, kibbeh, shawarma, lamb, chicken, fish, beef and Arabian coffee, to name a few.

The menu at Shams offers all the above and more in the form of cold appetisers, hot vegetarian appetisers, hot appetisers with meat, soups, salads, main courses with side orders, combo platters with combo platter sides, wraps, desserts and hot beverages. Cold beverages, such as bottled beers and water, are also available.

My Order

With Sham’s expertise and thoughtful guidance, my order was a Shams Mix entrée. This included three skewers of choice of mixed kebab or katta served with one side order and garlic sauce (toum). My choices were three mixed skewers of kafta lamb, kebab beef, kebab chicken, and a side order of fattoush (salad). The meal was also served with hummus and three warm pita breads in a separate wrapping. If left to me, I would have ordered a serving of hummus for my appetiser. However, Sham was very thoughtful to indicate that the main course meal is served with hummus.

Everything was perfectly mouth-watering and delicious, also knowing that the food was grilled versus fried was a healthy emotional feeling and not one of guilt. As I consumed my meal, I overheard every single person in the restaurant talking about the high quality and excellent taste of their meal.

To wrap up lunch, I had a masterfully brewed pot of unsweetened Arabian coffee paired with a ma’amoul (cookie). This pairing is one of the most celebrated traditions in Middle Eastern culture, representing the pinnacle of hospitality and culinary balance. The coffee was served from a hot, long-spouted dallah pot into a tiny cup and had a warm, citrusy cardamon flavour. The ma’amoul, an ancient, traditional shortbread cookie filled with dates, was buttery and melted in my mouth with every bite.

The cost of the meal was $5,600.00. Quite reasonable as the serving could easily be for two people.

Retail Products

Authentic Middle Eastern culinary condiments such as olive oil, Arabian coffee and baked sweet treats from the bakery are available for sale at the cash register.

Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards judge (Photo: Kadean Vendryes)

A section of the seating area inside Shams Middle Eastern Cuisine and Bakery (Photo: Kadean Vendryes)

Shams Middle Eastern Cuisine and Bakery menu (Photo: Kadean Vendryes)

Ma’amoul (Photo: Kadean Vendryes)

Arabian coffee (Photo: Kadean Vendryes)

Shams Mix entrée (Photo: Kadean Vendryes)

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