TL; DR | Summary
Salma's Canteen Review
Disclaimer: I visited Salma’s Canteen as part of a PR invite, but I ended up purchasing over $150 of food by the time I finished my dining experience.
@bestspots.com.au Some of the Best Cakes and Salads in Sydney ⬇️ Salma’s Canteen, owned by Michael Rantissi, honours his mother Salma by delivering food that feels like a warm hug 🤗 The idea is simple: offer wholesome, veggie focused 🥦 meals that remind you of home, but with the convenience of having it made for you 😜 The canteen-style setup is perfect for a casual meal, where you choose a main and pair it with a variety of daily salads 🥗. It’s a place where eating healthy doesn’t feel like a chore, thanks to their commitment to using top-notch 👌 local ingredients, even if those veggies don’t look picture-perfect 🔍 To give you an idea of the kinds of salad you can find at Salma's Canteen, here's a snapshot of the variety available 😋: from the hearty Koshari Rice and tangy Cauliflower Salad to the refreshing Grilled Pear with Rocket and the classic Waldorf Salad. 📕 Check their menu including a bunch of photos at Bestspots.com.au #salmascanteen #erskineville #canteen #cafesydney #healthyrestaurant ♬ BIG UP - INJI
Salma’s Canteen, owned by Michael Rantissi, honours his mother Salma by delivering food that feels like a warm hug.
The idea is simple: offer wholesome, veggie focused meals that remind you of home, but with the convenience of having it made for you.
The canteen-style setup is perfect for a casual meal, where you choose a main and pair it with a variety of daily salads. It’s a place where eating healthy doesn’t feel like a chore, thanks to their commitment to using top-notch local ingredients, even if those veggies don’t look picture-perfect.
The point is to support the local economy while helping us live heathier lives.
While most dishes at Salma's hit the mark, a few like the labne and pickled vegetables, needed to be more balanced. It's why, despite its many strengths, Salma's didn't quite earn a perfect 10/10 for me.
The flipside is that getting to Salma’s can be a bit tricky as street parking is your best bet, so plan ahead.
The menu changes daily, so every visit promises something new, but you can always count on a fun selection of around 10 different salads, from rice and lentils to kale and white bean based.
There's also an all-day menu on which you can order classic cafe items such as mushroom melts and toasties.
To give you an idea of the kinds of salad you can find at Salma's Canteen, here's a snapshot of the variety available: from the hearty Koshari Rice and tangy Cauliflower Salad to the refreshing Grilled Pear with Rocket and the classic Waldorf Salad.
And if you've got a sweet tooth, their cakes are a must-try because they're on par with some of the best cakes in Sydney. I recommend taking at least 1-2 home, as they're that good!
And if you’ve got a sweet tooth, their cakes are a must-try because they’re on par of some of the best cakes in Sydney. I recommend to take at least 1-2 home as they’re that good!
Some options include Lemon Cheesecake, Yuzu Olive Oil Swiss Roll, and Black Sesame White Chocolate Mousse Cake. Delish.
There are baked classics such as carrot cake, cookies, and frangipane tarts. And for a nostalgic touch, their colourful Fairy Bread is a fun choice but does cost $9 a slice.
To complement your treats or meal, there’s also plenty of Italian drinks to choose.
You can also easily stock up on various takeaway goodies to enjoy at home later.
From tubs of cookie dough ready to bake or eat as is to their tiramisu and raspberry cake. If you're looking for something comforting, the vanilla custard with apple crumb is perfect.
They also offer a selection of condiments like za'atar seasoning, pickled cucumbers, chilli jam, and crispy za'atar pita crisps so you can recreate the flavours of Salma's in your own kitchen.
Salmas Canteen Menu | A New Surprise Every Day
Salma’s is all about comforting, home-cooked meals, with a twist. The service is friendly and makes you feel like part of the family. Here’s a rundown of the dishes I tried.
Mains and Salads
Cauliflower Salad
Roasted cauliflower with a delightful mix of walnuts, fresh herbs, and the tangy sweetness of pomegranate molasses and seeds. It’s a refreshing, crunchy salad that feels both light and satisfying. If you like cauliflower, this is a salad you must try out.
Koshari Rice
A hearty mix of rice, lentils, and chickpeas, topped with caramelised onions. The cumin and olive oil bring it all together, making it a simple yet deeply flavourful rice-based salad.
There's also a cous cous version in case you are not feeling up for rice.
Grilled Pear Salad
A surprising combination of grilled pears with peppery rocket and sharp parmesan. It’s the kind of salad that makes you rethink how you feel about salads with this rare combination.
Waldorf Salad
A classic and crunchy salad with celery, apple, cranberries, and a creamy mayo dressing. It’s a bit on the sweet side, but it works well as a refreshing side dish with a savoury main.
Stuffed Peppers
These are soulful little parcels of goodness, with capsicums stuffed full of rice and lamb mince. These peppers have the perfect balance where no element is too overpowering. It’s a warm, homey dish that’s perfect on a cool day.
Glazed Ham
This dish is your usual baked ham but with a sweet and rich date molasses that gives it a beautiful, sticky coating. It's a nice addition that's not overpowering and makes it a bit more special than your regular baked ham.
Smoked Trout
Delicately smoked and super tender, the trout adds a lovely, rich flavour to the mix of fresh salads. This is a main protein I recommend to always opt for.
Desserts
Yuzu Olive Oil Swiss Roll
An absolute delight. This is hands down one of the best cakes here. It’s light, zesty, and perfectly balanced. I highly recommend!
Haven't heard of yuzu? Read my blog post: What Is Yuzu? Your Guide To It’s Origin, Taste, And Uses.
Pistachio cake with Chantilly cream
This cake is a delightful mix of textures and flavours, and is considered one of the best cakes here. The nutty richness of the pistachio pairs beautifully with the light and airy Chantilly cream, while the crumbed base adds a satisfying crunch. You must add this to your order.
Lemon Cheesecake
A bit too sweet for my liking. If you have a major sweet tooth, you might enjoy it, but it’s not a standout for me.
Peanut Butter Mousse Cake
This cake is a dream for peanut butter lovers. The mousse has just the right amount of peanut hit. If you're a fan of peanut butter, then this is a must-have!
Dips and Vegetables
Hummus
This homemade hummus is one of the best out there. Even though hummus is nowhere near my favourite dip, I can see why people love it.
Pickled Vegetables
Not a fan of these at all. They were far too vinegary and sour for my taste. I’d avoid these.
Taramasalata Dip
One of the best taramasalata dips I’ve had to date. Creamy, tangy, and full of flavour. It’s a must-try!
Zhoug Dip
A spicy, flavour-packed dip that’s perfect if you like a good kick. With its vibrant green colour, it’s a dip that I’ve never come across elsewhere.
Muhamara
This dip reminds me of a good chilli con carne. Think of bold spice and bursting with flavour. It’s a big hit and I haven’t come across anything like this dip before.
Labne Za’atar
A bit of a letdown for me. It was mostly Greek yoghurt, and the za’atar and EVOO didn’t balance it out as well as I’d hoped.
Za’atar Pita Crisps
Crispy, flavourful, and perfect with the dips. They stay crunchy even weeks later, though they can be a bit greasy. Still, highly recommend if you don’t mind some fried goodness!
Takeaway meals and sides
Beef Meatballs in Sauce
Tender, flavourful meatballs in a hearty, umami-rich sauce. I would purchase these again, as they feel authentic and do meatballs justice.
Chicken Curry with Steamed Rice
This curry is the essence of comfort food, with its tender chicken and flavourful sauce. I'd happily order it again and heat it up at home for a satisfying meal.
RECOMMENDED
- Try as many salads as you can (as a salad hater myself, I actually enjoyed the salads)
- Return often to see what Salma's daily menu has to offer
- Try the Yuzu Olive Oil Swiss Roll and Pistachio Cake
- Don't miss out on the Taramasalata and Zhoug dips
- Pair your dips with the Za'atar Pita Crisps for the perfect crunch
Final Words
Salma's Canteen is a hidden gem in Rosebery that delivers on its promise of soulful, home-cooked meals. You can grab a quick bite or stock up on meals and dips to take home.
The cakes, in particular, stand out, so be sure to save room for dessert or take them home.
Have you been to Salma's Canteen or have questions about their concept? I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Where To Find Salmas Canteen Rosebery
Address
Hours
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Website
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