Dive into the heart of the Goulburn Valley’s culinary scene with Jan and Paul Phillips. Every Friday, the pair will serve our readers with their knowledge of our communities’ restaurants, cafés and pubs — one plate at a time.
The vibrant culinary traditions of Syria have found a warm and welcoming home in Shepparton, thanks to Bakri Tarsha’s delightful Nedal café-restaurant-takeaway spot.
Located in the heart of our town, this multicultural gem has quickly become a local favourite, introducing the community to an array of delicious dishes that celebrate the rich flavours and heritage of Syria.
The recommendation came to us from a trusted friend, Jack O’Sullivan, who assured us it would be a surprising and wonderful experience — and he was absolutely right.
From the moment you step in, you’re greeted by Bakri’s infectious friendliness and warm hospitality, making every visit feel like a celebration.
The menu is a treasure trove of authentic Syrian cuisine, with dishes bursting with flavour.
The falafels, in particular, have earned rave reviews — crispy on the outside, soft and flavourful on the inside, and perfectly paired with fresh salads, hummus and pita bread.
But it doesn’t stop there.
From richly spiced lamb to fragrant tabbouleh and creamy baba ghanoush, every bite is a testament to the rich culinary history of Syria.
This new addition has not only enriched our town’s food scene but also brought the community together.
The café is a meeting point for people eager to explore new tastes and connect over shared experiences.
It’s a shining example of how multicultural enterprises enhance our region, fostering cultural exchange and creating opportunities for everyone to broaden their horizons.
We had the pleasure of speaking with Bakri, who shared his inspiring story with us.
Having arrived in Australia as a refugee from Aleppo in Syria with his family seven years ago, he sought a better, safer life and the opportunity to build a future.
For Bakri, creating his own business and sharing the rich traditions of Syrian cuisine was not just a goal — it was the realisation of his dream.
Bakri was so open and honest about his ambition, and his friendliness was infectious.
There were young men ordering takeaway, and they were excited to tell us that it was the best takeaway in Shepparton.
The Goulburn Valley has long been a melting pot of cultures, and Bakri Tarsha’s café adds yet another layer of diversity, warmth and flavour to our community.
Whether you’re stopping by for a quick takeaway or settling in for a meal with friends, it’s an experience not to be missed.
Jack was right — this place is a terrific addition to Shepparton, and we’re all the better for it.
Our dinner featured a fresh salad of lettuce, tomatoes, peppers and crispy filo, paired with a selection of dips including baba ghanoush, hummus, tzatziki and even tomato and barbecue sauce to cater to a more western palate.
The lamb and chicken shawarma was exceptional — a tasty mix of marinated, sliced lamb and chicken served over a bed of rice, accompanied by pickled vegetables, fresh salad and warm pita bread.
The highlight of the meal, however, was the perfectly cooked falafels, which stole the show.
It was really great value for money.
Open Monday to Saturday from noon to 8pm and on Sundays from noon to 9pm.
You can visit Nedal restaurant at 132 High St, Shepparton.
Food pricing for Nedal Restaurant, rated by Jan and Paul: $
(Expensive $$$, moderate $$, good value $).