Mu’Ooz

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
Mu’ooz, which means “tasty and healthy” in Tigrinya (the language of Eritrea and parts of Ethiopia), directs the profits from its catering business back to the community via the Eritrean Women and Family Support Network. The restaurant itself employs 22 African women undertaking a government work-based training program for which they get paid, and through doing so gain valuable skills to re-enter the workforce here in Australia. The restaurant is found in the heart of Moorooka; though situated downstairs in an arcade, it can be difficult to locate – at night it is empty except for patrons of the restaurant. Restaurant founder Saba Abraham is a mother of three whose life as a freedom fighter in Eritrea (which borders Sudan and Ethiopia) is a far-cry from the work she does today in encouraging African refugees and immigrants to work.

The tasty and healthy food Mu’Ooz bases its name on will be for most Australians well out of the ordinary. While other parts of the Western world have their “Little Ethiopias”, not many Aussies would know what enjera is. The delicious fermented bread often accompanies both Eritrean and Ethiopian dishes, and four will be spread under various curries to form platters served to share. On offer at Mu’Ooz are dishes such as spring rolls with Eritrean spiced lentils and vegetables wrapped and fried until golden brown, and mains such as the vegetarian tsebhi kantisha, a rich mushroom stew flavoured with berbere, onion, tomatoes and garlic. The waitstaff are patient and helpful when choosing dishes, and are genuinely interested in sharing their culture. For large groups, a traditional coffee ceremony can be arranged on the simulated traditional fire. Relaxed African beats are pumped from the stereo, making the atmosphere relaxed and homely.

Ilana Tulloch