Words: Salome Jansz
Nestled in the glorious streets of Galle at No. 40 Church Street in Galle Old Town is an old historical building. Formerly, an official law chamber which belonged to the proprietor’s father. The property has now been transformed into a Middle Eastern /Moroccan, tastefully decorated restaurant, where soft, diffused daylight gently fills the space, creating a cozy atmosphere and the soothing melodies of Arabic music plays through the air, adding an enchanting touch to the surroundings.
The Moroccan cuisine offered at Chambers provides a delightful array of flavours, aromas, and spices. Guests at Chambers are likely to be treated to dishes such as couscous, tagines, flavourful grilled meats, aromatic spices, and refreshing beverages. With a well-curated menu, it offers a selection of Cold Mezzes and Hot Mezzes that incorporate fresh produce and spices sourced specifically from the Middle East. The careful selection of ingredients from this region contributes to the distinct and unique flavours found in each dish.
We were served a combination platter as our appetizer with Muhammara, Hummus, Cheese Sambousek, and Musakhan roll, all popular Middle Eastern dishes known for their rich flavours.
Muhammara is a spicy and tangy red pepper dip originating from Syria. It is made from roasted red bell peppers, walnuts, olive oil, pomegranate molasses, and various spices. The roasted red bell peppers provide a smoky and slightly sweet taste, while the walnuts added a nutty undertone, and the spices provided a subtle kick. The olive oil added richness and depth.
The hummus had a creamy texture and a subtle combination of flavours, primarily from the chickpeas and tahini. Its taste was smooth and pleasant, with a slight tanginess and a hint of garlic. While the hummus had a milder flavour, it was still delicious and provided a subtler experience for the taste buds.
Cheese Sambousek is a popular middle eastern snack. It typically consists of a crispy pastry filled with a mixture of cheese, herbs, and sometimes spices. It was served to us warm and the crispness of the pastry provided a satisfying crunch, while the creamy cheese filling added a rich and savoury taste. Lastly we tried the Musakhan rolls, which are crisp and flaky rolls filled with plenty of chicken and spices that adds a savoury element to this dish.