Harissa Kitchen

Mediterranean inspired food in a very insta-friendly café I've visited recently. Find out what I thought when I went along to Harissa Kitchen.
Minimal, clean and fresh - the café reflects the internal values of Harissa Kitchen, the sister of Food Nation. Food Nation is a social enterprise centered around promoting the benefits of eating good food and trying to actively make healthier choices.
Their menu changes regularly, reflecting the fresh ingredients they use in their dishes. Offering a range of small plates (tapas style) and kebabs - as well as some pretty tasty desserts, it's a fun way to try something new as well as including the usual favourites. In my case, that's halloumi... I can't help but opt for cheese when I'm offered!
We opted for a kebab each and some small plates to share. Crispy aubergine; which was amazing, steamed broccoli was a nice surprise to see on the menu and a selection of ham and flat bread. There's a range of dips you can pick from and the hummus looked pretty special.
The desserts deserve a mention too, the chocolate torte being a popular choice, but I opted for the honey and whipped labneh cheese. The best way to describe it, and this is what the guy serving told me, is to think of it as a deconstructed cheesecake; you have the biscuit crunch, labneh cheese and seasonal fruit - in this case berries. A delicious take on cheesecake and a very satisfying dessert.
Whether you choose to sit in, or takeaway, I'd highly recommend a visit to Harissa - find them on Starbeck Avenue in Sandyford, Newcastle. Check out their website and twitter page to keep up to date with their menus and opening times.
Do let me know if you pop by and what you try from their menu!