Middle East meets hipster Sydney East in a homely yet different feed at Kepos & Co. This is a welcome injection of modern Israel into an otherwise student overpopulated, culturally confused Waterloo. With a peak price of $29/dish, deep-value diners should stay away.

I may discard my bulk Twinings chai tea-bags after warming the throat with this $4.50 aromatic Masala Chai blend.



Spicy tea connoisseurs are no match for this Warm Spiced tea. Asian lactose intolerance suggests this a wise second choice.



Onto the food. Stomach cannot keep pace with my eyes - wood-fired breads, in-house hummus, complex salads and of course, the standard-issue B&E offers. I'm hungry.

Chef Michael Rantissi has one intrinsic quality that I will never boast. He resists the temptation to stock produce from the adjacent Aldi store. Implied in every item is quality and detail.

Trout and Freekeh - a healthy, non-bread option where the sea is the hero.

Smoked trout salad, freekeh, asparagus, coriander and hazelnuts - $21

Smokiness is undeniable. Price and first forkful confirms this is no Aldi vacuum pack. Unlike the young ladies stumbling out of a Newtown pub at I pass on my run at 6am, dressing is just right. Freekeh is so chewy and 10x more filling than a leaf base.



Mouth craves a poached egg. Already north of $20, budget is breached and I'm hungry and heart broken. Score is a tug-o-war between uniqueness vs. questionable value. I feel I'm on a diet upon finishing but still remain in good spirits. So confusing.

KSK classic bacon brioche roll with chili jam - $15