Instagram users in Nanjing will have likely seen this treasure, and been possibly inspired to dine within. There, they would have then discovered a chest full of culinary loot.
But first let’s backtrack a little. To open a F&B epicurean establishment in Nanjing, it takes confidence to eschew a popular mall or an alternative spot in our city with a significant international community in the vicinity. To say nothing of the time chosen at which to bring said new wining and dining operation to life.
But that’s exactly what Domenika Sindik and Wessam Faleh did to open Foodgasm in April of 2021 along Yanggongjing, a fairly unremarkable mini drag, semi bustling with dining options a stone’s throw north of Hubu Jie near Taiping Nan Lu.
Rightfully and proudly calling Nanjing their second home for the previous decade, the pair had the mission to bring our city some Mediterranean cuisine, fine wines, cocktails and a little market of imported food products.
And while we’re on that subject, be aware that Foodgasm is likely the only place in our city currently selling lasagna pasta sheets. There.
Speaking with The Nanjinger, Sindik said, “[Starting] any business, especially during COVID, is a gamble of course. But after being in Nanjing for 10 years, we decided to open something a bit different than other western restaurants; something that Nanjing didn’t have at that moment.
“We believe in our idea, our team; we care about each product, customer, team member and our biggest accomplishment is creating a friendly environment for customers and a family feeling for our team members. And by that, the whole idea of a restaurant that has such an environment can’t fail, with all care we all put in it.”
With that, what did The Nanjinger choose to sample from this treasure chest of Mediterranean delight?
Our lunch for two consisted of Spicy Lentil Soup (¥28), Laboonah (¥36), a Tabbouleh herbal salad (¥40), Falafel (¥36), Muhammara (¥40) and a Single Grilled Platter (¥138). Alert readers please note some of all that was “to go”.
The menu is virtually endless, with even pasta, steaks and a burger on offer. But given the cuisine to which Foodgasm is dedicated, why on Earth would anyone want to go there?
Elsewhere, an accompanying menu of beverages comprises many of the usual suspects in the beer and cocktail department, complimented by an extensive selection of both red and white wine, with many chosen for their native Mediterranean nature.
And as the chilly winter evenings are soon to be upon us, many might also be tempted by a Foodgasm hot toddy or some mulled wine.
Hightlights for us? That soup; spicy indeed! Then came the Falafel, comprising deep-fried, rolled-out balls made of ground chickpeas and Mediterranean spices. This you do not find in Nanjing.
Charcoal roasted bell peppers and onions mixed with nuts, spices and aromatics make up the Muhammara, while the Mediterranean bread with which it comes makes the combination irresistible, although with flavours so intense that one person may have difficulty in finishing off the whole bowl.
But the main event is where it’s at; the kebabs. While we may have only ordered the smallest and cheapest of the available platters, that did not detract from their quality in the slightest. The word, “succulent”, is somehow simply not enough.
And the man responsible for these incredible tastes is a Syrian (box; tick), who has been a chef since the age of 13, going on to work in the Middle East, North Africa and now of course, China.
As the editor of this humble publication, this correspondent shall remind any writer looking to pen a restaurant review of our commitment to transparency and objectivity, as manifest by the reminder to, “Find the negative”. At Foodgasm, that’s a tough call. Yeah, maybe the lamb kebab was a little chewy and the support bannisters going up the steep stairs, for a big ‘un, don’t inspire confidence.
But otherwise, it’s three thumbs up for Foodgasm, for tastes to write home about, from this, our second home of Nanjing.
