Darband is home to your baba’s favourite kebabi. This restaurant with a 20 year old legacy is back, and it’s cooler than ever. Reopening on the same strip in Auburn, a Sydney suburb known for its vibrant Middle Eastern food scene.
Second generation co-owners Naseem and Hasan Hemmati have taken on the mission of bringing the warmth of Iranian hospitality to the community of Auburn as their father Morteza had done since 2005 - with a sprinkle of modern pazzaz, of course.
Local Guides are brought to you by your friendly concierge, Worktones. We’ve got the plug on the best restaurants, cafes, bars and other gems in the neighbourhood by those who know a thing or two about serving up good times in the area.
Their new venue still houses their greatest hits such as their Persian-style chelow kabab and their rich saffron ice cream topped with salty pistachios. It’s the same fresh outlook on the staple flavours of Middle Eastern cuisine that families of Auburn have been indulging in for decades.
We asked the staff at Darband to share their intel on Auburn, including the spots that they can’t get enough of.
The Darband team helping us put together this Auburn guide
- Naseem Hemmati - Co-Owner
- Hasan Hemmati - Chef
- Elham Tabii - Co-Owner
What's your go-to when you knock off?
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Naseem: Nothing beats a sweet treat, and lucky for us, Fro-Bowl recently opened just a five-minute walk away.
My order is simple: coconut yoghurt topped with chocolate chips, flakes and strawberries. But if you’re feeling something a little different, the team have whipped up a Ramadan flavour, Sahleb, a Middle Eastern pudding-inspired froyo that is unreal.
Pistachio and tiramisu are two other standout flavours that are definitely worth trying too.
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Hasan: The Hot Clucker food truck on Parramatta Road is always a solid post-work feed.
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Elham: I’ll be at Auburn Kebab House ordering a Kiymali Pide with that iconic pink cabbage salad.
There’s honestly nothing better after finishing a long shift. They've been in Auburn for 26 years!
Where are you eating on a day/night off?
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Naseem: You’ll usually find me at Turkuaz Cafe, run by the loveliest couple who serve up some of the best breakfast you’ll ever have.
Naturally, I go straight for the platter, basturma, sujuk, the best string cheese, and a whole spread of other good stuff.If I happen to pop in for lunch, I’m always ordering the kofta sandwich and finishing it off with a tea. Simple, perfect, no notes. -
Hasan: You’ll find me at Cook & Co in Auburn enjoying their lentil soup, always served with a side of warm Turkish bread. It’s especially good when the months get colder
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Elham: I'm enjoying mantu at Khaybar Restaurant.
One of the best parts of Auburn is that it’s home to some of the best Turkish, Afghan and Nepalese food around, so we’re never short of dumpling options. Whether it’s mantu, momos or anything in between.
It's staff party time... where would you take the whole team?
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Naseem: We’re heading to Gaziantep Sweets for some tea and some of the best baklava Auburn has to offer.
It’s always buzzing in there, whether it’s a group catching up over plates of sweets or someone’s grandad quietly enjoying their afternoon tea. -
Hasan: We’re heading to Dawn House Buffet for some KBBQ.
Set inside a warehouse-style space, it’s always a solid feed. You’ve got the grills going, hotpot for anyone feeling something different, and the whole place is constantly buzzing.
You have a 15 minute lunch break... where are you grabbing a quick bite?
- Naseem: Simple, Auburn Kebab House.
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Hasan: I’m heading to Menzil Turkish Bakehouse to grab a beef börek, which I always get warmed up and inhale in under five minutes.
Their cakes are also unreal and basically the only acceptable option when it’s a staff birthday. And you’ll always be greeted by one of the older ladies who have been baking there for years and know exactly what they’re doing.
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Elham: I’m heading down Auburn Road to grab some freshly baked bread from Afghan Traditional Bakery, then popping into Zam Zam Market to pick up some cheese and cardamom tea.
Their fresh bread is honestly one of the best things you’ll ever eat. And they're open from 7:00am - 10:00pm!
Gotta kill time... where are you going window shopping?
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Naseem: You’ll probably find me at Savers in Auburn.
We picked up so many of the decorative frames for the restaurant there, along with a bunch of little knick knacks that now live around the space. Honestly, nothing beats a good op shop find.
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Hasan: You’ll find me browsing Gima Supermarket — aisles full of international snacks, drinks, olives, cured meats… honestly, whatever you’re after, they probably have it.
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Elham: Up and down Auburn Road, if you’re a big fan of jewellery, you’re in for a treat.
The street is home to some of the best jewellers in Sydney, offering unique pieces from all over the Middle East and South Asia.
The team at Darband use Worktones custom caps.
