Irfan Razai, aged 19, holds a fresh batch of what is known as a Bolani. It is like a naan bread, but with the added flavour of garlic, spinach, and potato.
Mr Razai is one of the friendly faces of the Hamid family bakery, based on Railway Parade in Logan Central.
“We’ve got everything,” he said, pointing to the mix of traditional baked treats lining the shelves.
Locals in the area know this place is something of a mecca for cultural foods, not just at the Hamids, but within the entire pocket of shops running between North Road and Wembley Road.
It has earned the name of the “Golden Circle”, a term coined by a local foodie Zane Jackson, who started listing the array of good places to grab lunch in the heart of the city during the average work week.
On the Hamid’s doorstep sits restaurants, eateries, and grocery stores showcasing the best renditions of street food from Afghanistan, Middle East, Africa, Europe, Burma, and the Pacific Islands.
One of the precinct’s newest residents is Hassan Alzamely.
He started Feast Classics three months ago with the aim of producing the region’s finest falafel, capturing traditional techniques his father remembers from living in Iraq and Iran.
“The main focus of our whole shop is the falafel,” he said.
They have a strict “no-freeze” policy, which means the falafels are made fresh on site within minutes of eating.
“That’s what everyone comes for, that’s what everyone buys, that’s what we do,” Mr Alzamely said.
He said it is pleasing to see the pocket of shops bringing together the community.
“To be completely honest, we’re in Woodridge right? It’s a very multicultural place, so to get Somalis, Afghans, Australians, Indians – every country to come in and try it and love it is amazing,” he said.
Down the street, the Douty African Food Market strives to create a home away from home for the African community.
Store member Feli Sheriff said they pride themselves on importing spices, groceries, and beauty products direct from the continent.
“We try to bring a part of Africa back here and make our community feel like they are home, away from home,” he said.
