With the brightly-coloured aesthetics of Tassili, you could be forgiven for thinking that the owner has quite ostentatious tastes. Its odd-shaped windows and perky exterior is quite an exodus from other businesses along Fishergate, and indeed an unusual choice for York. This is surely the reason it stands out.
Upon entering the restaurant and parting the soft curtains before me, the fragrant smell of incense that fills the air is the first delight upon the senses. The owner and chef-patron, Faris Boudjema, warmly greets my friend and me. Once we are seated, all conversation between us stops as there are a myriad of exquisite trinkets that catch the eye. The glass-topped table with intricate carved metal patterns, the beautifully painted walls with contrasting curves, the heavy dipped curtains – all décor and furniture have been sourced from Algeria by Boudjema.
The ethos of many African cuisines is that of sharing several smaller meals between people. Instead of having one meal, one can sample small portions of many different foods to vary the palate. With this in mind, a mezze (selection small dishes) of hot and cold kemia (starters) was ordered – hummus, falafel, lamb merguez bourek and aubergine mashwiya. The food was artfully arranged all on one large dish so that we could both have some of everything. The freshness of the food, all made in the restaurant, combined with the particular individuality of each dish made for an exceedingly tasty experience. We also shared a tagine dolma sardine – don’t panic, all foods are described in the menu – a mix of minced sardines, rice and spices stuffed into potatoes, peppers and courgettes. This is then slow-cooked in a spicy Mediterranean sauce within a ceramic glazed pot, which it is served in with a side of authentic-made couscous.
To end, we shared a teapot of spicy honey and lemon tea, made with fresh mint, rosewater and a secret blend of Algerian tea, again all chosen by Boudjema, served in small, ornately decorated silver cups. The warm, soothing sensation that spread throughout when drinking this tea was like no other tea I had drank before.
Boudjema’s sheer passion for his art, both culinary and interior design, is so palpable and so potent, your body and mind is instantly transported to warmer African climes without even leaving York.
For Mondays and Tuesdays, Tassili is offering a delicious new range of deals from its menu, specifically for students: 2 main meals, a dessert and hot tea for £30, 2 main meals and a bottle of wine for £30 or 5 mezze starters and a bottle of wine for £30.
Like their Facebook page for more offers and events!