Having conquered Asian fusion with Light Years Asian Diner and nailed Japanese hibachi cooking with honed its focus on Japanese hibachi with Moonlight, Robbie Oijvall is looking a little further east for his latest venture, The Smoking Camel. This time, Robbie has partnered with Joachim Borenius in the role of head chef, and looked to the Levant region of the Middle East, more specifically Lebanon, Turkey and Israel, for culinary inspiration. Together they have curated a menu that leans into the familiar playfulness diners are familiar with at Light Years, whilst elevating Levantine flavours with a few modern tweaks. “It’s been really exciting to work collaboratively and adventurously with Eastern flavours,” says Robbie of The Smoking Camel’s food offering. “Joachim and I have loved playing around with spices from different regions and seeing how we can enhance traditional dishes to create a unique offering.” This approach has resulted in a menu that starts with a stellar mezze section, boasting traditional dips like hummus with harissa oil, babaganoush and smashed falafel with green goddess tahini, alongside shawarma-spiced cauliflower. For the main affair, you’ll find barbecue plates of baharat-spiced beef shish, shawarma-spiced chicken, king prawns and halloumi with mixed vegetables. The drinks list sees a line-up of cocktails taking on unexpected flavour profiles – from the Turkish Delight with Bookies Dry Gin, cranberry, rose and lime, to the Dead Sea Ice Tea with dark rum, pomegranate tea, lemon and apricot brandy, and The Oasis with tequila, lime, cucumber, orgeat, mint and coriander.
The boldly designed new 55-seater has transformed the original home of Light Years on Lawson Street. Curated by Week Days Design, who also designed Moonlight, The Smoking Camel centres around colourful, gilded interiors that match the opulence and festivity of the Middle East. Curved archways form the entryway, coupled with billowing curtains and cutouts of gold camels above the bar immediately transport diners to a vibrant metropolis, the likes of which are seen in Cairo, Tel Aviv and Istanbul. “It’s been incredibly nostalgic to watch this venue transform,” reflects Robbie. “Closing our first Light Years was a bittersweet moment for us all. But the reincarnation of the space has been one for the ages, and we’re beyond excited to have our customers reacquaint themselves with the old stomping ground.”
The Smoking Camel is open seven nights from 5:00 pm until late.
Image credit: Jessie Prince
