National Museum’s Egyptian feast will warm your winter

Posted on 12 July, 2024

If you are dreaming of a sumptuous foodie escape to a vibrant faraway place,  look no further.

Inspired by its blockbuster exhibition Discovering Ancient Egypt, the National Museum of Australia is creating an exclusive, one-night-only culinary and cultural experience on Friday 2 August.

Bringing together the best of Canberra’s contemporary food and beverage culture with 3,000 years of ancient Egyptian history, the Egyptian Winter Feast promises a night not to be missed.

In the soaring space of the Gandel Atrium, celebrate the final month of winter with a four-course feast beautifully paired with spirits, wines and beers that will warm you from the inside out and entertainment that will transport you to the land of the pyramids. Upon arrival, guests will be greeted with cocktails and canapés before sitting down to an elegant long-table banquet, laden with shared platters made for feasting and paired with a curated selection of beverages from Canberra’s most celebrated producers.

As you dine, you’ll be immersed in Egyptian culture past and present with live music and dance from Egyptian-Australian performers, an introduction to the exhibition by curator Lily Withycombe and the opportunity to enjoy an exclusive after-hours viewing of this remarkable exhibition. Refined yet fun, the event styling will be inspired by the exhibition and will include a photo booth to capture your memories of the evening.

“The exhibition has been really popular with visitors and we’ve developed a rich program of interesting events to provide ways for people to engage with it – this unique dining and cultural experience is one of them,” explains Head of Programs Jessi England. “It’s an exciting and extravagant way for guests to experience the amazing Gandel Atrium and the exhibition.

“Canberra is now well known for its exceptional dining culture and we’re delighted to add to this event with Broadbean Catering & Events and our wonderful beverage partners Collector Wines, Underground Spirits and BentSpoke Brewing Co.”

Careful attention has gone into creating a menu that speaks to the unique flavours of Egyptian cuisine. Guests will start with canapés of akkawi, molokhia and preserved lemon cigar with red pepper dip as well as pumpkin, chickpea and herb fritter with saffron labneh (both of which are vegan) before sitting down to dine on Medjool dates, roasted nuts, freshly baked za’atar bread, eggplant and harissa zaalouk and Torshi pickles as an entrée.

A feasting selection of share platters for mains will include Middle Eastern spiced lamb shanks with duggus Hijazi, Chicken mandi, Bukhari rice with okra and chickpeas, shaved cauliflower salad with pomegranate, dates and fresh herbs, and sumac-roasted heirloom carrots with hummus and dukkha.

“The atmosphere will be sophisticated and sumptuous” says Jessi. “Our aim is to provide an immersive contemporary dining and cultural experience, with traditional Egyptian dance and music adding to the atmosphere.”

The evening will conclude as guests admire the dessert station to end the night on a sweet note with Tahini-glazed petit halva friands, orange blossom chocolate mousse tartlets with toasted pine nuts and pomegranate, and pistachio and honey baklava.

Each course will be paired with a generous hand-picked selection of nationally-loved, Canberra-made spirits, wines and beers from Underground Spirits, Collector Wines and BentSpoke Brewery. There will also be tastings held on the evening, so you can get to know these homegrown heroes even better.

“It’s the bringing together of ancient history through the exhibition with a contemporary cultural culinary experience,” explains Jessi. “Shake off the winter blues and gather a group for a fabulous and unforgettable night.”

Tickets are inclusive of all food, drinks and entertainment plus entry to the exhibition, with discounts for those booking for groups of six people or more.

Photography: Pew Pew Studio