Australia’s Chef of the Year comes to Canberra for one night only
Posted on
This August, Canberrans have the opportunity to experience the Middle Eastern cuisine that’s been earning acclaim across Australia’s dining scene – without leaving the capital.
Paul Farag, recently crowned Chef of the Year by the Good Food Guide 2025, is bringing his restaurant AALIA to Canberra for a one-night collaboration with Med. Celebrated for redefining Levantine and Middle Eastern cuisine, the chef behind Sydney’s two-hatted AALIA is popping up at Med in Barton for one night only.
On Thursday 14 August, guests will be treated to an eight-course menu featuring signature dishes from AALIA, paired with a complimentary cocktail on arrival. It’s a chance to experience the creativity that has earned Paul recognition in Australian dining, bringing together the culinary traditions of the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern worlds.
Rooted in the Middle Eastern tradition of sharing, his menus are designed to foster connection and celebrate the joy of communal dining. He pairs this ethos with an unwavering commitment to sustainability, employing minimal-waste techniques that ensure every ingredient reaches its fullest potential.
For those unfamiliar with Paul’s impressive culinary journey, his résumé reads like a who’s who of Australian fine dining. From his early days working alongside Colin Fassnidge at The Four in Hand to helping secure Monopole’s second chef’s hat with Brent Savage, Paul has consistently elevated every kitchen he’s entered. His time at Josh Niland’s Fish Butchery honed his expertise in sustainable seafood techniques, while his role at Nour in Surry Hills marked the beginning of his exploration into reimagining Middle Eastern cuisine through his Egyptian heritage.
At AALIA, Paul has resurrected forgotten ingredients and traditions from 10th-century cookbooks, redefining them for modern palates. The restaurant has earned numerous accolades, including NSW Restaurant of the Year (2023) by Gourmet Traveller and multiple chef hats from the Good Food Awards. His latest venture, the Japanese-inspired rooftop bar JOJI, showcases his versatility across cuisines.
THE ESSENTIALS
What: Aalia x Med
Where: MED, Burbury Close, Barton
When: Thursday, 14 August
Web: Bookings can be made through SevenRooms.
Feature image by Jiwon Kim
