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Semosh Mum’s Kitchen

Shop 2 & 3/324 Keilor Road

Essendon North 

On the border of Essendon North and Niddrie in a strip of shops diagonal to the DFO sits a dining experience that feels like a warm embrace from a loving family.

This charming restaurant is a tribute to the culinary legacy of Semiha, affectionately known as Semosh, whose recipes have been the cornerstone of family gatherings for years.

Semosh Mum’s Kitchen is a family-driven venture, initiated by Gabby and Tony, Semiha’s daughter and son-in-law. Their dream was to share the love, warmth, and culinary expertise of Semiha with the broader community.

Starting from a young age, Semiha’s passion for cooking has been a constant source of joy for her family, and now, for everyone who walks through the doors of this restaurant.

Their journey began in Brunswick, where the family faced the challenges of the COVID-19 lockdowns after investing in a reception centre. To ensure survival, they turned to Semiha’s trusted recipe books, which led to the successful launch of a takeaway-only service.

Their aim was to recreate the warm and welcoming atmosphere of a family home on the Aegean coast. The décor, featuring trailing bougainvillea and an aqua color scheme, sets the scene like you’re in their family home in Turkey, you’ll feel like you’re part of the family.

For those new to Turkish food, Semosh Mum’s Kitchen offers a delightful introduction. Turkish cuisine is a vibrant blend of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and central Asian flavors, balancing hearty dishes with fresh, zesty ingredients.

Here, you can enjoy authentic dishes like Sultan’s Delight, a classic Ottoman recipe combining creamy eggplant béchamel with tender lamb, or the Semosh special, featuring barramundi, prawns, baby octopus, and a medley of herbs and spices.

I started with the trio of dips; tzatziki, zucchini with walnuts, and baba ganoush are crafted from fresh ingredients. The zucchini with walnuts is a unique addition — light, nutty, and slightly tangy, it’s inspired by a regional Aegean recipe.

Sarma is hand-rolled vine leaves stuffed with herbed rice — theirs are made fresh daily, just like their mum used to. 

Their falafel features a crispy outside and soft inside, seasoned with their special spice mix.

Recommended by all the reviews on Google, Sultan’s Delight is a dish that combines creamy eggplant puree with tender lamb — a true Ottoman classic.

I had to try the Turkish ravioli, which is the cutest, 10 cent coin sized handmade dumplings served with garlic yogurt and sumac. It’s a beloved comfort food across Turkey.

Then we tried the potato and chicken or Fırında Patatesli Tavuk, which is oven-baked chicken with potatoes, onions, and spices — a hearty, homestyle dish.

At the recommendation of our waiter we added on the Saç Kavurma, sautéed lamb cooked on a traditional saç pan, combined with vegetables and their special spice mix.

Semosh Mum’s Kitchen is more than just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of family, love, and the rich culinary heritage of Turkey.

With its welcoming atmosphere, delicious Mediterranean cuisine, and commitment to quality, this restaurant is an excellent choice for anyone looking to experience the warmth and flavors of a traditional Turkish kitchen.