Edami specialises in manakish and homemade ayran.
Academic-turned-baker Adam Cherkawi has just opened a Lebanese bakery, Edami, in Dalston, East London. This homegrown new spot is serving up fresh, familiar classics, from traditional flatbreads to Lebanese coffee.
After working for six months at Broadway Market’s Wave Gelato, academic and author Adam Cherkawi was inspired to put his new hospitality skills to use and train as a baker. Now, he’s opened his very own Lebanese bakery next door to the well-loved East London institution, the Shacklewell Arms.
Taking advantage of a gap in the market — namely that there aren’t many Lebanese bakeries outside West London — Adam snapped up a prime spot in Dalston. Edami has brought a real sense of Beirut to London, serving freshly baked manakish with traditional toppings like za’atar, white cheese, tahini, and carob molasses. Other familiar baked goods include savoury pastries such as spinach fatayer, as well as black chickpea hummus and muhammara.
Drink options include freshly squeezed juices and hot Lebanese coffee, with plans to introduce other espresso-based drinks in the near future. The Arab diaspora will be pleased to hear that the menu also features homemade ayran, a salted yoghurt drink popular among Lebanese locals.
Honouring his stint at Wave, there is also a pair of gelatos made in collaboration with his former colleagues, including a floral hibiscus flavour inspired by his Senegalese roots, and a rich blend of tahini and carob.
Looking to the future, Adam hopes to secure a late licence, allowing the space to function as a cultural venue hosting live music events, poetry readings, talks, and, more importantly, a place for the community.
Where: Edami Bakery, 73 to 75 Shacklewell Lane, E8 2EB
When: Available Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 3pm
Contact: @edamibakery