Throughout the middle east shakshuka is a staple and simple meal. Eggs are simmered in a tomato based sauce spiced with cumin, paprika and cayenne, topped with fresh coriander and crumbled feta cheese. It's something that Auckland restauranteur and business owner Gus Obied grew up eating in the middle east. From a young age, he'd watch his mother and aunties making shakshuka, as well as other meals using freekeh, pomegranate, couscous and roasted veggies.
Gus emigrated to Sydney in 1994 and with his New Zealand born wife, Kathleen moved to Auckland in 2009. Since 2016 he's owned and run Gusstop Cafe in central Auckland, and now he's launched GusStop Shakshuka in a jar - based on his family's recipe.