It might be hard to believe, but the quiet suburb of Ashgrove is now one of the best places in Brisbane to find genuine Persian rugs and furniture. Should you be harbouring doubts, your best bet is to head to Soul & Sun and inspect the wares yourself. Located at the front of a humble arcade in west Ashgrove, Soul & Sun is a cafe and bazaar hybrid that stocks a wide range of homewares, food and drink from the Middle East. The unique business is owned and operated by Sol Hafiz, who has had years of experience selling handmade rugs and other goods sourced from Iran, Afghanistan and India. Inspired by the bustling bazaars of those countries, the space is stocked to the brim with rugs, lamps, crockery, glassware and ornaments sourced from around the world as well as a built in fountain, which symbolises clarity and purity.

Patrons can browse the wares on offer – just about everything you can see is for sale – while waiting for their sit-down meal. Soul & Sun offers an extensive menu that boasts a combination of western and Middle Eastern cooking. Dishes such as Moroccan chick pie, spanakopita and butter chicken Parattah are but some of the meals on the menu. In addition to the savoury flavours, Soul & Sun stocks a large range of Middle Eastern treats such as Persian nougat, Turkish delight, Persian honey puffs and cream puffs, many of which are gluten-free. Soul & Sun also stocks a range of Brazilian and Colombian coffee beans and ten types of tea to choose from including Persian cardamom and Turkish apple varieties.

For opening times and contact details, head to the Stumble Guide.