Crossword Genius

Sponge, say, or exotic food cooked here? (6,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

greasy spoon

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'food cooked here?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't understand how they can define each other.

'sponge say or exotic' is the wordplay.
'exotic' indicates an anagram (an unusual form of the letters).
'sponge'+'say'+'or'='spongesayor'
'spongesayor' with letters rearranged gives 'GREASY SPOON'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for greasy spoon that I've seen before include "snack bar" , "diner, by the way" , "Cafe (sl.)" , "Cheap, often insanitary, cafe" , "Roadside cafe" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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