Story and photos by Raphael Koh
Here’s a question for all you meat lovers out there: Does Lebanon come to mind as a one-stop destination when you think about indulging in savory meats? In the off-chance that you don’t know, you should give Lebanese cuisine a shot for its plethora of meat dishes that even the beastliest carnivores can’t resist. Let Byblos Grill be your starting point to diving deep into the cuisine of the “Paris of the Middle East”.
The space features two Lebanese flags emblazoned across the counter, as well as rustic arabic ornaments and bulbuous chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. You’d be pleased to know that chef Mohamad will bring you the ultimate Lebanese experience, with everything freshly handmade (including the sumptuous yoghurt, halloumi cheese and pita bread) and key ingredients — such as olive oil, pomegranate sauce and sumac — imported from the little gulf state.
Quality and authenticity is also assured as chef Mohamad boasts 15 years of experience in the food and beverage industry — including a stint at the seven-star Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai — with all his food cooked only upon order.
Start off with a Mezza platter ($27.50) made of hummus (chickpea mash), babaganoush (grilled eggplant dish with olive oil, tahina and various seasonings), labneh (yoghurt with olive oil), moussaka and Arabic salad drizzled with pomegranate sauce to whet your appetite. Not to worry — appetizers are meat-free and light (if you don’t count the wide selection of freshly baked flatbread) so that you have adequate space left for the meaty mains.
Charcoal-grilled lamb chops ($29.90) are a must-have — served with copious amounts of rice and assorted grilled vegetables, it’s a perfectly balanced plate of goodness. Otherwise, the Lamb Mandi ($27.50) offers a bone-free experience and unprecedented tenderness.
If lamb ain’t your thing, there’s always the safe choice of chicken, and boy, they sure whip up some good ol’ Beirut-style chicken kabsa (served with rice and a secret homemade sauce, $23.50), cooked in a traditional oven that’s newly shipped over.
We all know Turkish Delights are a well-known sweet from the gulf region, but Lebanese desserts here don’t disappoint either. Finish off your meat-heavy meal with the surprisingly refreshing rice pudding ($7.50) made of rice, milk and rose water. We have to say, the tinge of the rose water really does the trick.
Byblos Grill is at 14 Bussorah St, 6296-8577. Daily 11am-midnight.
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