October 7 2020

Maison Beirut

The cuisine of Lebanon is diverse and engraved in history with both the eastern and western influences evident in its cuisine. A unique cultural history has paved the way for Lebanese food to be categorised as one most famous of Middle Eastern cuisines. For the majority of history, Lebanon has been ruled by foreign powers that have influenced the Lebanese cuisine. From the 16th Century, the Ottoman Empire controlled Lebanon and introduced a variety of foods that have become staples in the Lebanese diet, including baklava, pickled vegetables and lamb dishes.

Maison Beirut restaurant brings those original and influenced Lebanese flavours to Emirati Capital (Abu Dhabi) with utter perfection. With an experienced and skilful team of chefs, each dish of the restaurant manages to make an impression on your mind; their every dish stand out. Fresh salads with typical flavours of Lebanon (sour and sweet), tender and smoky shish tawook, appetising cold mezze, home-baked fresh bread, and appealing cutlery are enough for your memorable dining experience at Maison Beirut.

Lebanon was designated a French protectorate by the League of Nations after the First World War with the aim that Lebanon would later become an independent state instead of being a French colony. When the Ottomans were defeated in World War 1, the French took their place as occupiers of Lebanon, bringing with them a very different cultural cuisine. While the French would only be here until 1946 (when Lebanon gained its independence), they certainly left a lasting impact. The most significant influence of the French came via their pastries and desserts – to this day treats such as croissants and custard flan remain firm local favourites. Baklava is an outcome of that influence. With this history and impact of France on its culture, Lebanon has adopted many French cuisines in its culture. Maison means ‘Home’ in french language, and ‘Maison Beirut’ is identifying the Lebanese food culture with french influence in this restaurant. Maison Beirut’s interiors, cutlery, hospitality style, everything has the essence of French culture with the prominence of Middle Eastern heritage.

Many dishes in Maison Beirut impresses, but Kunafa has its place on the menu, and it’s the best treat that Maison Beirut offers to its Guest. Kunafa (or Kanafeh) is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert made with shredded filo pastry, or delicate semolina dough, soaked in sweet, sugar-based syrup, and typically layered with cheese, or with other ingredients such as clotted cream or nuts, depending on the region. As Maison Beirut’s concept is inclined towards French culture, they prefer cheese in their Kunafa, and it’s outstanding. The crunchy cover of semolina dough with the soft and chewy inner surface of the cheese and strokes of sugar syrup, Maison Beirut’s Kunafa leaves a long-lasting impact on your taste buds.