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Lavishly Lebanese

By M. Shirazi
Tue, 03, 17

Admit it or not but food is a major part of any culture. Even though, every region has its own traditional cuisine, nothing beats the flavours of Lebanese dishes that are rich, hearty and delicious.

food

Admit it or not but food is a major part of any culture. Even though, every region has its own traditional cuisine, nothing beats the flavours of Lebanese dishes that are rich, hearty and delicious. Nowadays people are opting for food with fewer spices that do not over power the flavours; be it meat or veggies; and Lebanese cooking is all about that.

Lavishly Lebanese

The history of Lebanese food is quite old and intriguing. A unique cultural history has helped in making Lebanese food the most popular of all Middle Eastern cuisines. From 1516 to 1918, the Ottoman Turks controlled Lebanon and introduced a variety of foods in the Lebanese diet including olive oil, fresh bread, baklava (a sweet pastry dessert), laban (homemade yoghurt), stuffed vegetables, a variety of nuts and not forget lamb. After the Ottomans were defeated in World War I (1914-1918), France took control of Lebanon until 1946. The biggest influence of the French came via their pastries and desserts.

Recently, when the management at Movenpick Hotel, Karachi invited us for the Lebanese Food Festival at Kabab Ji restaurant, we were more than excited to taste the authentic cuisine being offered there. The festival, which was in the form of extensive dinner buffet, was celebrated from 24th February to 3rd March 2017 with Arabic theme decoration. There was an exclusive set menu prepared for the buffet which consisted of traditional Arabic drinks, hot and cold mezze, live BBQ station and Arabic confectionaries.

Food being the ultimate recreation for Karachities, has given a major growth to food and beverages industry, hence, in a bid to promote authentic cuisines, renowned hotels are also giving much importance to such food fests.

Now moving to the best part, food! The meal started off with lentil soup, 'Shorbat Adaas' - puree of red lentil cooked with onion, potatoes, cumin powder and served with Arabic bread. Then it was time for some creamy dips and salads that included 'Hummus', 'Moutabel' (a hearty dip with tahini paste and roasted and chopped eggplant) and 'Fattoush Salad'. The main course menu had loads of meat items such as 'Shish Taouk', 'Shish Kabab', 'Robian Mehswi' (Arabian Sea jumbo prawns grilled on charcoal), 'Reyash Gannam Mahswi' (succulent lamb chops served with grilled tomatoes and onions), 'Ouzi Lamb cooked with rice' etc. How can we forget the mouthwatering desserts? It included, 'Muhalabiyya' (classic Arabic milk, sugar and rose water pudding), the most famous 'Baklawa', 'Omali' and many more.

Wait, that is not all! The hotel arranges Arabian Nights every Saturday over here as well. Sorry guys, the festival is over now, but if you want to try authentic Lebanese cuisine, you know where to head to!