Meza - A journey into the Culinary wonders of Lebanon

Meze - Lebanese Kitchen
(Pic Courtesy- Yelp)

If I had to describe this restaurant in one sentence it would be ‘A hidden Gem full of authentic dishes.’After staying in London for 3 months now I am all up for experimenting with food and teasing my palette with the assault of flavours that this city has to offer me.

Lebanese cuisine in India is still in its nascent stage and is limited to hummus, falafel and tabouleh. In fact I am not sure if there is any ‘Lebanese Only’ restaurant, as it is collectively grouped with the Greek, Mediterranean and Middle East cuisines.

So technically this was my first experience of the rich Lebanese cuisine and boy I was excited.

Meza is a small restaurant started 3 years back with its owner and his mother dishing out some authentic Lebanese delicacies. The recipes are perhaps passed down from generations in the family.

No wonder the taste of the food is so original and homely.

The Experience:

I left my house with great zeal and eagerness only to reach Meza and find out that all their tables were booked. It was Friday and this tiny little restaurant was packed with people. So please ensure you book a table in advance.

I could see fresh food, Lebanese wines, lovely people and great dinnertime conversations. It is a shame we could not get to experience a sit down meal in its full glory.

We ordered a take away  :(

The owner suggested we order four mezzes and a main course among two people. But we decided to go for 2 Mezzes and a main course. (Which in my opinion was enough for us two- as we are small eaters- So thumbs up on the quantity of food served)

We ordered Mosaka’a Bantenjen Sautéed Prawns, and Kafta Djaj. The food smelled heavenly almost as if enticing us to take a dip in its rich flavors. 

A Lebanese Fare

The Prawns were sauteed in a light tomato gravy served on a bed of delicately flavored rice with vegetables. The description of the dish did say on a bed of saffron rice but I could not smell any saffron in their rice. But never the less it was a good prawns dish- mild in flavor and delicate in aromatic.

Sauteed Prawns

Mosaka Bantenjen is a tangy preparation of eggplant chick peas and tomato gravy. Onions and spices were thrown in to add on to its texture and flavor. Honestly it was a bit too tangy for my taste (I am not sure if I would eat it on its own) but my husband Mitesh absolutely loved it to an extent that he declared, that it was the best mussaka he has ever eaten. 

Mosaka Bantenjen

The Kafta Djaj was my favorite Minced meat chicken meat grilled on skewers and seasoned with some exotic spices. It was served Khobez  which is a Mediterranean flat bread which is traditionally baked in stone clay oven. A garlic dip and a fresh salad was served alongside the Khobez. It made for a perfect wrap.

Kafta Djaj

Pros- Homely food, good service,good on the pocket.

Cons- Small space,need a prior booking on weekends.

Recommendations- Mosaka Bantenjen.

Meza
(Pic Courtesy- Time Out London)

Verdict- The meal was heartily enjoyed and finished in no time. And thus my journey into the exotic world full of rich flavors was complete with promises of a lot more to come soon.