Pengalaman Cicipi Deretan Makanan Khas Lebanon, Rasa Asam yang Menggoyang Lidah

Experience Tasting a Series of Authentic Lebanese Foods, Tongue-Tingling Sourness.

Dream - Middle Eastern cuisine is no stranger to the Indonesian palate. You must have heard of dishes such as nasi mandhi, nasi kebuli, and kebab. Generally, Middle Eastern dishes are synonymous with meat and spices as the main ingredients. The dishes are also loved because they provide a savory sensation.

Pengalaman Cicipi Deretan Makanan Khas Lebanon, Rasa Asam yang Menggoyang Lidah

However, have Sahabat Dream ever tasted Lebanese cuisine? Being in the Middle East region, the taste of Lebanese dishes has its own uniqueness compared to other Arab countries' cuisines.

The difference is apparently from the taste of the dish. Lebanese specialty foods are mostly dominated by sour and salty flavors that come from the squeeze of lemon juice and yogurt in each dish.

Journalist Dream had the opportunity to taste the typical Lebanese food from Al Nafoura at Le Méridien. These menus are specially made by Chef Greg Malouf who is originally from Lebanon. Here is the menu of typical Lebanese food that can tantalize the taste buds and make you addicted.

1. Mishmishiya

Mishmishiya is made from goat meat in a shape similar to perkedel. The chef will provide a sauce made from yogurt, coriander leaves, and spinach when you want to taste this food. As a result, the savory and sour taste will be very noticeable when it enters your mouth.

2. Harufouzi

This food is made from rice and lamb meat that is seasoned with typical Lebanese spices. The presence of cashew nuts adds a savory sensation when eaten. Just like the previous dish, this food is also served with a sauce made from yogurt, giving a refreshing taste in the mouth when consumed.

3. Walnut Baklava

For dessert, there is Baklava made from pistachio nuts. Besides providing a sweet taste, there is also a sour taste perceived because there is a custard made from lemon.

According to Chef Greg Malouf, the menus he creates are mostly dominated by sour and salty flavors. He explains that people in Lebanon really enjoy sour flavors. It's not surprising that some dishes have yogurt as the main ingredient. "In Indonesia, people like spicy flavors, but in Lebanon, they prefer sour flavors," he said at Hotel Le Méridien Jakarta, Friday, January 17, 2023.

Apart from three menus dominated by sour taste, Chef Greg Malouf also serves other menus that include pickled Kalamata olives paired with homemade Shankleesh cheese, za'atar hazelnut, and Kharc bread. Alongside Malouf Mezza, Chef Greg Malouf also serves Silky Hummus, Fatima's Fingers, and Cured Salmon Bastourma. To enjoy Lebanese cuisine, you can visit Al Nafoura at Le Méridien Jakarta, from November 16th to 26th, 2023, with the theme "The Art of Mezza".