Visit #2: 30-Jul-19 #GastroHogger #LetsHog #Levant #LebaneseMarvel My last visit to this Lebanese restaurant Levant hyderabad was absolutely lovely mainly because of their classic STELLAR dish Zarb. Here we were tonight on chef's invite to relish back some authentic dishes and boy we weren't disappointed.
The classic seller "Meter kebab" with minced meat served with Lebanese breads soaked in the meat fats and oil was absolutely delish - 5 STARS. We also tried their "Hummus bil dajaj" which is chicken with hummus. Alongside with Lebanese bread, this hummus is as authentic as it can get.
We went mutton way tonight so ordered "Halabi Kebab" and "Fakharh Kebab" both traditional authentic lamb kebabs cooked in skewers but with different spice mix. Both were super succulent and super soft and very delicious.
We had to finish our meal here with the SIGNATURE DISH of Levant, Zarb. "ZARB" is one of the beautiful and delicious treasures of Bedouin culture. For centuries Bedouins in the whole Arabian Peninsula cooked their food underground in earth ovens. This way of cooking does not require much equipment. Again, 5/5 on this dish as those succulent meat and the super balanced stock cooked rice were divine.
We ended our meal on Chef's recommendation of Cheese Kunafeh. My earlier attempt here was not so satisfactory but they have improved and today's Kunafeh was perfectly balanced on the sweet notes and apt amount of crispness on the outer layer.
Overall , a stellar meal curated by Chef Mohammed Faleh Booreny and some wonderful service as usual.
If you love trying difference cuisines and mainly a lover of kebabs, DONT MISS THIS PLACE !!!!!!! Hyderabad is in a wave of blessing as we open doors to new cuisines into its culinary kingdom and as a foodie, you cannot be happier. The newly opened Levant in Banjara is serving Armenian and Lebanese cuisines.
Levant is a place where run rises geographically and carries the regime bordering mediterranean sea including Lebanon, Turkey, and Jordan. This region has a vast variety of culture through historical creations to what is know called Levantine cuisine which is the focus of Levant cuisine.
The place is chick, elegant and definitely well thought and smart usage of dining space. The menu on a first look might look pricey and so did we. We started with their welcome drink made of cucumber but tasted more like a nicely made mushroom cappuccino. Then we ordered the #LahmMujoun - Armenian style pizza made out of minced meat and it was unlike any pizza you have had with those strong spices and flavors, spot on
Read moreLong post alert ‼️ 🚨 We are a Levant regulars. We go there every week and enjoy their food. Never gave a public review though. What happened yesterday calls for a review and deserves a look back for Levant to manage the taste while they are scaling up
Part 1: Review on hospitality
On May 3rd, around 9:30 pm we reached Levant. Pushed the door and entered to see the floor manager frantically moving here and there. He barely received us and moreover want even concerned that we are waiting to be seated. I had to go to him and say that we need a table for 3. Then he came into his senses and asked us to wait by waving his hand to go to the side. Felt awkward but dusted it off. Then again his frantic movement started. We were there standing, trying to figure out what's happening and explained to ourselves that he is trying to manage the crowd/ tables on every floor. 5 minutes passed and still he is not bothered to inform us on the status. I saw a vacant table that seats 6. While moving towards the table i tried calling that ever busy floor manager to ask if we can be seated there. Again, to reiterate, we have multiple times taken a table of 6 for three. Now while I was calling him and trying to sit there, he comes up as if the sky is collapsing and asks me to move from there while pointing his hand again to the entry path. Utter disrespectful, no concerns for the guests. Never have i seen such incapable managers who don't know how to treat their customers. I went back and again started waiting. Now after 2 minutes, he comes back and asks us to go to the first floor. As we go I was thinking may be every floor is full of guests and as we enter the first floor, to our dismay, half of the floor is empty. I don't know what that person is trying to manage when half the floor is literally empty. No reason for him to keep us waited.
Mind state at that point: frustrated, angry
Part 2: The food (starters and main course)
As always the good was wonderful and the service was good. Except for the serving plates which are always somehow in bad state
Part 3: The desserts
One main reason that we come again and again to Levant is that the finishing is too good. We always finish our meal with a warm cheese kunafa. Now comes the kunafa on our table. In an excited states, i start digging in. The taste, the flavour everything was missing. The amount of ghee is completely reduced, the thickness as well. If the issue is of cost, they should have increased the price. I don't think the guests that come to Levant are that price sensitive. Or if the issue was too big crowds and them being hasty, then this a perfect recipe for disaster. That's how restaurants get spoiled: being unable to manage both crowds and taste
I sincerely hope Levant doesn't go down that path. I want my food to be tasty and a least amount of courtesy for the guests
If some one from Levant gets to read this, please take note. We love Levant and wanted it to serve us for...
Read moreLEVANT; Located in the vibrant district of the city, Levant promises a culinary journey through the rich and diverse flavors of Turkish cuisine. Upon entering, the restaurant’s decor immediately transports you to the heart of Turkey. Ornate lanterns cast a warm, inviting glow, while intricately patterned tiles and plush seating create a cozy yet elegant ambiance.
The service at Levant is nothing short of exemplary. From the moment we were greeted at the door, the staff made us feel like honored guests. Our waiter was not only friendly but also highly knowledgeable about the menu, offering insightful recommendations based on our preferences.
We began our meal with a selection of mezes, the traditional Turkish appetizers. The variety was impressive, and each dish was a delightful experience. The Hummus was creamy and perfectly seasoned, while the Dolma, grape leaves stuffed with rice and herbs, were tender and flavorful. The standout, however, was the Sigara Böreği—crispy phyllo rolls filled with feta cheese and parsley, which were simply irresistible.
For the main course, I opted for the Adana Kebab, and my friend chose the Lamb Shank. The Adana Kebab, made from hand-minced lamb mixed with spices, was grilled to perfection and served with a side of fragrant rice and fresh salad. Each bite was a burst of savory flavors, perfectly balanced with a hint of smokiness. The Lamb Shank was equally impressive, slow-cooked to tenderness and served with a rich, flavorful sauce that complemented the meat beautifully.
To accompany our meal, we enjoyed a traditional Turkish drink, Ayran, a refreshing yogurt-based beverage that perfectly balanced the rich flavors of our dishes. The restaurant also offered a selection of Turkish juice, and the staff was helpful in selecting a bottle that paired well with our meal.
Dessert at Levant was an experience in itself. We shared a plate of Baklava and Künefe. The Baklava was everything one could hope for—layers of flaky pastry filled with a sweet, nutty mixture, and drenched in syrup. The Künefe, a pastry made with shredded phyllo dough and cheese, baked until golden and topped with syrup and pistachios, was a heavenly conclusion to our meal.
In summary, Levant delivers an exceptional dining experience, combining authentic Turkish flavors with top-notch service and a charming atmosphere. Whether you’re a connoisseur of Turkish cuisine or trying it for the first time, this restaurant offers a memorable culinary adventure that leaves you eagerly anticipating...
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