Mabruk - Mediterranean Restaurant — Restaurant in Mumbai

Hotel Sahara Star hosts a plethora of restaurants known for specializing in varied cuisines, one of which is the luxurious Mediterranean restaurant, Mabruk. Under the guidance of the head Chef Jihad El-Shami, this restaurant gives you the true essence and taste of Lebanese cuisine. This luxury dining restaurant has constantly won the ‘Times Food Award’ year after year, which only goes to show how they win over their guest's hearts through exemplary service and authentic food.

Nestled beside the picturesque tropical lagoon amidst the palm trees, Mabruk beholds a magnificent view of the hotel that surrounds it. They have an open-to-sky area overlooking the calm and serene tropical lagoon with uber comfortable seating arrangements, surely fit for royalty! Adding to the authenticity of the experience is the beautiful Arabic tunes that play in the background.

Moving on to the service, we appreciated the kind, humble and very friendly Chef Jihad. He gave us an introduction about himself and went on to talk about the restaurant and the dishes available here. Being a Lebanese himself, he has brought all along all the traditional recipes of his hometown and recreating them for 11 years of his service in Sahara Star. He has created a repertoire of traditional mezze platters, main course and desserts with a delightful array of flavors, textures and aromas. A special mention of Mr. Hashir who was very helpful, patient and kind. He had an in-depth knowledge of the dishes on the menu, was always willing to help and ensured that we were having a wonderful time! Kudos to the team.

The chef specially curated a cold and hot mezze platter comprising of the very best of their delicacies they had to offer. They also served us some condiments namely Tahina (sesame dip), Harissa (hot chili pepper paste) and a fluffy egg white dip along with some pickled cucumbers, carrots, olives, jalapenos and green chilis. The flavors of the dips/sauces were incredibly strong and bursting with flavor. We started off with 2 beverages - Lemon Maa Ward and Koshaf. Both of them are highly recommended.

The Cold Mezze Platter – We enjoyed this platter with soft, warm and fluffy pita bread that was absolutely nailed! The platter comprised of Hummus, Baba Ganouj, Moutabal, Mou’Hamara, Tabbouleh and Labneh Balade. The Hummus, Moutabal and Mou'Hamara were our FAVOURITES.

The Hot Mezze Platter – It comprised of Sambousek Jibne, Mahancha B’Khodar, Manakeesh Zatar, Kibbeh, Falafel, Kafta Meshwi and Shish Taouk. The Sambousek Jibne, Kafta Meshwi and Shish Taouk are surely a crime to miss. Must try!

Heading on to the mains, we opted for Laham Mouzet which are lamb shanks with a spicy vegetable and Lebanese rice. The lamb shanks were slow-cooked and therefore the meat was just falling off the bone and literally melted in the mouth. The rice was fragrant and aromatic with ghee and roasted cashew nuts.

To end our meal on a sweet note, we tried Baklava – The famous Lebanese pistachio pastry stuffed with a date filling with a generous sprinkle of rosewater. Unlike any baklava I’ve tasted before, this one wasn’t too sweet, just perfect. It had the perfect hint of rosewater in every bite and Umm Ali – A rich pudding baked with cream and nuts. Very similar to an Indian kheer, however, this pudding is made with bread and cream and is topped off with crushed pistachios. It is surely a comforting and heart-warming dessert. Highly recommended.

We certainly had a wonderful dining experience at Mabruk and surely look forward to visiting again to try out some of the other traditional delicacies that are on offer in the expansive menu. Come, be spoilt for choice and enjoy leisure luxury dining...

A place perfect for a dinner date.! This was one of the finest dinning experience that I ever had.!

We went to Mabruk for a dinner.! Resturant setup is so amazing and it is so perfect, I just kept looking at all the elements and the fabulous view of sahara star.! Their seating arrangement close to the artificial pond and a tiny waterfall is definitely worth the experience. I could here the sound of waterfall in background along with the great sufi music from live singer.!

More about Ambience, as soon as you enter the Mabruk section you will definitely get a feel of Arabic or middle eastern region with those sheesha decors and the sofa designs.! Seating was really very comfortable and those near the artificial pond is exceptional.! They do serve herbal sheesha as well which is definitely a plus point.

Staff and Service,I just cant express in words how excellent service and staff is at this place. Mr. Ajit was looking after over table. He was such a kind and polite person.! His communication with that constant smile on his face and detailed explanation about the dishes that we couldn't figure out, was really impressive.! Service was flawless and amazing.! Couldn't ask for more because everything was perfect according to me.!

Food & Beverages, indulge into the unique and delicious and very wide range of optios from Mediterranean cuisine. Thier food menu is really very authentic one like their head chef who actually belongs to middle east.! Some of the beverages which you wouldn't find anywhere else and are part of Middle Eastern culture are served here and belive me they were super refreshing and recharging.!

Things that we tried and found absolutely authentic and very delicious in taste are listed below:

Starting with the best one, Meshwi bahry a grilled sea food platter which includes lobster, king prawns and hammour & calamari fish.! Perfect in taste and fragrances. Everything was with perfect marination and grilled perfectly.! Highly recommended for all sea food lovers.!

Kafta meshwi - soft and juicy lamb kebabs served along with some raw spicy salad.! It was perfectly cooked as we could easily chew it, taste wise it was upto the mark.!

Shish taouk - to all my chicken lover friends this is something one should not miss.! Balanced taste of garlic and cream marination. Chicken was so soft so juicy, couldn't resist.! Perfectly grilled chicken, one should not miss at Mabruk.!

Mouhamara with Zatar - this is best dish to begin with under vegetarian options in Mediterranean cuisine.! Mouhamara was perfectly blended and tasted upto the mark. Real chunks of walnut made it more attractive. Breads were so fresh and with that sesame olive oil topping it was icing on the cake.!

Falafel Roll - one more amazing option straight from Egypt is definitely worth a try for all vegetarian friends.! Crispy golden fried balls stuffed in a fresh bread with some herbs, dips and tossed veggies. Presentation was good and taste was fabulous.!

Do not forget to try the special mocktails or I would say Mediterranean beverages at this place. They are super refreshing and really good in taste. We had lemon maa ward and koshaf, Koshaf was with mango pulp and nuts. It was thick and heavy too.! Taste wise way above the normal mocktails.! Must give it a try.!

To summarize Mabruk is one of the finest option available in Mumbai for Mediterranean cuisine. Being part of Sahara star it is super luxurious and maintains a very high quality standard in all aspects. We really had a great time dining at this place along with sheesha being icing on the cake. This place is definitely one of the best for...

Hotel Sahar Star is home to many amazing restaurants, one of which is Mabruk - The Mediterranean. As name suggests, they  serve Mediterranean cuisine. It is located at the same level where all its other restaurants are located. Mabruk has won 8 Times Food Awards for best Lebanese food starting from 2008 till 2018, which speaks volumes for itself.

One of the biggest contributors to this  success is Executive Chef Jihad el Shami who has been instrumental in curating the menu and getting all recipes from his homeland. He has been with the restaurant since the beginning, it has been approximately over 11 years now!

Sahara Star with its unique architecture, is one of the most beautiful properties in Mumbai and perhaps Asia. The ambience of the  place is so beautiful calm and peaceful, that you are bound to have a memorable experience every time you visit. Beautiful Arabic  music plays in the background and they also have artists performing live from Thursday to Saturday. The instrument they play is Rebab.

Talking about what all I tried at Mabruk with recommendations from the Executive Chef -

We started with a refreshing drink to begin with Lemon Maa Ward! A very popular drink in Arabic countries. It is a blend of Fresh Lime Mint and Rose Water. Served chilled, a pleasant relief from scorching heat in Mumbai.

Mediterranean cuisine usually starts with sauces to set the taste buds right. We were served 3 sauces -  Harissa, Tahini and Tomaya. Harissa (red) and Tomaya sauce are hot and spicy where as Tahini sauce made of sesame seed is mild.

We started with Lebanese food - Mezzeh Cold and Mezzeh Hot both served together along with Pita bread! Mezzeh Cold had Hummus, Moutabal, Mou'Hamara, Fattoush Salad and Labneh B'Toum.

Hummus was Chickpea Puree with Garlic Lemon Juice and Tahini. Simply Superb. Also personally loved Labneh B'toum which was mix of Yogurt, Cheese with Mint Olive Oil and Garlic. Tried Moutabal for the first time which is roasted ground aubergine with tahina, lemon and parsley. Even Mou' Hamara was very interesting a mix of Walnuts, tomato and chilli relish.

Along with Mezzeh Cold, we also tried Mezzeh Hot. Lebanese food, all of it is served together on the table, that's how they like their food. Hot platter had Falafel, Sambousek Jibne, Safi'ha B'Jibneh and Batata Harra.

Falafel being one of the most common and famous Lebanese dish made of Chickpea and Broad Bean Patties with Tahini is a must try. I personally loved Sambousek and Safi'ha. Sambousek is a Lebanese samosa, stuffed with Feta Cheese and thyme. Safi'ha is Halloumi and Zatar stuffed mini open pie. Even Batata Harra was yum - spiced potato with coriander.

Before moving to the mains we tried another drink Koshaf, another popular drink. Base is of apricots mixed with orange juice and mango pulp and generously topped with nuts. A thick drink and so filling and yum!

For our Main course we had Tagine Khodar, a traditional Moroccan Vegetable Stew with Chickpea, Almonds, Prunes accompanied by Couscous Rice. I have tried different types of Tagine at various food festivals in Mumbai, but this one had at Mabruk, was by far the best Tagine I have had in Mumbai.

Last but not the least, tried the most famous Lebanese dessert - Baklava. Served in the most authentic and original way as served in middle eastern counties, this crispy pistachio pastry is to die for! Amazing and must try!

Would just like to say one thing about Mabruk - Mashallah! Would recommend all my Sadeeq (Friends) to definitely...