Lebanese is my favorite cuisine. I have spent time in Lebanon and I loved the food there even more than Italy. I have eaten at all the Lebanese restaurants in Bangkok and most throughout Thailand. Beirut in Silom used to be my absolute favorite (10-15 years ago). So with all of that said, I would like to share my opinions of Beirut in Thailand, and especially this branch at Phloen Chit Center.
First, what's good. They have a huge menu with all the most famous dishes, including some that are harder to find, like Scrambled Eggs with minced meat and Maneesh with Zaatar. They even serve what the Lebanese call "Mexican Beer", which is lager mixed with lime juice and served in a salted glass. Their hummus is top notch. Their Tulum (garlic mousse) elevates every dish, and their green Chili sauce is addictively delicious.
Unfortunately, they still manage to find a way to ruin this perfect recipe for success. First, the service staff are miserable. No one smiles or greets you. They look annoyed when they have to come take your order, etc. The only exception is the manager - Mr. Abdul. He's a great guy, very friendly, and tries to take good care of customers. But he still has to follow the policies that the absentee owners impose.
In recent years, they have gotten very sticky with their veggies and sauces. In the past, just like in Lebanon, and just like every other Lebanese restaurant in Thailand, they would greet you with a plate of pickles and some complimentary dipping sauces for the entrees. But now they only give you a tiny bit, and you get the same amount for a big table of 10 guests as you do for a table of just 1. So even if you order 6,000 baht worth of food, they still give you only one tiny cup of sauce, and then make you pay 40 baht each for extra sauces. This is not a true Lebanese experience. And it's also ridiculous because the price of ingredients in the chili sauce are SUPER cheap in Thailand.
On my last visit to the Silom branch, I tried their new Shawarma pocket sandwiches. They served the sauces with the entree, but they did not give the complimentary pickles. I don't know if that means they stopped serving them completely, or just not with that dish. But in Lebanon, and in other Lebanese restaurants like Nadimos and Bamboo, you always get pickles regardless what you order.
Also, the Sukhumvit branch still has large bottles of beer on the menu, but they no longer stock or sell them. Small bottles are very expensive. This is one reason I now choose Nadimos more often; they serve draft beer for 99 baht, along with a nice selection of wine, etc.
I mentioned that years ago, the Silom branch was my favorite. They had a very hospitable manager named Major who was very hospitable. He offered a real Lebanese experience, and the restaurant was packed day and night. Now that location sits dead most of the time, and the place has a miserable atmosphere.
The only keeping thing keeping Sukhumvit better is Mr. Abdul. He has a lot of experience. I think if he could make the place more friendly, it would thrive like it used to. I would love to eat every meal there again, just like I did years ago. They have the best recipes and a great location. They just need to make it more customer-friendly and...
Read moreLocated on Sukhumvit 39, Bangkok, Beirut Lebanese Restaurant is a culinary haven that beckons with its unique design, offering more than just a meal – it's an immersive experience. The restaurant's spacious layout is a breath of fresh air in the bustling city, and the convenience of dedicated parking adds a layer of ease to the entire dining venture. Whether you're seeking a solo retreat, planning a friendly rendezvous, or enjoying a family meal, Berut effortlessly caters to various occasions, making it a versatile and welcoming destination.
The allure of Beirut extends beyond its physical space; it's a testament to the fusion of contemporary aesthetics and traditional Lebanese charm. As you step inside, the ambiance immediately captivates, and the carefully curated design elements contribute to a visual feast. The restaurant comes alive, especially in the evening, creating an atmosphere that is both cozy and vibrant. What sets Beirut apart is the option to dine outside, allowing patrons to savor their meals under the open sky, adding an alfresco charm to the dining experience.
Now, let's talk about the star of the show – the food. Beirut serves up a delightful array of authentic Lebanese cuisine that is a true celebration of flavors. From the savory mezze platters to the aromatic grilled meats and flavorful stews, each dish is a culinary masterpiece. The chefs at Berut skillfully craft dishes that transport diners to the vibrant streets of Beirut, showcasing the richness and diversity of Lebanese gastronomy. The menu is a delightful journey, offering both familiar favorites and intriguing specialties that cater to diverse palates. They also have plenty of sweets options which you can also take away.
The restaurant's commitment to authenticity shines through in every bite, making it a standout destination for those seeking a genuine Lebanese dining experience in the heart of Bangkok. Whether you're a connoisseur of Middle Eastern cuisine or a newcomer eager to explore new flavors, Berut has something to offer.
Beyond the delectable fare, what sets Berut apart is the seamless blend of warm hospitality and attention to detail. The staff at Berut adds a personal touch to the...
Read moreTo be honest I really had to think of how to rate this restaurant. I have to be fair in my overall judgement. Let me share with you my experience. I ordered the shawarma Combo. I saw a picture of chicken shawarma, humus & rice so I didn’t pay attention to the rest. It took about 15 minutes and my beautiful tray arrived. The chicken had a very strong cardamom taste. It was a bit dry but tasted good. The plate of humus looked stunning only to find out they don’t serve bread. You’d have to order separately! This is like offering you soup without a spoon :-0 you would have to pay for it. In other way they’re trying to milk the customers. Sacrificing the authenticity of Lebanese cuisine to milk customers 20 or 30 Baht extra! Folk’s really; that was a real turn off. I asked the waitress to bring me pita bread and finally I was able to taste the Humus. It was good, just the right taste. The do offer extra virgin olive oil which is a plus. The rice was okay but I got really confused when I saw Coleslaw side in the try. Don’t get me wrong, I ate it and enjoyed it but let’s be honest, it’s a Lebanese cuisine not Dutch. Tabuleh could have been better but it wasn’t bad. I enjoyed the complementary vegetable platter. The restaurant has good design and chairs/tables were comfortable. I asked for the Bill, the total was 470xx Baht. I gave the waiter my credit card and then he was automatically in panic. From what I understood they only accept credit cards for 500 + receipts. There’s no sign and no mention of this anywhere on the menu. I guess they’re trying to evade paying taxes to the government at my inconvenience. Well that was the final slap on the face. the management wouldn’t allow a good experience due to stinginess. I enjoyed the food but not the experience. Please amend your rules & I’m happy to give you another try next time...
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