IMAGE asia logo

Locals blog

Be my Levantine

by Christine Lew

5 Jan 2022 - 09:55 am

This is Amr’s own story of food, travel and culture from his journeys studying and travelling around the world. The menu reflects his home culinary heritage, food cooked in the purest way – made from history, in a kitchen and bar built from scratch... and of course, a little bit of romance… Hands down, the best and tops my list of restaurant recommendations. Very authentic taste of East Mediterranean cuisine. An inspiration to many restaurants and home chefs to create recipes and cook delicious dishes such as the ones you can enjoy in his restaurant. I invite you to read this mouthwatering review.

Amr opened his restaurant back in December 2019 - at the very peak, and surviving the toughest times over the past one year, coming out bigger and better. Do not let his seemingly introvert appearance fool you. He is the absolute extrovert in everything he does, and you will see it in the details. The bar that he built from scratch, the menu he created single handed and in the way he charms his guests to overeat willingly. Since the first opening and eating at his restaurant lately, I was completely blown away by how Amr has elevated everything, especially the food presentation and taste. Unbelievable.


COLD MEZZA
Tabbouleh 210 baht
Mouhamara 270 baht
Labne 210 baht
Hommus + Beef fillet 310 baht
Hommus 210 baht
Warak Enab 220 baht

“Appetizers” were served and instantly I was experiencing a loss of control, the table was quickly disappearing under the ceramic bowls and hot plates of beautiful dishes. The soulful Hommus dishes blended lavishly with tahini was insanely smooth and fluffy, a ring of silky perfection. Labne is deceptively described as “just strained yogurt, olive oil, fresh mint and zaatar” but at first taste, my head spun wild from the heavy romance of texture and fragrance. Easily mistaken for hommus at first glance the savoury Mouhamara is your quintessential Middle Eastern starter that pairs nicely with hommus. Warak Enab means ‘leaves of grapes’ in Lebanese, otherwise known as vine leaves, here it is stuffed with rice and herbs cooked until it is tender and juicy, served straight from the pot while it is still hot.

And we’ve only just started.

​HOT MEZZA
Falafel 190 baht
Makanek 290 baht
Vela Liver Alexandria 290 baht

These dishes - life changing. A few bites into the chickpeas croquettes served with tahini, and you will be taken to Falafel heaven. Unlike any you have eaten. The homemade Lebanese sausages Makanek uses the best lamb – grilled than sautéed with Lebanese pomegranate molasses. Particularly good mopped up with freshly baked pita bread straight from oven to table. The Veal Liver Alexandria came - and OMG, the food chemistry that was going on here?! You could taste the passion and the attention given to this dish. Exceptionally good ingredients, perfect cooking, mousse-like texture that was so light yet exploding with flavour – it was SO tasty!

MAINS
Mixed Grill Platter 690 baht
Arayes Lahm 350 baht
Samaka Harra Tripoli 490 baht
 
It was like each dish was better than the previous. The garnish happy, flavour-bomb Mixed Grill Platter is next level delicious, a loaded combination of warm spices and variety of meat that was moist and cooked to perfection. You can’t go wrong ordering this! The gorgeous looking Arayes Lahm dish of spiced lamb mince stuffed between two Saj bread chargrilled. And as the finale to the main courses, the Samaka Harra Tripoli is one spiced secret discovered that I am happy to share with all! Delicate white fish topped with delicious hot tangy tahini sauce, served with Lebanese rice .. this is my ultimate comfort food. Fish and rice, the best!

DESSERTS
Baklawa Walnuts 160 baht
Baklawa Pistachio 160 baht
Om Ali 250 baht
 
The sweetest ending to this amazing dinner spread – you will need numerous napkins to blot up the syrup glistening from your smiling face. Baklawa Pistachio and Walnut were on point here - the dozens of delicate layers melt into a single tender bite soaked in sweet syrup, such a decadent treat. Also had Om Ali which means ‘Mother of Ali’ which is a very famous Egyptian desert, eaten simply at home, weddings or any special occasions! The Middle Eastern version of bread pudding. This dish apparently is named after the wife of the Sultan of Egypt who asked her cooks to come up with the most delicious dessert they could make. Most delicious, indeed!

Dine in, pick up or delivery straight to your doorstep! Planning a party, or group gathering in your home - catering is also available! Nothing the team can’t do - just let Amr know what you require and it will be done!

Levantine is also a 100% Halal, Kosher friendly and does not serve pork.

Location: Cherngtalay
Open: 11.30 – 22.00
Tel: 0897314373

Christine is a Malaysian expat living in Phuket since 2015. As a Marketing & Communications specialist, she has worked and lived across South East Asia for 13+ years. Christine, better known as ‘Chrissy’ is a food enthusiast, dog lover and travel buff! She loves exploring new cuisines, new places and meeting new people from all around the world to share stories and experiences. When she is not busy working, she indulges in connecting with food with her tummy and with her heart. Her soul craves street food, intriguing venues and the story of the people behind them.
www.facebook.com/chrissyeatsphuket

another web / publication by IMAGE asia
© 2024 Where to Eat in Phuket - Publications by IMAGE asia