By now, everybody in Kuwait has noticed the beautiful sight of the very famous Lebanese restaurant Babel on the seaside. The award-winning Lebanese restaurant sits on the beach front and attracts tourists as well as locals every day. The restaurant mostly runs by reservation, however Bebabel, its sister brand in The Avenues Mall is just as exquisite but caters to a more fast- paced crowd. Located in Grand Avenues, it is a suitable stop for shoppers, although many people go to the Avenues just for lunch at Bebabel.
It feels like yesterday when we first noticed the “Bebabel Coming Soon” sign. Bebabel opened its doors on November 6, 2018 and many people assumed that it was going to be another Babel branch. Instead, it is a spin-off that was created to offer mall visitors a new take on progressive Lebanese cuisine in a casual chic environment. New recipes were introduced that supported quicker, less formal meals but with all the enjoyment of a luxury experience.
The menu does not lack variety from breakfast dishes, salads, mezzes, mixed grills, coffee and dessert making it a perfect stop for anytime during the day. The food itself is prepared with fresh local ingredients and served crisp directly from the kitchen to your table.
One of the exclusives in Bebabel is the Talatas, which is a fun twist on the word “threes” in Arabic. The Talatas takes influence from Spanish cuisine (tapas), which is generally a snack or appetizer. At Bebabel, instead of ordering several big portions of different appetizers, you can order up to three different appetizers that come on one big platter. Ideal for sharing!
Another great plate that is served for sharing purposes is the Falafel or Grilled Vegetable dipping platter. The Falafel comes with tomato, parsley and pickles with tarator sauce, while the grilled vegetable plate is served with a grainy mustard sauce.
A superstar on the menu are the Tarhas, which is far from your typical flatbread. Their options for Tarhas range from chicken and cheese, beef shawarma, and falafel to Kafta.
You must leave room for Bebabel’s Bel Brownies and the Riz Be Halib. The Bel Brownies dessert is brownies and caramel served with mhalabieh ice cream. A common delicacy in Lebanon (mhalabieh) with a western twist. The Riz Be Halib also has a subtle spin, served with lemon sorbet. One of the most popular desserts is the Karabij, which is karabij with haleweh, ghazel and pistachio served with haleweh icecream.
In Bebabel, the dining experience is accentuated with bodacious, elegant elements throughout the space which are inspired by Lebanese heritage. The arches, which are the center of attention within the space feel like you’re taking a walk through Lebanon’s streets and watching the vernacular architecture and magnificent designs of the houses. At Bebabel, it is all about living in the moment and taking in the modern and progressive image of the restaurant.
Bebabel makes us feel modern and hip while still enjoying generational foods. Bebabel gives you the option of stepping into a space created for the daily customer to savor progressive flavors of the Middle East.
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