We have had a particular spot in our hearts for all the food that is served at Mais Alghanim. From their promotional Modern Signatures menu, that is annually refreshed, to their classic menu items. Since the restaurant opened in 1953, the quality and taste has never let us down when we had cravings for authentic Lebanese flavors, and now their breakfast menu has finally launched at the restaurant’s seaside branch on the Gulf Road.
We enjoyed the lovely experience of trying out the “Breakfast At Mais” menu. While we were tasting all the dishes, we were enthralled by the seaside view in front of us. Even after many years, the picture-perfect view remains beautiful and breathtaking as it always has been, especially in the morning.
The feast first began with the cold appetizers, which included a selection of bread and jams in a basket, along with a platter of vegetables and a cheese platter with different kinds of cheese such as Shallal, Baladi, Kashkaaval and Halloumi. As cheesy as it sounds, you can’t say “Lebanese food,” without Labneh, and Mais gave us the creamiest Labneh filled with green olives and olive oil, plus Labneh balls, which are perfect if you’re seeking a texture other than the heavenly creamy one.
We then moved onto the hot appetizers, with an even greater variety of dishes available, right on time for winter to keep us warm and satisfied. Our absolute favorites were the Grilled Halloumi with tomatoes and olives, the delightfully Baked Feta Cheese, Hummus with Minced Meat. Finally, the ultimate stars, Egyptian Foul and Foul Abu Emile, both serving different flavors depending on your preference. Mais have also included some items from their Vegan options like the Falafel, Balila, Musabbaha, and Mixed Fried Veggies, making sure everyone feels included.
You might actually settle for a simple breakfast from both the hot and cold appetizers, but there’s much more to the menu than you can imagine, quickly calling us for an instant family and friends brunch. The variety of choices on the Eggs section alone is pleasing, from Chef’s Shakshouka, Egg White Omelet with Feta Cheese & Rocca, to the fantastical and a definitive must-try dish, the Poached Eggs with Labneh & Mint sauce. If you’re not a fan of trying out something new, you will still have the choice of going for a simple Sunny Side Up, or Scrambled Eggs, especially the one with caramelized onions.
The breakfast at Mais will leaves you spoiled for choice. There are various Saj selections, from Zaatar to Nutella with bananas. And for Fatteh lovers, don’t miss trying out the Hummus Fatteh from this section. Speaking of sweets, after a lovely breakfast feast, we ended on a high note with a dessert dish called Layali Libnan, which is a Semolina Pudding that includes bananas, cream, and honey. We also had the refreshing Dasman teapot that has orange peel, cinnamon, and dry roses to stave off our inevitable food coma.
The breakfast at Mais Alghanim is one you can’t go wrong with. Whether you are out for breakfast or brunch with family and friends and want to go to a place where wonderful Lebanese flavors are served with a view like no other, now you’ll know exactly where to head out to.
The breakfast menu is served from 8 – 11:30 AM only at Mais Alghanim which is located on the Gulf Road near the Kuwait Towers (2225 1155). For more information, follow @Maisalghanim on Instagram. Photos by bazaar Studios
