Al Mijana

Authentic food in the style of Beirut's finest Discuss this article

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From Time Out Dubai Eating Out 2008

The key to delivering true authenticity is in not trying too hard, and Al Mijana provides a portal from the Gulf back to the shores of the Med without seeming to exert itself too onerously.

Reminiscent of the restaurants perched on the slopes of Lebanon’s mountain ranges, this place is reliably packed with exiled Beiruitis hankering for a true flavour of their homeland. Start with some salty fattoush topped with crisp Arabic bread to balance the creaminess of the wonderful hummus Beiruti.

Of a similar exemplary standard is the kibbeh nayyeh, or raw minced lamb, which compensates for a slight paucity of bulgur wheat with stacks of subtly-spiced flavour. A samkeharra – spicy hammour served with tomato sauce and vegetables – could perhaps do with a little extra kick, but any slight misgivings are soon allayed by an epically proportioned mixed grill replete with skewers of grilled chicken, kibbeh, lamb chops and beef.

Finish off with an apple shisha and a punchy brew of Turkish coffee, and you’ll see why this is such a home from home for so many Lebanese people.

• Previous reviews
  • 12 March,2007- reviewed by Time Out Dubai Staff
  • 30 April,2006- reviewed by Time Out Dubai
  • 01 July,2005- reviewed by Matthew Lee
  • 01 March,2003- reviewed by Rob Orchard

Time Out reviews restaurants anonymously and pays for meals. Of course, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or independence of user reviews.