The Lebanese capital was once famed as “the Paris of the middle east”. Following the end of the second world war, Beirut became a popular tourist destination and financial hub. Due to the region’s French colonial past, vibrant culture and intellectual life, the city earned this nickname and was booming in the 60s.
Despite the gradual waning of this title following civil wars, sectarian conflict and very recently political and economic upheaval, the city still holds dear some of its French cultural remnants, notably the crepe! Originating in the northwest of France, this thin pancake made from flour, milk and eggs is a hit in Lebanon.
There were a range of options to choose from with this street vendor including white chocolate crunch and nutella chocolate with banana. The pancake mixture is spread across a hot surface with a cool utensil.
Within minutes the flat pancake is cooked, and the inside is filled with our chosen filling.
It is then parcelled up nicely and cut int little bits. The way it is served is distinct from in France where they fold it into a triangular shape and it’s common to bite bits off at a time, almost like how you’d eat a sandwich.
In Beirut, they cut the crepe into fairly large squares and you devour with the help of a fork. This incredible dessert was bursting at its seams with nutella chocolate! The texture was different from the French crepes I’ve tried. The pancake tasted a little thicker and chewier than in Paris which meant by the end of it I was feeling pretty full!
PRICING
7500 Lebanese Pounds (£4.01).
HALAL INDEX
All suitable for vegetarians and Halal