Beirut

Sometimes people wonder why Beach Road in Singapore is called Beach Road. I mean where is the beach? One of the reasons why Singaporeans are so stressed is simply because we are changing at breakneck pace. A building was suddenly gone. When you next drove past, something else was under constriction. If you do not pass by for some months, suddenly a new landmark was created.

Older folks may find it even more puzzling and get lost in the frenzy and quagmire of the rapidly changing city landscape. Smacked right next to Beach Road where the beach once was is an enclave of historical landmark now turned into rows of restaurants just right after Ophir Road beginning with Haji Lane, Arab Street and Bussorah Street. Going further right behind these lanes will lead you to Muscat Street, Kandahar Street and Sultan Gate.

It was here that I was recently introduced by friends to this Beirut Fine Lebanese Cuisine, located at 72 Bussorah Street, next to Arab Street along Beach Road. They serve 100% Halal Middle-Eastern food, fine and authentic Lebanese and Arabic cuisine. I read about the cuisine and took a look at the menu and knew not what to order. It helped to have experienced friends around.

Hummus, hummus, hummus. Hummus is a Middle-Eastern food dip or spread cooked from chick peas blended with garlic, olive oil and so on. It is also an everyday meal in Israel regardless of Jews or Arabs. It is like a national food.

The restaurant is relax and you almost feel like "okay so this is how Beirut feels like".

Gazing right across the street, I found what should be an angler's delight - Lure Haven. A lure is a fish's temptation even though they are not real food of course and those who can't resist will get hooked but when they realised it is too late.

The ice breaker was a good cold beer served in a nice chilled glass.

A lovely place to chill and to explore. I saw someone smoking a shisha, a water pipe for smoking flavoured tobacco that passed through water before inhalation.

The pita was fabulous. Spread the hummus!

Here you are with the hummus.

Then the different cuts of meat. The chicken was really good.

The calamari was tender and spicy.

The lamb was out of this world. Tandoori lamb? Fabulous!

It is fitting indeed for Middle-Eastern cuisine to be found in the area. It is our heritage and history as well. Glad to have tried and perhaps to do it again in the near future.