Eating at Taj Beirut is like dropping in on a Lebanese friend for a homecooked meal. Shades of green welcome you to the sparse but homey dining room.

The spread of food we ordered was sometimes familiar-reminiscent of Middle Eastern meals past-and at times exotic. Several classic dishes surprised us with nuances of new flavor and texture. We led off with hummus (RMB20), a smooth version that spreads lightly on pita. Bites of their chunky eggplant, tomato and herb dip (RMB20) pleasantly segue to a creamy finish.

The unique addition of mint to a salad of greens, parsley and toasted pita pieces (RMB20) gives it an interesting tang. While the quintessential shawarma (RMB35) and shish kebab (RMB38) are competent, their lamb preparations are what brought us closest to the Lebanese experience¨Cor at least, what we imagine it to be. Kufta ezmeer (meatballs in stew, RMB40) and marinated ground kebabs (RMB40) eaten with bowlfuls of Arabic rice topped with pine nuts and fried vermicelli (RMB6) had us longing for a shisha. Hospitably enough, the chef obliged us with a puff of his own pipe. At such friendly prices, you may explore to your heart's content. Andrea Y. See

Taj Beirut
Perfect For: some friendly Arabic flavor on a budget
Add: 649 Hankou Lu
Tel:021-6352-2590