Mariam Nihal

Saudi Gazette

 

Leila is a hidden treasure of gastronomical pleasure in the heart of Downtown Dubai. Perched between numerous cosmopolitan shops and cafes, Leila returns lost authenticity in the marketplace.



It is also the perfect spot to gather on special occasions with friends and family. Luckily it focuses on authentic cuisine versus the contemporary fusion served at every nook and corner. With shisha to complement food, drinks and traditional Lebanese desserts, you can easily spend quality time if not hours, with your close ones in an intimate setting.



The outdoors is typically styled with comfortable low-slung couches and chairs in purple and shades of grey, but the pistachio-green pastel colors indoors, set the tone for a relaxed ambiance. Even the crockery reminds you of mom’s kitchen. With a glass window in front of the live cooking station, Leila creates an interactive setting for its customers.



They key is the mix of comfort and sophistication. Leila has managed to expand their kitchens to Mirdif City Center as well, but maintain their USP (unique selling preposition) with their unique tone of comfort and understated elegance in presentation.



Start with their styled mezzes and salads and move on to delicious meat platters including a healthy portion for health fanatics. Try the fattoush with cheese rolls, fattet hommous and kibbeh. If you are there for breakfast try lahmeh bil ajine, labnah and egg with qawarma and zaatar. But what you really need to try is their assortment of kebabs that are grilled to perfection and are marinated with mild flavors that adds a delightful zing to the dish.

 

If you are one of those watching what you eat, try the ‘Leila Light Chicken’ and ‘Kafta Bel Laban’ from the grilled variety.  Kafta meat served with yoghurt, toasted Lebanese bread and pine nuts.



If you are just there for drinks and shisha, try the selection of fresh juices or qahwa (Arabic coffee) with many flavors of shisha including grape, mint, apple and more. And do not leave without dessert. That is not a request.



Try the ashta with honey, or mafrouket foustoq served with pudding and pistachios and their special rice pudding helou min libnan with sensational flavors of mastika powder, cinnamon, rose water and orange blossom water with many others. For chocolate aficionados, try the warm chocolate infused crepe with bananas and ice cream. Legend says the name originates from a girl named Leila who learned the craft of authentic Lebanese cuisine from her grand mother.



With a setting that resonates with home and childhood memories, people end up spending hours unwinding and surrendering to the heavenly cuisine making it an experience that begs you to return one more time.

Kafta bel Laban

Servings: Four



Ingredients



• 1 pound ground beef

• 65g parsley, finely chopped

• 65g onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Garlic powder

• Ground paprika

• Ground black pepper

• Salt

• 40g breadcrumbs

• 1 egg

• 340g plain yogurt

• Pine nuts

• 2 pieces Lebanese bread



Instructions



1. Preheat grill to high heat.



2. Mix beef, parsley, onion, garlic, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, salt, breadcrumbs and egg in a large bowl.



3. Wet fingers and hands and mold meat mixture around skewers in a long, log shape.



4. Grill until meat is no longer pink.



5. Coat Lebanese bread with olive oil using pastry brush and place on baking sheet.



6. Bake in oven until golden and toasted.



7. Let cool and break it up into medium pieces.



8. Cover bottom of dish with toasted Lebanese bread.



9. Top with meat and generous amount of yogurt on top.



10. Sprinkle with pine nuts.



11. Garnish with slices of tomato and mint leaves (if desired).