Magic On A Plate

A quick and delightful culinary trip to the Levant is what Bushra Hakim experienced at Zahrat Al Fayrouz at Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain.

I t’s not every day you feel like you’re stepping into a storybook. But that’s exactly how it felt when I arrived at Zahrat Al Fayrouz, tucked away in the grand Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain. The purpose of my visit was to try out its newly launched extended menu, a much-anticipated addition that promised to show the finest of Lebanese cuisine. After marvelling at the sprawling grandeur of the building, I found myself descending from the opulent lobby to the basement, wondering what awaited below. Little did I know I was about to be transported into a magical dream.

The ambience is a beautiful symphony of design elements: rattan details, jewel-toned cushions, intricate lattice screens and golden chandeliers that cast a soft, enchanting glow. Blue accents run through the space, giving it a tranquil yet luxurious feel. Overhead, the ceilings are adorned with oriental rugs, unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. Fairouz’s timeless music, playing gently in the background, completes the spellbinding vibe. The outdoor area, perfect for hookah under the stars, tempted me but the chill of the evening led me to a cosy indoor table surrounded by stunning décor.

Of course, the magic truly began when the food arrived. First up was the restaurant’s signature drink, Fayrouz Passion. I was immediately enchanted by its beautiful turquoise hue. Made out of homemade grapefruit syrup and passion fruit, it was sweet yet tart, light, refreshing and paired well with the plates that followed. The first dish from the cold mezze to arrive was a unique twist on the classic Muhammara. It was transformed into neat little balls of walnut and chilli paste, coated with crushed walnuts and placed atop slices of cucumber. The freshness of the cucumber paired beautifully with the creamy, nutty muhammara, offering a creative start to the meal. The Labneh W Makdous was equally special. The labneh itself was smooth and fresh but the pickled eggplants stuffed with walnuts and garlic took the dish to a whole new level. Slightly sour, with a delightful texture from the nuts, it was light yet deeply satisfying.

The Hummus Beiruti also deserves a mention. It wasn’t the hummus I grew up eating – it was better. Creamy, nutty and brightened with lemon, cumin and parsley, it had layers of flavour that surprised me. But if I had to crown a winner from the mezze, it might just be the Kibbeh Nayyeh. Who knew raw beef could taste so delicate? It was rich and creamy, with a slight sweetness and tang that kept me coming back for more.

Everything was complemented by freshly baked pita bread, which deserves a special mention. Warm, soft and pillowy, it was the perfect vessel for scooping up the mezze and was, quite frankly, irresistible. All this was enjoyed with a side of Fayrouz Salad.

As if that wasn’t enough, the Mixed Falafel Platter arrived. Now, I’ve eaten my fair share of falafel, but these were special. Three kinds – one stuffed with onions and sumac, another with cheese and the classic version. They were perfectly crispy on the outside, soft yet grainy on the inside and somehow not greasy at all. The onion-sumac falafel had a tangy kick, while the cheese-stuffed one was creamy and indulgent. I could’ve eaten an entire platter of these alone!

Then came the Chicken Shawarma Fatteh, and let me tell you, this dish was comfort food on another level. The crispy fried bread soaked in creamy yogurt and tahini was already a win but add the perfectly seasoned shawarma chicken and bursts of freshness from the pomegranate seeds, and you’ve got magic on a plate. It was a symphony of textures – crunchy, creamy and juicy all at once.

By the time the main courses arrived, I was convinced nothing could top what I’d already tasted. I was wrong. The Kebab Roll was genius. Imagine a soft, tender beef kebab encased in bread that resembled a fatayer, with gooey mozzarella cheese hiding inside. It was hearty, cheesy and just indulgent enough without being heavy. The side of fries was a simple yet satisfying addition. The Hamour Siyadiyeh, on the other hand, felt like tradition brought to life. The fish was fresh and flaky, with a light batter that didn’t overpower its delicate taste. The Siyadiyeh rice was the real star here – fragrant with Arabic spices, topped with fried onions and crunchy nuts. It was comforting, nostalgic and everything I love about Middle Eastern food. The parsley-tahina sauce on the side added just the right amount of brightness.

As full as I was, dessert was impossible to resist. The Nammoura & Ice Cream was the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes with every bite – the cake was soft and crumbly on the inside, with crispy edges and a gentle sweetness that wasn’t overpowering. Paired with vanilla ice cream, it was the perfect balance of warm and cold. The Riz Bil Halib (rice pudding) was equally delightful topped with coconut flakes – it was smooth, creamy and moderately sweet, with the pistachios adding a lovely crunch.

Every dish we tried, no matter how generous, felt light and fresh – an unmistakable sign of culinary excellence. If you’re craving a nostalgic taste of Levantine cuisine or simply seeking an escape into a magical dining experience, Zahrat Al Fayrouz deserves a top spot on your list. ✤

GO: CALL 3366 3466 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION.