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If you’re a food enthusiast, you must have heard of Lebanese cuisine, renowned for its bold flavours, unique combinations of spices, and abundant fresh ingredients. One of Lebanese cuisine’s most popular and delightful aspects is its Mezzas, small, flavourful dishes meant to be shared among friends and family.

If you’re in Australia and looking to experience the authentic taste of Lebanese food in Newtown, look no further than Arabella – the best Lebanese restaurant in Newtown. In this article, we will take you on a culinary journey to explore the fascinating world of Lebanese mezzas, their flavours, and how you can indulge in them at Arabella.

What are Lebanese Mezzas?

Lebanese mezzas are a delightful and diverse array of small dishes integral to Lebanese cuisine. Mezzas are typically served as appetisers or shared plates, showcasing Lebanese food’s rich flavours, textures, and ingredients. From creamy dips like hummus and baba ganoush to crispy falafel, flavourful kibbeh, and grilled meats and vegetables, Lebanese mezzas offer a tantalising taste adventure for food enthusiasts. These small plates are often served with fresh bread, pickles, and other accompaniments, allowing diners to create unique flavour combinations. Lebanese mezzas are not only delicious, but they also reflect Lebanon’s rich cultural heritage and culinary traditions, making them a must-try for anyone looking to explore the flavours of the Middle East.

Flavours and Ingredients of Lebanese Mezzas

Lebanese mezzas are a burst of flavours that tantalise the taste buds and leave you craving more. The flavours of Lebanese mezzas are a beautiful amalgamation of sweet, tangy, savoury, and spicy, creating a symphony of taste in your mouth. Some of the common flavours that you can expect in Lebanese mezzas include:

1. Zesty Citrus

Lebanese mezzas often incorporate fresh citrus flavours, such as lemon, lime, and sumac, which add a tangy and refreshing taste to the dishes.

2. Fragrant Spices

Lebanese cuisine is known for its unique blend of spices, which include cinnamon, cumin, coriander, and allspice, among others. These spices add warmth, depth, and complexity to the flavours of Lebanese mezzas.

3. Creamy Tahini

Tahini, a paste made from sesame seeds, is a staple ingredient in Lebanese mezzas. It adds a creamy and nutty flavour to the dishes and is often used in popular mezzas like hummus and baba ganoush.

4. Fresh Herbs

Fresh herbs like parsley, mint, and cilantro are commonly used in Lebanese mezzas, adding freshness and brightness to the flavours.

5. Rich Olive Oil

Olive oil is a key ingredient in Lebanese cuisine and is used abundantly in mezzas. It adds a rich and smooth texture to the dishes and enhances the flavours of other ingredients.

6. Sweet Pomegranate Molasses

Pomegranate molasses, a thick syrup made from pomegranate juice, is another common ingredient in Lebanese mezzas. It adds a sweet and tangy flavour, balancing out the other flavours in the dish. Some popular ingredients used in Lebanese mezzas include chickpeas, eggplants, lamb, yoghurt, feta cheese, and olives. These fresh and wholesome ingredients are carefully selected and combined to create the unique and vibrant flavours of Lebanese mezzas.

Types of Lebanese Mezzas

Lebanese mezzas come in various forms, from dips and spreads to grilled meats and vegetables. Here are some of the popular types of Lebanese mezzas that you can savour at Arabella – the best Lebanese restaurant in Newtown:

1. Hummus

Hummus is a classic Lebanese mezza that has gained worldwide popularity. It is made from cooked and mashed chickpeas blended with tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil, resulting in a creamy and flavourful dip perfect for scooping with pita bread.

2. Baba Ganoush

Baba Ganoush is a smoky and luscious dip made from roasted eggplants, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. It has a velvety and rich texture with a delightful smoky flavour, making it a must-try mezza for eggplant lovers.

3. Falafel

Falafel is a deep-fried ball or patty made from ground chickpeas or fava beans mixed with spices and herbs. It has a crispy exterior and a moist and flavourful interior and is often served with tahini sauce and pita bread.

4. Tabouleh

Tabouleh is a refreshing salad made from bulgur (cracked wheat), tomatoes, parsley, mint, onions, lemon juice, and olive oil. It has a tangy and herbaceous flavour, with a pleasant crunch from the bulgur, making it a popular mezza for those who enjoy light and refreshing salads.

5. Kibbeh

Kibbeh is a traditional Lebanese dish made from minced meat (usually lamb or beef) mixed with bulgur, spices, and onions. It is shaped into balls or patties and can be fried or baked. Kibbeh has a savoury and spiced flavour and is often served with yoghurt sauce.

6. Fattoush

Fattoush is a vibrant Lebanese salad made from mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, and crispy pita bread. It is dressed with a tangy sumac vinaigrette, which gives it a unique and refreshing flavour.

7. Sambousek

Sambousek is a popular Lebanese appetiser comprising small, crispy pastries filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables. It is usually deep-fried, resulting in a crispy and flavourful bite-sized mezza.

8. Labneh

Labneh is a strained yoghurt cheese commonly served as a mezza in Lebanese cuisine. It has a creamy and tangy flavour and is often drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with herbs for added taste.

9. Grilled Meats and Vegetables

Lebanese cuisine is known for its succulent grilled meats and vegetables, which are often served as mezzas. From juicy and tender lamb kebabs to flavourful and smoky-grilled eggplants, these grilled mezzas delight meat and vegetable lovers alike.

Indulge in Lebanese Mezzas at Arabella – The Best Lebanese Restaurant in Newtown

If you’re a food enthusiast or someone looking to try new and exotic flavours, mezzas are a must-try. With their diverse range of flavours, textures, and ingredients, Lebanese mezzas are a culinary adventure that can transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Lebanon. From creamy hummus and smoky baba ganoush to crispy falafel and savoury kibbeh, Lebanese mezzas offer flavours that will tantalise your senses.

When enjoying authentic Lebanese mezzas in Newtown, Arabella is the go-to restaurant. With our wide selection of delicious mezzas, cosy ambience, friendly staff, and commitment to quality, Arabella offers an unparalleled dining experience. From intimate dinners to group gatherings, Arabella provides a warm and inviting atmosphere where you can savour the rich flavours of Lebanese cuisine and create cherished memories.

So, head to Arabella, the best Lebanese restaurant in Newtown, and embark on a culinary journey with our exquisite Lebanese mezzas. Let your taste buds be captivated by the authentic flavours of Lebanon, and experience the warm hospitality that Arabella is renowned for. Book your table today and treat yourself to a delightful dining experience at Arabella!