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There’s something undeniably enchanting about gathering around a table laden with an array of small dishes, each bursting with flavour. This is the essence of a Lebanese mezze platter available at Arabella Newtown and many Lebanese restaurants in Sydney. Beyond being a mere collection of appetisers, mezze is a culinary journey that invites sharing, conversation, and a celebration of taste. From creamy and comforting to the bold and adventurous, a mezze platter offers a diverse range of flavours including the best Lebanese food in Sydney to cater to your palate. 

Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or a lively soirée, a Lebanese mezze platter is the perfect way to kick off your culinary adventure.

The Art of Mezze

Mezze is more than just a prelude to the main course; it’s often the star of the show. This style of eating allows diners to sample a variety of flavours and textures, creating a personalised culinary adventure. The beauty of mezze lies in its versatility – you can mix and match dishes to suit any palate or dietary requirement.

Now, let’s explore some standout mezze dishes that will make your taste buds dance and your guests clamour for more.

Kebbih Malsa:

Picture this: lean minced Wagyu beef, expertly seasoned and topped with a medley of flavours that sing in harmony. The Kebbih Malsa is a prime example of how Lebanese cuisine can take a simple concept and turn it into a masterpiece.

The star of the show is undoubtedly the Wagyu beef. Known for its marbling and rich flavour, this premium meat is elevated further by its thoughtful toppings. The Tomme cheese adds a creamy, slightly tangy note that complements the beef’s richness. Fresh, crisp onions and radishes provide a satisfying crunch and a sharp contrast to the meat’s tenderness.

But it’s the addition of mint that really makes this dish pop. The herb’s cool, refreshing flavour cuts through the richness of the beef and cheese, creating a balanced bite. Pistachios bring another layer of texture and a subtle nutty flavour that ties everything together.

The final touch? A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. This liquid gold not only adds a fruity, peppery note but also helps to meld all the flavours together, creating a cohesive and utterly delicious dish.

Kebbih Malsa is a perfect example of how Lebanese cuisine balances flavours and textures. It’s a dish that will have your guests talking long after the last bite is gone.

Kebbih Nayyeh: Lebanon’s Answer to Sashimi

For the adventurous eater, Kebbih Nayyeh is a must-try. Often referred to as “Lebanese sashimi,” this dish is a bold celebration of raw meat, expertly prepared and seasoned to perfection.

At its core, Kebbih Nayyeh is a mix of crushed wheat and finely minced meat. But don’t let its simplicity fool you – this dish is a flavour powerhouse. The meat is typically lamb or beef, chosen for its quality and freshness. It’s then mixed with the crushed wheat, which adds a subtle nuttiness and a pleasing texture.

What really sets Kebbih Nayyeh apart is its seasoning. A blend of herbs and spices infuse the meat with layers of flavour. The addition of chilli brings a gentle heat that warms the palate without overwhelming it. Each bite is a journey through different taste sensations – from the coolness of the herbs to the warmth of the spices.

This dish is not just about taste, though. It’s also about trust. Serving raw meat requires impeccable sourcing and preparation. When you order Kebbih Nayyeh, you’re not just getting a meal; you’re experiencing the chef’s skill and the restaurant’s commitment to quality.

For those new to raw meat dishes, Kebbih Nayyeh can be an eye-opening experience at Arabella Newtown. It’s a testament to how careful preparation and seasoning can transform raw ingredients into something truly special.

Tomme (Garlic): A Zesty Palate Cleanser

In the world of mezze, it’s not all about heavy, meat-based dishes. Enter Tomme, a refreshing garlic-based concoction that serves as the perfect palate cleanser between richer bites.

Don’t let the simplicity of its ingredients fool you. This dish is a masterclass in balance and contrast. The garlic, typically raw, provides a sharp, pungent kick that’s immediately tempered by the cooling effect of crushed ice. It’s a sensation that’s both shocking and pleasing to the palate.

Lemon juice adds a bright acidity that cuts through the garlic’s intensity, while a pinch of salt enhances all the flavours. The final touch of extra virgin olive oil brings a smooth, fruity note that rounds out the dish beautifully.

What’s particularly interesting about Tomme is its texture. The crushed ice creates a granita-like consistency that’s simultaneously refreshing and intriguing. It’s a dish that engages not just your taste buds, but also your sense of touch.

Garlic Labneh: Creamy Indulgence

If Tomme is the sharp, refreshing member of the garlic family, then Garlic Labneh is its creamy, indulgent cousin. This dish takes the tangy goodness of strained yoghurt and elevates it with the addition of garlic and herbs.

Labneh itself is a marvel – yoghurt that’s been strained to remove most of its whey, resulting in a thick, creamy spread that’s both rich and refreshingly tart. The addition of garlic transforms it into something truly special. The garlic’s pungency is mellowed by the creamy labneh, creating a harmonious blend that’s impossible to resist.

Fresh mint adds a cool, refreshing note that lifts the entire dish. It’s not just there for flavour – the green specks of mint against the white labneh create a visually appealing contrast. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds a final touch of luxury and a subtle fruity note.

Garlic Labneh is incredibly versatile. Spread it on warm pita bread, use it as a dip for vegetables, or simply enjoy it by the spoonful. Its creamy texture and bold flavours make it a standout on any mezze platter.

Makanek: Sausages with a Twist

Makanek might look like ordinary sausages at first glance, but these little flavour bombs are anything but ordinary. These oven-baked treats showcase the Lebanese talent for combining unexpected flavours to create something truly memorable.

The sausages themselves are made from lean lamb mince, seasoned with a blend of spices that might include cinnamon, allspice, and cumin. This spice mix gives Makanek a warm, complex flavour profile that sets them apart from other sausages.

But the real magic happens in the cooking process. As they bake, the sausages are typically finished with a glaze of pomegranate molasses. This sweet-tart syrup caramelises in the oven, creating a sticky, delicious exterior that contrasts beautifully with the savoury meat inside.

Grilled Halloumi: The Cheese that Sizzles

No Lebanese mezze platter would be complete without the king of grilling cheeses – Halloumi. This semi-hard cheese, traditionally made from a mixture of goat’s and sheep’s milk, has a high melting point that allows it to be grilled or fried without losing its shape.

When grilled, Halloumi develops a golden-brown crust that’s crispy and slightly chewy, while the inside remains soft and creamy. The heat brings out the cheese’s natural saltiness, creating a flavour that’s both intense and satisfying.

But what makes this dish truly shine is its accompaniments. Grilled tomatoes add a burst of sweet-tart flavour that complements the salty cheese perfectly. Fresh cucumber provides a cool, crisp contrast to the warm, chewy Halloumi. A handful of peppery rocket leaves adds a pleasant bite and a pop of colour to the plate.

Hummus with Meat: A Classic, Elevated

Hummus is perhaps the most well-known Lebanese dish internationally, but this version takes the humble chickpea dip to new heights. The addition of diced lamb fillet and pine nuts transforms a familiar favourite into a luxurious treat.

The base is the classic hummus we all know and love – a smooth, creamy blend of chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. But it’s the toppings that make this dish special. Tender cubes of lamb fillet, seasoned and quickly seared, add a rich, meaty flavour that contrasts beautifully with the lighter hummus.

Pine nuts, lightly toasted to bring out their natural oils, add a delightful crunch and a subtle, buttery flavour. Their delicate taste doesn’t overpower the other elements but instead enhances them, creating a harmony of flavours and textures.

The Joy of Mezze

These seven dishes only scratch the surface of what Lebanese mezze has to offer. The beauty of mezze lies in its variety – there’s truly something for everyone. From the bold flavours of Kebbih Nayyeh to the comforting familiarity of hummus with meat, mezze platters offer a culinary journey that engages all the senses.

What makes mezze particularly special is its social aspect. These small plates are designed for sharing, encouraging conversation and connection over food. It’s not just about eating; it’s about the experience of discovering new flavours together, passing plates back and forth, and savouring each bite. You can ensure to have a great time along with the best Appetisers and authentic Lebanese food at Arabella Newtown.

Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or planning a formal event, a Lebanese mezze platter is sure to impress. It offers a flexibility that few other cuisines can match – you can easily adjust the selection to cater to different dietary requirements or preferences without compromising on flavour or presentation.

So the next time you’re looking to shake up your appetiser game, why not take a cue from Lebanese cuisine at Arabella Newtown? Create your own mezze platter, and watch as your guests delight in the flavours, textures, and communal joy that these small plates bring. After all, in Lebanon, they say that the best conversations happen over mezze – and with dishes this good, it’s easy to see why.