Barbar is great for quick and tasty food on the go. With multiple branches around the city, my favourite are the Hamra ones. There are three around a cross roads and they’re open 24/7. One offers cooked food, including kebabs and grilled meats, another has juices and ice cream, and the third is a bakery selling pastries and manoushe, the typical Lebanese breakfast dish of soft doughy bread topped with cheese and/or zaatar.
Barbar has a huge choice of dishes, including sandwiches, daily dishes, grilled meats, and lots of mezze (houmous, falafel, kibbeh, samboussek), plus the Lebanese salads such as tabbouleh and fattoush. Portions are generous and service is super-fast. My favourite is the beef or chicken shawarma, which is served with a generous plate of pickles if you dine in. Barbar is worth a visit for its bustle and charm, and to watch people from all walks of Beiruti society.
