Farrouj Zaghal Beirut
1966 Chicken Restuarant
When you walk the busy main street of Noueiry neighborhood, and reach a crowd of people standing at a restaurant, know that you've reached the iconic Farrouj Zaghal.
The Arabic word "farrouj" translates to "chicken" in English, and serving the chicken after cooking it on gas while horizontally rolling it on a stick has been popular in Beirut since the 1940s. However, Saeed Zaghal, the owner of this takeaway restaurant has been in this business since he was 16 years old when his father decided to open such a shop in 1966 knowing that his son will be learning a new profession, and Saeed adapted and mastered it quickly!
What makes the chicken sandwiches different at Zaghal's is that they're wrapped in a "Marqouq bread" which was not popular in Beirut back in the 60s, but was brought to the capital Beirut from the villages of Lebanon. So Saeed started selling sandwiches with this bread, and he found the people of the city are enjoying it, so he adopted this concept!
This restaurant doesn't have seating, so it's perfect for takeaway or grabbing a sandwich and eating it on the sidewalk. You can always pass by it and see Saeed sitting on a chair at the door of his store every day from 05:00 A.M. till 02:00 P.M. and even start a spontaneous conversation about the history of this city and his memories of it.
Find your way with 179 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Beirut
Joe Penas
Mexican Cuisine, Exquisite Cocktails
The menu offers a diverse range of Mexican & Tex-Mex items like Tacos, Quesadillas, Fajita, and Burritos. They also serve Margaritas and Daquiries...
by
Tala
Ladki
Al Makari Sweets
A disappearing Beiruti dessert
"Al Makari Sweets" in Beirut makes authentic mufata'a dessert. It's hard to make, thus it's hard to find, but they make it like my grandma used to...
by
Najat
Kibbi
Sugar Shake
A hidden shakes destination
At "Sugar Shake" right behind Beit Beirut Museum, you will be served one of the freshest and tastiest smoothies & frozen yogurts you can have in the city!
by
Samira
Ezzo
Le Mikado
My go-to flower shop
"Le Mikado" in Beirut has been providing customers with (dried) flowers and arrangements since the '50s. I just love their display outside the shop...
by
Samira
Ezzo
Kalei
Specialty coffee in Ras Beyrouth
"Kalei" isn't just one of my favorite specialty coffee spots in Beirut - the building it occupies has been around since the 1800s, and you can tell!
by
Samira
Ezzo
Liza
A fancy dining spot
"Liza" in Beirut in the 19th-century palace is the place to go if you want to dine luxuriously with a menu and presentation that are 'lavishly perfect'...
by
Samira
Ezzo
Mansion
20th-century public space
"Mansion" Blatt in Beirut is a 20th-century villa that's been turned into a shared coworking & creative space used by designers, artists, architects & more.
by
Samira
Ezzo
Assabil
My haven away from chaos
My favorite "Assabil" Public Library in Beirut is in Monnot. It's always active with events, whether virtual or real-life ones and full of youth!
by
Samira
Ezzo
Crypt Museum
Underneath a cathedral
An exciting part of this museum is that at some point, if you look up, you'll be looking through a glass ceiling that shows the church right above you.
by
Samira
Ezzo
Garden of Forgiveness
Cardo and Decumanus Maximus
The "Garden of Forgiveness" in Beirut is a vast space that was properly unveiled during excavations after the Civil War. Come observe its beauty & history.
by
Samira
Ezzo
Barzakh Bookshop
Reclaiming Hamra's Identity
"Barzakh Bookshop" in Beirut is the ultimate definition of a hidden gem. It's a cultural melting pot of literary rebels from around the world...
by
Samira
Ezzo
Beit Beirut
Beirut's museum of memory
"Beit Beirut", or the Yellow Building, has been standing since 1924. It survived the Civil War and is now used as a center for exhibitions & events...
by
Samira
Ezzo
Heading to Beirut?
179 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Beirut?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 179 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Beirut
Our team loves Beirut
Get to know our other Spotters from Beirut
As featured on:
