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
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
L'Artisan du Liban
Souvenir shop made in Lebanon
"L'Artisan du Liban" is a social movement in Beirut that's keeping local art and artisans alive. I usually buy gifts for my locals friends here...
by
Viera
Obeid
Hajj Nasr
Typical Lebanese sandwiches
"Hajj Nasr" is the most famous sandwich place in Beirut and the whole of Lebanon! The best seller is definitely the kafta one...
by
Viera
Obeid
Mar Maroun Church
A place for reflection
"Mar Maroun Church" in Beirut is Lebannon's biggest Maronite church. You can see the Arab influence on the architecture. Bonus points: I was married here!
by
Viera
Obeid
Institute Yakout
Manicure is a MUST
"Institute Yakout" is not just another beauty salon: here it's like you're among friends. Yakout will make you coffee with a huge smile & chat with you...
by
Viera
Obeid
George Nakhle Coiffure
THE place for your hair
"George Nakhle Coiffure" in Beirut is my hairdresser of preference. I don't know what it is, but I can always trust him to prepare me for my night out!
by
Viera
Obeid
Sarah's Bag
Lebanese fashion
"Sarah's Bag" in Beirut is a Lebanese fashion brand that aims to empower the women who wear their beautiful bags as well as those who make them...
by
Viera
Obeid
Walking in Achrafieh
Meeting the locals
Walking in Achrafieh and meeting the locals in Beirut, especially the groups of old people, has made me feel like I'm really part of a big village...
by
Viera
Obeid
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:
