Whenever I think of having a healthy fresh breakfast outside my own kitchen, Saj Al Balad comes to my mind.

Saj bread is a type of unleavened flatbread that is baked on a domed or convex metal griddle known as saj. It’s very known in the Middle East, and here in Lebanon it is usually done in villages in the South, but here in Beirut I can think of Saj Al Balad for such an experience.

Saj Al Balad is a small breakfast/ falafel shop that gives you the intimate experience of a dine-in for a maximum of 3-4 people as you can either eat next to the saj metal griddle or outside on the sidewalk. However, the owner will make you feel welcome whenever you visit!

My favorite to order is a Labne saj with vegetables (cucumber, tomato, black olives, roquet and mint leaves) with a pinch of salt and thyme and a cup of hot tea. Meanwhile, you can always try their falafel sandwiches or potato or chard fatayer (filled triangular wrapped dough).

Oh I forgot to mention that because Saj Al Balad’s spot is strategic in that it’s close to a hospital and the General Directorate of Internal Security Forces, they provide printing services! I always see some Internal Security Forces employees passing by this shop for their breakfast, snack, or lunch takeaways!