Libanese Snack Ghent

On the outside, and with a somewhat uninspired name, Libanese Snack doesn’t seem all that special. But every time I've walked past it I couldn’t help noticing how busy it was. Even though it’s just at the edge of the historic Patershol area, Libanese Snack also doesn’t seem to attract a lot of tourists.

Once inside, the interior is nothing to get excited about either, which can only mean one thing - the menu is simple and brilliant. It’s all about dips and classic Middle Eastern sharing platters to start (like falafel and stuffed vine leaves), and grilled meats for the main course. The photos on the menu certainly aren’t to scale because the dips are a lot bigger than I expected. I always order an aubergine dip, either with tangy pomegranate seeds sprinkled on the top, or the spicy one if my tongue can handle it.

When I first came to Libanese Snack, we tried to order a main course each, and the waitress had to warn us - the mains are big, especially after those dips. So now I tend to take the mixed grill but to share. This way you get a bit of everything. The lamb koftas are deliciously seasoned and really taste like they were cooked on a proper grill. All in you can end up spending 20 euros per person (including a drink or two) and not have room for another bite. I’ve heard rumours they serve desserts, but I’ve never got that far...