Albasha, a beloved name in Middle Eastern dining, offers a lunch menu that perfectly blends traditional flavors with contemporary culinary artistry. Known for its rich heritage and vibrant atmosphere, Albasha invites guests to explore a menu that celebrates authentic Mediterranean and Lebanese dishes.
Whether you’re seeking a hearty meal or a light bite, the lunch offerings cater to varying tastes, balancing robust spices, fresh ingredients, and thoughtfully crafted recipes. The menu is designed not only to satisfy hunger but to provide a memorable dining experience that captures the essence of the region’s culture and hospitality.
From savory mezze platters to grilled specialties and refreshing salads, Albasha’s lunch options are a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to quality and authenticity. Each dish is prepared with care, ensuring that every bite delivers the rich, aromatic flavors that have made this establishment a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
The lunch menu is also well-suited for those looking to enjoy a leisurely midday meal or a quick, satisfying lunch break, offering a variety of choices that meet different dietary preferences and appetites.
Exploring Albasha’s lunch menu is a journey through vibrant spices, fresh herbs, and traditional cooking techniques. This culinary adventure brings together the best of Middle Eastern cuisine, with dishes that highlight the balance of texture, flavor, and presentation.
Whether you’re a fan of grilled meats, vegetarian delights, or indulgent desserts, the menu offers something to delight every palate.
Classic Mezze Selections
The heart of Albasha’s lunch menu lies in its classic mezze selections. These small plates are perfect for sharing or enjoying as a light meal, showcasing the region’s rich tradition of communal dining.
Mezze offers a variety of flavors and textures, from creamy dips to crunchy vegetables, creating a balanced and satisfying start to any lunch experience.
Among the standout mezze options, you’ll find favorites like hummus, baba ghanoush, and tabbouleh, each made fresh daily with high-quality ingredients. The hummus is creamy and smooth, enhanced with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika.
Baba ghanoush features smoky roasted eggplant, while tabbouleh bursts with fresh parsley, bulgur, and lemon juice.
These dishes not only serve as appetizers but can easily become a light lunch when combined. They are ideal for those who appreciate healthy eating without compromising on flavor.
Many of the mezze options are vegetarian or vegan-friendly, making them accessible to a broad audience.
Popular Mezze Platters
- Ultimate Mezze Platter: A generous assortment featuring hummus, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, falafel, and grape leaves.
- Vegetarian Mezze: Focuses on fresh and roasted vegetables, lentil salad, and labneh with za’atar.
- Seafood Mezze: Includes marinated calamari, shrimp with garlic sauce, and spicy fish cakes.
“Our mezze selections are crafted to bring people together, celebrating the joy of shared meals and authentic flavors.” – Albasha Head Chef
Grilled Meat Specialties
Albasha’s grilled meat offerings form the centerpiece of the lunch menu, embodying the robust flavors of Middle Eastern barbecue traditions. Each dish is marinated with a blend of herbs and spices, then grilled to perfection over an open flame to lock in juiciness and create a tantalizing smoky aroma.
These entrees are ideal for those seeking a protein-rich meal that is both hearty and flavorful.
The menu features a variety of options including lamb, chicken, and beef, each prepared with distinct marinades and cooking techniques. The lamb kebabs are particularly popular, tender and infused with garlic and rosemary.
Chicken shawarma wraps offer a spiced, succulent bite, wrapped in warm pita bread with garlic sauce and pickles.
For guests looking to balance indulgence with nutrition, Albasha provides grilled meat plates served with fresh salads and rice pilaf. The combination ensures a complete meal that satisfies both taste and dietary needs.
Grilled Meat Menu Highlights
Dish | Main Protein | Cooking Style | Served With |
Lamb Kofta | Lamb | Grilled kebab | Rice pilaf, grilled vegetables |
Chicken Shawarma | Chicken | Marinated, grilled, sliced | Pita, garlic sauce, pickles |
Beef Kabob | Beef | Charcoal grilled | Tabbouleh, hummus |
“Grilling is an art that requires patience and precision to enhance the natural flavors of the meat.” – Albasha Grill Master
Fresh Salad Options
Albasha’s lunch menu includes a diverse range of salads that provide a refreshing counterpoint to the richer dishes. These salads emphasize fresh, vibrant ingredients, often incorporating herbs, citrus, and olive oil to create bright, balanced flavors.
Perfect as a side or a light main course, the salads are crafted to complement the overall dining experience.
The signature fattoush salad features crisp lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, and toasted pita chips tossed in a tangy sumac dressing. Another highlight is the Greek salad, loaded with ripe olives, feta cheese, and fresh oregano, offering a Mediterranean twist.
For those seeking a protein boost, the grilled chicken salad combines smoky chicken with mixed greens and a zesty lemon vinaigrette.
Each salad is designed with health-conscious diners in mind, providing nutrient-rich ingredients that are filling without being heavy. The use of local and seasonal produce ensures freshness in every bite, supporting Albasha’s commitment to quality.
Salad Selections
- Fattoush Salad: Mixed greens, toasted pita, sumac dressing.
- Greek Salad: Tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta.
- Grilled Chicken Salad: Marinated chicken, mixed greens, lemon vinaigrette.
- Lentil and Beet Salad: Earthy beets, protein-packed lentils, citrus dressing.
“A great salad is more than just greens – it’s a harmonious mix of textures and flavors that invigorate the palate.” – Albasha Nutritionist
Hearty Soups and Stews
The lunch menu at Albasha also features a selection of hearty soups and stews, perfect for those seeking warmth and comfort during their midday meal. These dishes draw upon traditional recipes passed down through generations, offering rich flavors and wholesome ingredients to satisfy and nourish.
One of the signature soups is lentil soup, a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, prepared with red lentils, cumin, and fresh lemon for a bright finish. The chicken and rice soup is another popular choice, slow-cooked with aromatic herbs and vegetables to create a soothing broth.
For a more robust option, the lamb stew is simmered with tomatoes, onions, and fragrant spices, resulting in a tender, flavorful dish.
Soups and stews at Albasha are served with warm, freshly baked bread, encouraging diners to savor every drop. These dishes are especially appealing in cooler weather but remain a comforting option year-round.
Soup and Stew Highlights
- Lentil Soup: Red lentils, cumin, lemon juice.
- Chicken and Rice Soup: Slow-cooked broth with vegetables.
- Lamb Stew: Tender lamb, tomato base, Middle Eastern spices.
- Vegetable Stew: Seasonal vegetables simmered with herbs.
“Our soups reflect the soul of Middle Eastern hospitality – warm, inviting, and deeply satisfying.” – Albasha Culinary Team
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Recognizing the diverse dietary preferences of its clientele, Albasha offers an extensive range of vegetarian and vegan options on the lunch menu. These dishes are crafted to be flavorful and filling, showcasing the versatility of plant-based ingredients in Middle Eastern cuisine.
Vegetarian offerings include dishes such as stuffed grape leaves filled with rice and herbs, falafel made from ground chickpeas and spices, and mujadara, a hearty lentil and rice dish topped with caramelized onions.
Vegan diners can enjoy many of the mezze selections, as well as specialty salads and vegetable stews prepared without animal products.
Albasha takes pride in using fresh, seasonal produce to create dishes that are both nutritious and satisfying. The kitchen is careful to avoid cross-contamination, ensuring that vegan and vegetarian meals meet strict dietary standards.
Key Plant-Based Dishes
Dish | Main Ingredients | Dietary Info |
Falafel Plate | Chickpeas, herbs, spices | Vegan, gluten-free |
Stuffed Grape Leaves | Rice, herbs, lemon | Vegetarian, vegan option available |
Mujadara | Lentils, rice, onions | Vegan, gluten-free |
“Plant-based cuisine is not just a trend; it’s a celebration of nature’s bounty and culinary creativity.” – Albasha Vegan Chef
Signature Desserts
To complete the lunch experience, Albasha offers a selection of signature desserts that bring a sweet conclusion to the meal. These treats are inspired by traditional Middle Eastern sweets, incorporating ingredients like nuts, honey, rosewater, and phyllo dough to create delicate textures and rich flavors.
Baklava, a layered pastry filled with chopped nuts and drenched in honey syrup, is a perennial favorite. Kanafeh, a cheese-based dessert topped with shredded pastry and pistachios, offers a unique blend of creamy and crunchy textures.
For those seeking a lighter option, the rosewater-infused rice pudding is a subtly sweet, aromatic choice that soothes the palate.
All desserts are made in-house daily, emphasizing freshness and authenticity. They pair beautifully with traditional Arabic coffee or mint tea, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Popular Dessert Choices
- Baklava: Phyllo pastry, walnuts, honey syrup.
- Kanafeh: Sweet cheese, shredded pastry, pistachios.
- Rice Pudding: Creamy with rosewater and cinnamon.
- Ma’amoul: Date-filled semolina cookies.
“Dessert is the poetry of a meal, and at Albasha, every bite tells a sweet story of tradition and love.” – Albasha Pastry Chef
Beverage Pairings
Complementing the rich and diverse flavors of Albasha’s lunch menu is a thoughtfully curated list of beverages. These drinks are designed to refresh and enhance the dining experience, ranging from traditional Middle Eastern options to contemporary favorites.
Guests can enjoy freshly squeezed juices such as pomegranate and orange, known for their vibrant flavors and health benefits. Mint lemonade, a refreshing blend of citrus and fresh mint, offers a cooling contrast to spiced dishes.
For those who prefer hot beverages, Arabic coffee with cardamom and mint tea provide authentic tastes that celebrate the region’s culinary heritage.
The beverage menu also includes a selection of soft drinks and specialty iced teas, ensuring there is something to suit every preference and complement every dish.
Beverage Highlights
Beverage | Main Flavors | Best Paired With |
Pomegranate Juice | Sweet, tart | Grilled meats, salads |
Mint Lemonade | Citrus, fresh mint | Spicy dishes, mezze |
Arabic Coffee | Cardamom, bold | Desserts, light mezze |
“The right beverage elevates a meal from delicious to unforgettable.” – Albasha Beverage Curator
Albasha’s lunch menu offers a rich tapestry of Middle Eastern flavors, skillfully balancing tradition and innovation. Each section of the menu—from mezze to grilled meats, fresh salads, comforting soups, vegetarian delights, decadent desserts, and perfectly paired beverages—reflects a deep respect for culinary heritage combined with a passion for quality and freshness.
This makes Albasha not just a place to eat but a vibrant, sensory journey into the heart of Mediterranean cuisine.
Whether dining with friends, family, or enjoying a solo lunch, Albasha’s offerings provide an inviting and diverse selection sure to satisfy all appetites and preferences. The menu’s thoughtful variety ensures that every visit brings new tastes and experiences, encouraging guests to explore the richness of Middle Eastern culinary traditions.
The emphasis on fresh, authentic ingredients and expert preparation shines through in every dish, making Albasha a standout destination for lunch.
Ultimately, Albasha is more than a restaurant—it is a celebration of culture, community, and the joy of sharing good food. The lunch menu exemplifies this spirit, inviting diners to slow down, savor, and connect through the universal language of great cuisine.
From the first bite of mezze to the final sip of aromatic coffee, Albasha promises an enriching and memorable dining experience that delights the senses and warms the soul.