Lentil Soup and Falafel Sandwich as Brunch at Al-Sham Middle East Cuisine Malate

My Partner had this idea that we should try different international cuisines. He also told me that I should blog about it. hahaha very supportive indeed.

And now for my second write-up with that theme, we went to a restaurant that offers foods from the Middle East.

Before starting, here are some snaps I took inside the restaurant that I found interesting.

I wonder what this one means.

Different Mosques, I guess?

Here are some grocery items.

I want to buy that Instant Karak tea.

Cooking has a long history in every culture. A long time ago, Before the presence of delivery apps and fast-food chains, our ancestors just cooked what was available in their area. In Middle Eastern countries most of their ingredients are from the fertile crescent.

Lentils and peas are being harvested there. Up until today, these ingredients are staples in their cuisine.

Named for its rich soils, the Fertile Crescent, often called the “cradle of civilization,” is found in the Middle East. Because of this region’s relatively abundant access to water, the earliest civilizations were established in the Fertile Crescent, including the Sumerians. Its area covers what is now southern Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, Israel, Egypt, and parts of Turkey and Iran. Two rivers, the Tigris and the Euphrates, regularly flooded the region, and the Nile River also runs through part of it. Irrigation and agriculture developed here because of the fertile soil found near these rivers.

So, I ordered a falafel sandwich, lentil soup, and Karak tea. My partner ordered Chicken Biryani, and lemon + mint juice.

Falafel Sandwich 200.00

If you are into plant-based diet falafel is a good replacement for your protein intake. Falafel is made from ground chickpeas with some herbs and spices to make it tastier. I ordered the large one because I wanted to share it with him. To be honest their sandwich is a little bit dry for me. I expected it to be like shawarma.

Lentil Soup (Addas) 100.00

I am a big fan of soup. So, this Lentil Soup is my favorite of what we ordered. I like the creamy texture of it (Despite the absence of milk in it). The Spices taste right in it. If you want a light meal this is a good recommendation. You can also partner it with pita bread.

Biryani Chicken (Quarter) 250.00

The chicken is the star of this plate. Have you ever tasted a turbo broiler chicken? This one tasted like that. This one reminds me of special holidays. The meat of it was soft and juicy. The Portioning was not bad too. My partner told me he liked the chicken in this one.

Karak Tea 120.00 and Lemon Mint Juice 180.00

The only thing that I don't like about Karak tea is it has milk on it. In case you don't know, my stomach and milk can't live harmoniously. hahaha Karak tea actually amazed me. How in the world tea, milk and spices are perfect for each other? Whoever discovered it must bless by the Gods accordingly.

Karak Chai, also known as Masala Chai, is a sweet hot tea that originated in India and is drank across Arabian countries.

As the rough translation suggests, Karak Chai is a "strong tea", in both taste and colour compared to a regular English tea.

This sweet Indian tea is made with a blend of fermented black tea leaves, ginger and spices such as black pepper, cardamon, cinnamon, fennel and cloves.

Of course, I will not forget to commend the Lemon mint juice. The great thing about their version is they really use all-natural ingredients. These days for the sake of convenience most bars go to concentrated substitutes.

The whole experience is so fresh to me. It was my first-time dining in a legit middle eastern restaurant. And personally, that first time was noteworthy.

Special thanks to my partner's friend who works there and help us with the menu.

Al sham Sham Middle East Cuisine

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