Located on avenue Jean Jaures in Paris’s 19th arrondissement, Baladi may not look like much – but rest assured they know what they’re doing in the kitchen; producing simple, fresh Lebanese food from hummus to lamb skewers. The place itself may look a little dated, but their ‘to-go’ counter is the real draw anyway, customers queuing around the clock for their mezzes, dish of the day and sandwiches. Don’t mistake the management’s occasionally brisk welcome for anything other than efficiency – this place gets busy and they have a lot to do.
Expect the stars of Lebanese cuisine: hummus, baba ghanoush, labneh, falafel, sambousek, fattoush, tabbouleh or mujaddara. Either go ‘à la carte’ for small hot and cold portions at €4-6 each, or – the best thing to do – opt for the assorted platters, like the €9.50 ‘Baladi’, a beautiful variety of dishes sure to fill anyone up. Their Lebanese sandwiches (€4.50) are another safe bet, rolled up in a ‘galette’ and garnished with hummus (or baba ganoush), tomatoes and cornichons. Our favourite was the lamb brochette but all the meat options are great, as are the falafel or labneh alternatives.
We’re not saying ‘drop everything and go to Baladi now, wherever you are’ – but, if you’re in the area, this is a solid Lebanese option.
Baba ganoush – Levantine aubergine dip
Labneh – Greek yogurt
Sambousek – a Levantine pastry
Fattoush – Levantine bread salad
Mujaddara – lentil puree with rice, caramelised onions and cumin
TRANSLATION: LEONIE CATER