10 years in Lebanon and I was finally excited to visit this place near Jyoti Nivas College, Koramangala, Bangalore, only to conclude that it is easy to fool people in India by serving food that looks different and then call it Chinese, Mexican, Thai or Lebanese. We have one more joint that does the same. I must say Lebanese cuisine does include an abundance of starches, fruits, vegetables but also lot of fresh fish, seafood, animal fats and chicken. Poultry is more common than red meat, and when red meat is eaten it is usually lamb on the coast and goat meat in the mountain regions.
Point one: Lebmex does not serve any of the authentic Lebanese dishes other than Falafel which I think is the same, one would get in Lebanon. Hats off to the great effort!
There is nothing that is baked properly or sautéed in olive oil so forget dishes that are served in the traditional way. Herbs and spices are used and the freshness of ingredients is important. This has been taken care of. Like most Mediterranean countries, much of what the Lebanese eat is dictated by the seasons and some items are a must.
I wonder if Lebmex knows how to make dishes like the Tabouleh and Fattoush, thank god the Hummus had great taste. We missed some legendary lebanese food on the menu, to start with Shawarma, Baba ghanoush or Moutabal, Kebbeh and the Sambusa(lebenese version of Sambousek bil-Lahm). How can they miss these items just because they are non-veg?
Point two: No Lebanese restaurant is complete without Kofta, Kubideh, Mulukhiyah, Samkeh harra and the legendary Shawarma. Lebmex serves none!
The Mexican here, well it does not exist. Its so easy to trick people in India. Mexican specialties like Tacos al pastor, Burrito, Chimichanga(American version) are not on the menu. Delicious dishes like Barbacoa, Chorizo, Cabeza, Cahuamanta, hallaca, Milanesa and Moronga are not served here. I haven’t seen them anywhere in the menu - maybe since Lebmex is a veggie restaurant these items are scrapped. This means 70% of Mexican food cannot be served here add to it 60% of Lebanese which leaves us with salads and green leaves which we can buy from the supermarket and make it at home.
Overall I was upset. I think when in India, am an Indian and always try Moghlai, Chettinad, Punjabi cuisine instead of such desperate attempts!