Middle Eastern fast-food restaurants are becoming increasingly popular in the UK, and within 20 years may rival Indian takeaways[1]. Tony Kitous, founder of Comptoir Libanais, is not surprised as he opens the doors of his latest branch in Paddington and finds commuters departing from their usual fast food choices in favour of Comptoir Libanais’ zingier and healthier options, all available at fabulously affordable prices.
An exotic and exciting mix of Middle Eastern café, shop and delicatessen, Comptoir Libanais has a touch of the souk about it. Fabulously fresh and authentic food from delicious baked breads to colourful mezze plates jostle for space with embroidered handbags from Marrakech and a vast array of specialist ingredients.
However, the most exciting arrival at Paddington is the introduction of Middle Eastern staple, the classic shawarma. Driving out the dreadful doner kebab with its reputation for grease and unidentifiable processed meat, the shawarma features fresh cuts slowly grilled on a spit so it stays juicy and bursting with flavour.
These authentic culinary creations are not just for picking up on your way home after a night of drinking. The Comptoir shawarma should be savoured and appreciated. Only quality ingredients are used including marinated Aberdeen Angus beef and corn fed chicken. These are combined with tomatoes, red onion and parsley or aubergine and lettuce with yoghurt and cucumber, before being wrapped in a soft flatbread.
At just £4.50 per wrap, the shawarma represents excellent value and, as the Paddington Comptoir Libanais is fully licensed, you can enjoy it with a chilled bottle of Almaza pilsener, the only beer brewed in The Lebanon. Alternatively, choose from a succinct selection of Lebanese Massaya wines or why not bring your own – no corkage charges apply!
Alongside the shawarma, Comptoir Libanais continues to provide an oasis of Middle Eastern flavours that have gained a loyal following. Delicous mezze plates, salads, dips, breads and pastries reveal why the cuisine is often sited as one of the world’s healthiest, with dishes typically using an abundance of fresh fruit, vegetables, herbs, lemon juice and spices rather than heavy sauces. Choices include hommos with pitta; lamb kibbeh - minced lamb wheat parcel with pine nuts & onion, with yoghurt & tahina sauce; tabbouleh – chopped parsley, tomatoes, mint & spring onions with lemon & olive oil dressing.
Comptoir Libanais is also open for breakfast and offers some exciting alternatives to the traditional toast and sugar loaded muffins prolific on the high street. Take advantage of the free WiFi with a coffee and a zaatar or halloumi croissant or indulge in savoury Man’oucha flat bread. The more adventurous can enjoy a typical Arabian street breakfast of crushed beans & chickpeas with olive oil or Eggs with Awarma - two fried eggs with slow cooked lamb and pitta.
Although Comptoir Libanais is the perfect takeaway, the canteen’s fresh interior may beg you to settle in for a little longer with 30 covers being provided by bench seating and intimate tables. True to its roots, Tony Kitous has chosen those materials that you would find in a typical Lebanese café including specially imported tiles, short metal stools and formica-topped tables, all given a modern touch though the use of contemporary graphics and bright flashes of orange and turquoise, together with Comptoir Libanais’ trademark mural inspired by a Middle Eastern movie star, Sirine.
Don’t forget to browse the market with its floor-to-ceiling shelves showcasing a treasure trove of products from across the Middle East, from harissa to halva, tahini to Turkish Delight and chocolate to cookbooks.
Open from 8am until 12pm everyday, Comptoir Libanais signals a positive change in modern convenience dining, providing new, exciting alternatives for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea through to dinner and late night bites.
Comptoir Libanais, 26 London Street, London, W2 1HH
0207 262 1111
www.lecomptoir.co.uk
An exotic and exciting mix of Middle Eastern café, shop and delicatessen, Comptoir Libanais has a touch of the souk about it. Fabulously fresh and authentic food from delicious baked breads to colourful mezze plates jostle for space with embroidered handbags from Marrakech and a vast array of specialist ingredients.
However, the most exciting arrival at Paddington is the introduction of Middle Eastern staple, the classic shawarma. Driving out the dreadful doner kebab with its reputation for grease and unidentifiable processed meat, the shawarma features fresh cuts slowly grilled on a spit so it stays juicy and bursting with flavour.
These authentic culinary creations are not just for picking up on your way home after a night of drinking. The Comptoir shawarma should be savoured and appreciated. Only quality ingredients are used including marinated Aberdeen Angus beef and corn fed chicken. These are combined with tomatoes, red onion and parsley or aubergine and lettuce with yoghurt and cucumber, before being wrapped in a soft flatbread.
At just £4.50 per wrap, the shawarma represents excellent value and, as the Paddington Comptoir Libanais is fully licensed, you can enjoy it with a chilled bottle of Almaza pilsener, the only beer brewed in The Lebanon. Alternatively, choose from a succinct selection of Lebanese Massaya wines or why not bring your own – no corkage charges apply!
Alongside the shawarma, Comptoir Libanais continues to provide an oasis of Middle Eastern flavours that have gained a loyal following. Delicous mezze plates, salads, dips, breads and pastries reveal why the cuisine is often sited as one of the world’s healthiest, with dishes typically using an abundance of fresh fruit, vegetables, herbs, lemon juice and spices rather than heavy sauces. Choices include hommos with pitta; lamb kibbeh - minced lamb wheat parcel with pine nuts & onion, with yoghurt & tahina sauce; tabbouleh – chopped parsley, tomatoes, mint & spring onions with lemon & olive oil dressing.
Comptoir Libanais is also open for breakfast and offers some exciting alternatives to the traditional toast and sugar loaded muffins prolific on the high street. Take advantage of the free WiFi with a coffee and a zaatar or halloumi croissant or indulge in savoury Man’oucha flat bread. The more adventurous can enjoy a typical Arabian street breakfast of crushed beans & chickpeas with olive oil or Eggs with Awarma - two fried eggs with slow cooked lamb and pitta.
Although Comptoir Libanais is the perfect takeaway, the canteen’s fresh interior may beg you to settle in for a little longer with 30 covers being provided by bench seating and intimate tables. True to its roots, Tony Kitous has chosen those materials that you would find in a typical Lebanese café including specially imported tiles, short metal stools and formica-topped tables, all given a modern touch though the use of contemporary graphics and bright flashes of orange and turquoise, together with Comptoir Libanais’ trademark mural inspired by a Middle Eastern movie star, Sirine.
Don’t forget to browse the market with its floor-to-ceiling shelves showcasing a treasure trove of products from across the Middle East, from harissa to halva, tahini to Turkish Delight and chocolate to cookbooks.
Open from 8am until 12pm everyday, Comptoir Libanais signals a positive change in modern convenience dining, providing new, exciting alternatives for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea through to dinner and late night bites.
Comptoir Libanais, 26 London Street, London, W2 1HH
0207 262 1111
www.lecomptoir.co.uk
