A couple of months ago, I visited Chebli in Naas, one of my family's favorite places for a very long time now. Following my review, many of my friends asked me for their contacts which then led for the discovery of their new favourite place. None of them were disappointed. I am always amazed by the unique taste this restaurant has transmitted from one generation to another.
Set in an individually built house, where the family lives on the second floor, Chebli welcomes you every day of the year - come rain or shine. Last Sunday was Fawaregh and Mouloukhieh day at Chebli. Two dishes a few know how to master. They may seem easy to prepare but they are in fact very complicated. At Chebli, they know what they are doing. Using the freshest ingredients, the final result is nothing less than perfect. An aromatic preparation that no fatty nor has a bitter after taste.
I would say YUMMY!
I personally couldn't try the Mouloukhieh as it contains garlic but I made sure to finish a complete portion of Fawaregh by myself. Adequately cooked and seasoned, rice filled in sausage skin, this dish was perfect. It wasn't oily and was not chewy. Bravo! In addition to that, what I always love eating are Chebli's mezze selection including his sambousik, kebbe, cheese rolls, hummus, tabbouleh, makanek and much more. Just fill yourself a glass of arak and you're set for a long afternoon of simple yet great food in an sophisticated atmosphere which makes you feel right at home.
I would only suggest to fix two things that can make a big difference:
- Please install a ventilator in the restaurant which will suck away the cooking smell, keeping them away from haunting you through out the day.
- I would recommend to remove the ugly Pepsi fridge installed just at the entrance of the restaurant. First impression is key! I wouldn't want to feel like entering a snack joint.
As for the desserts they can be better, more generous and more creative. People had enough from eating the same jam and the same fruits all over the country. Mouhallabiah, Meghle and Sfouf are few of the additional Lebanese preparations that any restaurant can implement with their own added touch. It will attract people...
Check around... Ask about Fouad's Mouhallabiah, for example, or the generous dessert choices of Mhanna Sur Mer and you'll see that people, even though it's free, consider desserts a lot.
Nevertheless I love the place. Visit Chebli and you'll understand why... Authentic and simple food cooked with love and passion by a family of artisans who know exactly what they are doing. You will be welcomed and served by the owners themselves - every single detail will be attended to making sure you happy. Chebli is at the top of my favorite 'Authentic Lebanese Restaurants' in Lebanon.
See you in Naas Bickfaya.
