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Taking the Hop-on-Hop-off bus around New York City, I spotted Semsom on Astor and Broadway. The Lebanese eatery now has four locations in NYC. I waited eagerly for the next stop to get off the bus and enter a Lebanese haven. Semsom is a Lebanese eatery with American influences - taking Lebanese cuisine's freshness to the Americas while speaking the language of New York.
A high ceiling, a big mural of a car in Batroûn and a Lebanese souk, colorful photos, a fresh and enticing food display and happy staff: welcome to Semsom.
Go to the counter where you choose between a bowl or a wrap. Then choose rice or greens - or probably both - one main and a large choice of salads and fresh ingredients. From the mains dishes you can choose between beef, chicken or vegetables followed by the famous hummus and beetroot moutabbal. A loaded and filling plate for $11 only.
I love the presentation. Delicious and tender shawarma on a bed of well cooked yellow rice, superb hummus few restaurants in Lebanon know how to prepare, not to mention their eggplant sweet mix - decorated with spicy tahini sauce which adds the final touch that brings it all together for unforgettable flavor.
I was not done yet... I had to taste their chicken. Super tender chicken tawouk - flavorful chicken with the same great rice and surely the best hummus in New York. Yes, the best hummus in New York and probably one of the world's best as well. It's so creamy, so light, and perfectly balanced - none of the unpleasantly prominent tahini or excess lemon of lesser made hummus. Two thumbs up for that!
The food is really really good...I was expectant but didn't imagine I could expect this!
I love it, I feel good and transported to Lebanon and back. It makes me happy and puts me in a good mood when I see Americans and other nationalities enjoying the food of home.
Semsom is the ambassador of true Lebanese flavor.
I will make a point of visiting Semsom every time I come to New York.
