Relish in the exotic delights of Lebanon at Nadimos.
By Christy Lau
Thanks to its irresistible blend of Middle Eastern and European cooking styles, Lebanese cuisine has become one of the most popular in the world. In Silom’s bustling financial district, one establishment has been proudly serving authentic Lebanese food since 2009, importing over 70 percent of their ingredients directly from the source.
Nadimos was originally based in Silom Soi 19, before expanding and opening a second outlet at Sukhumvit Soi 24. Following their indisputable success, they have relocated their flagship restaurant to the ground floor of the Holiday Inn Bangkok Silom building, maintaining the same spirit and décor of the original branch, with its warm lighting, dark wood panelling and Middle Eastern-inspired furnishings. Here, folks are invited to share meaningful conversations over a hearty meal with friends and family, with a choice of eating indoors in cosy booths, or dining al fresco where you can soak in the sights and sounds of the city.
Food and Drink
In keeping with its family-style dining concept, the menu features a range of mezze, covering both hot and cold dishes like grilled meat delights and more than a dozen types of hummus, including the highly recommended Hummus mushroom (B210), made with blended chickpeas and homemade tahini paste, topped with lightly sautéed mushrooms.
Showcasing the bold flavours of vegetables, the next dish of Monk Salad (B180) is a sublime treat for the taste buds. An eggplant is roasted on an open grill to char the skin and imbue the flesh with smoky flavour. It is then peeled, diced and combined with fresh tomatoes, green pepper, and chopped mint leaves, enveloping your palate with both raw and cooked flavours.
The Shanklish (B240), a traditional aged cheese, is another one of Nadimos’ many signature dishes. It boasts a pleasant crumbly texture and a mild, savoury flavour, which contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the cherry tomatoes it is served with.
From here, we moved on to the mains, starting with the Kibbeh Nayeh (B850 for the large size), a raw meat dish of minced lamb fillet blended with cut onions, fresh mint and crushed bulgur wheat. Extra caution is needed to produce this traditional dish, and Nadimos is one of the only restaurants in Bangkok who have the knowledge and the skill to prepare it safely. The taste of the meat is not unlike a steak tartare, the consistency smooth and creamy. To eat like the Lebanese, spread some of the meat paste onto a piece of pita bread and top with garlic mousse and mint leaves for a punch of vibrant flavour.
If you prefer your proteins with earthier flavours, then you won’t be disappointed with the restaurant’s grilled selection. A Mixed grill regular (B670) platter is the ideal size to share between two people, and comes with a well-seasoned mix of lamb skewers, chicken tawook, and barbecued beef kafta. We recommend having this with the Zaatar mankushe (B140), a special type of pita bread topped with Lebanese thyme. It’s so flavourful, it can be eaten on its own.
If you prefer rice to bread, however, opt for the Biryani lamb shank (B520). Considering the portion size could easily feed three people, this Indian-inspired dish is well worth the price and is another example of the many cultures that have shaped Lebanese cuisine.
Finally, don’t leave the restaurant without trying some authentic Lebanese desserts, like the Mouhalabiyeh (B70). For many, this lush milk pudding is a childhood favourite, but don’t let that stop you from relishing the aromatic treat, sweetened with rose water. If you prefer pastries, the Namoura (B100) is a syrup-soaked semolina cake, while the Kallage (B120) is redolent of French mozzarella sticks, except this Lebanese version comes bathed in syrup and is showered with chopped pistachio nuts.
After such a satisfying meal, there’s nothing better than the Mint Shake (B110) to soothe the palate, with its refreshing mix of zesty lemon juice, mint leaves, and sugar syrup.
Nadimos also has a fully-stocked bar with all the standard alcoholic beverages. For something more authentic, order Arak (B320), an anise-flavoured triple-distilled translucent liquor that turns a cloudy white when mixed with water. Served in shot glasses with crushed ice cubes, it makes the ideal apéritif.
Nadimos
Ground Floor, Holiday Inn Bangkok Silom,
981 Silom Road, Bangkok, 10500
Open daily from 11.30am to 11.30pm
Tel: 02 266 9081
Facebook: @nadimosthailand
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