Overall Rating
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8.5 / 10
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Have you ever tasted a Ka'ak? I was late myself in tasting it. I have always seen street vendors in Lebanon and in Global village pavilions selling sesame bread, but never bothered to taste them. It was probably the natural human fear in me of how it would taste. Well, recently I saw them selling the same looking bread in the Dubai Ripe Market stalls and my cousin was thrilled to try it. So, I took a small bite from my cousin's plate. It was sweet with a unique taste. It wasn’t really something of my taste so I never gave another try.
But recently, I was invited by Mr Ziyad (Owner of Ka'ak Al Manara) to taste the unique canteen concept he had launched in Mercato Mall on Jumeirah Road. I was quite surprised how the concept developed from Beirut to Dubai Markets and how it is a favorite snack to many. Ka’ak al Manara is one of the first Lebanese joints with the an idea of canteen kiosk. Through this, the joint focuses on serving healthy and on-the-go Ka’ak breads, salads, and soups. As mentioned, this joint, Ka’ak Al Manara offers a set of simple yet unique and handy menu to fill tummy with affordable prices. The menu is split into three categories; the Ka’ak original, the Ka’ak specials, and lastly the Ka’ak sweets along with some signature soups, salads and sides. The team ensures to serve fresh and warm breads and soups with different flavors and fillings. |
During my visit, the team served us all the top sellers from the canteen menu. To start off, my guest and I were served fresh pomegranate, lemonade and orange juice to quench our thirsts. I must say these picks were natural at its best during the scorching summer. It was freshly extracted with no sweetener and extra preservatives. My personal favorite was the lemonade and pomegranate each priced AED 16 and AED 18 respectively. The orange juice was too sour for my taste but very refreshing.
To start the tasting, Raffy, our server served us Ka’ak originals, particularly known for its traditional light savory fillings and toasted to perfection bread. It could also be topped optional sprinkles. First we tried the Akawi Cheese and Labneh Sandwich in a large size ka’ak bread. From the two, I enjoyed Akawi cheese the most; the combination of melted white cheese and black seeds in freshly toasted ka’ak was truly delicious from the very first bite. The labneh ka’ak was very light to the tummy and had a very refreshing taste. Labneh was served with fresh olives, sliced cucumbers, tomatoes and mint leaves. I personally felt, this was the healthiest choice from all my tries at Ka’ak. Al Manara.
Following, we tried the Ka'ak combinations of Turkey with Cheese and Zaatar & oil The turkey with cheese was a simple preparation of smoked turkey melt with akawi, mozzarella and cheddar cheese. The other portion of Zaatar ka’ak was prepared with traditional thyme paste with sesame and virgin olive oil. For toppings, they offered options like additional zaatar, sumac, chili paste and vegetables. For an additional flavoring on the zaatar & oil portion, I requested for sumac topping.
We particularly enjoyed the flavors of Akawi Cheese and Zaatar & oil with sumac topping from the originals
Following, we tried the Ka'ak combinations of Turkey with Cheese and Zaatar & oil The turkey with cheese was a simple preparation of smoked turkey melt with akawi, mozzarella and cheddar cheese. The other portion of Zaatar ka’ak was prepared with traditional thyme paste with sesame and virgin olive oil. For toppings, they offered options like additional zaatar, sumac, chili paste and vegetables. For an additional flavoring on the zaatar & oil portion, I requested for sumac topping.
We particularly enjoyed the flavors of Akawi Cheese and Zaatar & oil with sumac topping from the originals
The specials from Ka’ak Al Manara are the signature picks from Beirut streets; is is the best sellers with delicious tender chicken and meat served in 18 cm bread. So from the specials, we tried the Chicken fajita and chicken garlic combination. The well seasoned chicken with fajita herb mix and garlic combinations were succulent and appetizing. Along with tender chicken cubes, there was cocktail sauce, onions, bell peppers, and melted cheese to add to the juicy crunch. The garlic chicken, another favorite ka’ak combo was prepared with garlic paste, onion, pepper mix and shredded lettuce and pickles.
Lastly for desserts, which was the most awaited course of tasting at Ka'ak Al Manara, we had the Nutella Halawa and the Knafeh. The first sweet ka’ak that caught my attention was the Nutella Halawa. The famous and my all-time favorite nutella spread, was mixed with traditional halawa in ka’ak bread. I guarantee no better pick for a Sweet Tooth than the Nutella Halawa.
The server also suggested Knafeh, another top seller at Ka’ak al Manara. I was looking forward and had high expectation for the combination of traditional Arabic style Kunafa (aka, cheese pie with sweet sugar syrup) filled in a ka’ak bread. However this was a disappointing sweet as the kunafa was not sweet enough and there was no additional syrup available.
The server also suggested Knafeh, another top seller at Ka’ak al Manara. I was looking forward and had high expectation for the combination of traditional Arabic style Kunafa (aka, cheese pie with sweet sugar syrup) filled in a ka’ak bread. However this was a disappointing sweet as the kunafa was not sweet enough and there was no additional syrup available.
To add on, Raffy also took us around the side options available at the canteen counter to make a combo. Just like many other joints, Ka’ak al Manara also offers Kettle-baked chips as crunches, Bonjus tetra-packed juices all the way from Lebanon and Unica wafers with coffee and chocolate flavor.
A special mention to the team for a skilful idea of eco-friendly recyclable bags and packages for dine-in and takeaway. Overall, my tasting experience at Ka’ak al Manara was remarkable with friendly staff approach and good value for money. Definitely, heading back to try more!
#HealthyLiving
#SweetTooth
#StreetFood
#Canteen
A special mention to the team for a skilful idea of eco-friendly recyclable bags and packages for dine-in and takeaway. Overall, my tasting experience at Ka’ak al Manara was remarkable with friendly staff approach and good value for money. Definitely, heading back to try more!
#HealthyLiving
#SweetTooth
#StreetFood
#Canteen