- Title: LEBANON-FOOD MARKET Lebanese savour the flavour for street food
- Date: 29th June 2015
- Summary: BEIRUT, LEBANON (JUNE 25, 2015) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF PEOPLE AT STREET FOOD MARKET, SOUK EL AKEL, IN DOWNTOWN BEIRUT
- Embargoed: 14th July 2015 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Lebanon
- Country: Lebanon
- Topics: General
- Reuters ID: LVA7B3JR0UY5NL91DNQK1UCS6W86
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: In an upscale area of downtown Beirut that's known for designers shops, elegant restaurants, and fashion boutiques, is a weekly market that specialises in street food.
Every Thursday Street Food Market, known in Arabic as Souk El Akel attracts crowds looking to satisfy their appetites.
Local restaurants and chefs from across the country prepare and serve traditional dishes as well as international cuisine for market goers to sample.
The market has been up and running since May, one of the organisers is Kamal Mouzawak.
"Souk El Akel is not an idea that came out of nowhere, we are Eastern countries and the street food is a very important thing for us. We eat falafel, shawarma, even Man'oushe in the mountains, all these food are traditional for us and different than the food we have at home," Mouzawak said.
Some people have a regular stall here, for others it's a one off appearance and there are around 20 different kitchens selling a variety of food.
Wael Lazkani is one of the chefs.
"We decided to participate because I loved the idea of going to the streets and gathering people together, food is something that gather people. To come all together here and to celebrate food, is beautiful. To celebrate on weekly basis without even the need to have an occasion is great, and we wanted to be part of this atmosphere. The market is great and the turnout is amazing," Lazkani said.
All restaurants participating in Souk El Akel are owned by Lebanese citizens despite the different type of cuisine that they serve.
The stalls also offer food to suit a variety of budgets and alongside more well know known Beirut restaurants, are local chefs from other parts of the country.
Suzane Douaihi is one of the chefs, she's come from Ehden in Zgharta District.
"We used to pass by here and find nothing but walls and buildings, now you feel there is life with young and older people. Everyone is walking and eating. What are we serving? We are serving Zgharta's food," Douaihi.
Shoppers can snap up home-made 'kebbe' at Douaihi's stall, a traditional dish made with cracked wheat, minced onions, and finely ground meat.
For many visitors who come to eat here the market is also about trying new food and socialising with friends.
"The idea is great. I honestly had very tasty food, and some food like the pork chops that you never usually see on the streets. The atmosphere is very nice and my friends and I are very happy. I liked the idea," said Beirut local Reda al-Mawla.
"Lots of people were telling me about how great is Souk El Akel and that I have to try it. When I came, I ran into lots of people I know and found the atmosphere here great with how we are all meeting here and trying new food... it is great how we are gathering and coming here. This area had no life we brought here life back. We felt that we created something new," added Nour Wahid.
Some visitors praised the variety of food on offer here.
"I am the biggest street food fan ever, and I think there is no better way of getting to know local bites, local tastes by actually having local people cooking on the streets," said Benedict Skelsons from Germany.
The market is organised in collaboration with the Beirut Farmers Market known known as Souk El Tayeb, the Lebanese food blog No Garlic No Onions, and Lebanese chef Wael Lazkani. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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