this was our first time trying lebanese food, and wild thyme couldn't have been a better introduction.
from the moment we sat down, it was clear this wasn't the kind of place where everyone orders their own entrée. lebanese cuisine is meant to be shared, family style, with dishes arriving in the centre of the table for everyone to pass around, sample, and enjoy together. by the end of the evening, we completely understood why.
marwan and the staff made our party of four feel genuinely welcome from the moment we walked through the door. they were friendly, attentive, and happy to answer our questions, offer recommendations, and guide us through a cuisine that was completely new to us. before our food even arrived, we were offered complimentary black tea infused with fragrant cardamom, a thoughtful gesture that immediately set the tone for the evening.
we started with a bunch of dips served alongside warm, fluffy flatbread, as part of our entrees. the hummus was silky smooth and creamy, the garlic dip was rich and full of flavour without being overpowering, and the smoky eggplant dip was delicious. honestly, i could have happily made a meal out of the dips and bread alone.
we also shared the spicy tomato flatbread. while it was fresh and packed with flavour, it ended up being a little spicier than our group was expecting, so it wasn't our favourite dish of the evening. if you enjoy a bit of heat, it may be right up your alley.
alongside our mains came a vibrant lebanese salad filled with crisp greens and fresh vegetables, dressed with pomegranate molasses and lebanese olive oil. it was bright, tart, tangy, slightly sweet, and incredibly refreshing, adding the perfect contrast to the richer dishes on the table.
for our mains, we shared the lamb shank and the mandy chicken, both served over fragrant basmati rice. the lamb was incredibly tender, practically falling off the bone after being slow cooked in a rich tomato sauce. the mandy chicken was just as memorable, juicy and infused with warm arabic spices and a subtle smokiness. the rice, studded with raisins and nuts, added a hint of sweetness and texture that paired beautifully with both dishes.
what surprised us most about our first experience with lebanese food was how fresh and vibrant everything tasted. every dish brought something different to the table, from creamy dips and fragrant spices to crisp salads, fresh herbs, and tender, slow cooked meats. despite ordering plenty of food, the meal never felt heavy. instead, it felt colourful, balanced, and nourishing.
we also appreciated the variety of vegan friendly options on the menu, making it easy for everyone to find something they'll enjoy regardless of their dietary preferences.
as we finished our meal, the hospitality continued. each of us was treated to a complimentary piece of baklava, a sweet ending that felt generous rather than expected. the only small hiccup came when we had to ask for the bill three times, but it was a minor delay in what was otherwise a wonderful evening.
for a first taste of lebanese cuisine, wild thyme left a lasting impression. the food was meant to be shared, the flavours were fresh and memorable, and the genuine hospitality made the experience feel special. if you're new to lebanese food, this is a wonderful place to start. come with family or friends, order a variety of dishes for the table, and enjoy discovering it together. read more