Al Andalus

TipEat & Drink

Dibba Al-Fujairah, United Arab Emirates
Posted on Apr 26, 2014
2 photos

About this tip

The Lebanese immigrants in Mexico have become a central part our society. For many Mexicans, Lebanese food is not considered exotic or outlandish, it has a special place in our national culinary tradition and is cherished by most of us. In fact, I may say that it's my favorite cuisine, and Al Andalus, my favorite place to eat it.

The restaurant is conveniently located in La Merced neighborhood, where Lebanese, Syrian, and Jewish immigrants arrived in the first years of the 20th century and contributed to the strong trade tradition that still makes this area one of the most interesting in the City. In the colonial hall of Al Andalus you will always find Lebanese families before a table covered with dozens of plates with hummus, taboule, keppe, and so on, or men talking business while sipping on their hot turkish coffee or fresh arak.

The quality is unbeatable among all the Lebanese restaurants in the City (and perhaps among some I've been in the Middle East). From the spearmint lassi, to the coffee and arab sweets, whatever you order will be a delight to your palate. My favorites are raw keppe, "hojas de parra" (dawali), taboule, falafel, lamb shawarma, and the sweets. If you don't mind people smoking while you are eating, try to get a table at the balcony (the smoking area), it is a very refreshing spot.