Just when we thought the new-found dining scene in Sheikh Zayed couldn’t up its game any further, along came great Lebanese food in Sheikh Zayed: Tawlet Beirut in Rivulet, Twin Towers. Only two weeks into its soft launch at the time we visited, tables were rapidly filling up as early as 7 pm. It didn’t take long for us to discover why…
Type of cuisine & Signature Dishes
Top-notch home-style Lebanese dishes delivered with passion and finesse. Signature dishes include the Moutabbal Tawletna, Quinoa Tabbouleh, Manakish with Zaatar and Lebneh.
Dishes Sampled
Honoring the the best traditions, our meal started with warm, freshly baked Lebanese bread, with an accompaniment of tiny green olives, zaatar with olive oil, and creamy labneh with garlic. Dare we admit that we even asked for a second basket of bread to delve into the rich, walnut and pomegranate molasses, and peppery mhamara that followed.
Following up with plates of manakish with zaatar and labneh; a heavenly Moutabbal Tawletna, with chargrilled eggplant, tehina, fresh pomegranate and herbs; Quinoa Tabbouleh, Batata Kezbara, the table fell strangely silent as we immersed ourselves in the serious task of capturing every flavor. Dainty rolls of piping hot pastry stuffed with creamy cheese, sambousek and fragrant kebbeh; all of these went down in a flash.
Next came the Mixed Grill. Succulent chicken, grilled kebab and kofta, served with fluffy white rice and crisp fries, char-grilled peppers and fresh slivers of seasoned onion, it lived up to our high expectations. We sipped on pleasant combos of peach and pineapple with a dash of ginger, before tackling the straight-from-the-oven Konafa. When we cut through the golden casing the sight of soft, gooey, creamy cheese was enough to perk up our taste buds yet again. Soaked with a good dowsing of rosewater syrup and a generous sprinkling of pistachios, it was the ultimate high of a meal to remember. It would have been easy to linger and enjoy the lively buzz of conversation against the relaxing strains of background music, but it wouldn’t have been fair to the growing number of eager diners arriving in the hope of finding a table at this hot, new addition to Cairo’s culinary scene.
Other Menu Items that Appealed & Beverage Options
We have no doubt that everything would be just as good as the dishes we had already tried. The desserts include many traditional Lebanese favorites, along with a Sweet Potato and Marshmallow delight.
Beverage options include juices, non-alcoholic cocktails, traditional beverages, frappé, coffee and tea, along with soft drinks. Shisha is available in a range of flavors.
Décor & Ambience
Contemporary and comfortable, with a tasteful modern take on Oriental design reflected in the seating upholstery. Green tones echo against subtle gold and warmer russet with the addition of blown glass arranged as a wall display. Seating is both indoor and outdoor and there are screens discreetly situated throughout, so customers can chill after a great meal and catch the match or favorite series over a shisha.
Ambience is relaxed, refined, and welcoming. The staff is discreet and professional without being overly formal.
Clientele Mix & Price Range
Over 25s who are accustomed to quality and know where to hunt it down. Anyone who takes their food seriously.
Price range is moderate, but we recommend you push the boat out and try a wide range of dishes for a great experience.
Top tip: We recommend you call ahead to reserve, especially on weekends. Traditional Lebanese breakfast is served for those who like to start their day on the right note.
Contact Information
Opening hours: 10 am to 1am.
Address: Rivulet at Twin Towers, Sheikh Zayed.
Tel: 0122 022 0771
Facebook page: Tawlet Beirut
Instagram: @tawletbeirut
