Grilled Chicken Shawarma, Toum, Hummus, Fresh Salad, Rice and Pita (includes surprise complimentary dessert)

Tonight’s table is inspired by the vibrant, sun-kissed flavors of Lebanon — a cuisine rooted in generosity, seasonality, and the belief that food is meant to nourish both body and spirit.

This isn’t just one of our favorite meals — it’s part of our story. We love it so much, we served it at our wedding. The aroma of shawarma, the boldness of toum, and the comfort of warm pita bring back memories of celebration, laughter, and shared plates among family and friends.

At the heart of the meal is grilled chicken shawarma, marinated in a warm blend of traditional Lebanese spices — cumin, turmeric, coriander, garlic, and lemon. The chicken is flame-grilled, giving it a smoky depth while keeping the meat juicy and lean. Shawarma like this is street food elevated — deeply flavorful, high in protein, and free from heavy sauces or unnecessary fats. It’s satisfying, yet light, just as food from the Levant is meant to be.

Beside it is a swirl of toum, the bold, fluffy Lebanese garlic sauce made with garlic, lemon, salt, and oil. It’s bright, pungent, and alive — a natural immune booster with antimicrobial properties that the Lebanese have embraced for generations. It brings the meal to life with its sharpness and unmistakable character.

There’s a side of hummus, creamy and smooth, made from chickpeas, tahini, and lemon. In Lebanese homes, hummus is more than a dip — it’s a foundation. Rich in fiber, plant-based protein, and healthy fats, it supports steady energy and digestion, all while being deeply comforting and endlessly scoopable.

To balance the warmth of the shawarma and the richness of the dips, there’s a simple tomato and cucumber salad — often called salatat khodra — dressed with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice. It’s crisp, hydrating, and refreshing. The salad brings a garden-fresh brightness, with vitamin-rich vegetables that cleanse and cool the palate.

Finally, there’s seasoned rice as well as pita, soft and warm, a staple of the Lebanese table. Made from just a few ingredients, it offers gentle carbohydrates that ground the meal without weighing it down.

This is a meal that speaks of balance — warmth and brightness, tradition and vitality. From the street corners of Beirut to the joy of our own family table, this Lebanese spread reflects a way of eating that is deeply nourishing, joyfully shared, and full of love.