Eve Saade Khawaja, partner of Kebbet Zamen, shares how her deep-rooted culinary passion and family heritage fueled the restaurant’s opening.
What can you tell us about the inspiration behind Kebbet Zamen?
Kebbet Zamen, an authentic Lebanese bistro, beautifully captures the essence of both Zgharta and Beirut through its flavors and culinary techniques. Transitioning from Zgharta’s traditional cuisine, famed for Kebbeh, to Beirut’s cultural mix, Kebbet Zamen began its journey two decades ago. Today, nestled in Achrafieh, this convivial bistro serves as the pride of a Lebanese-Zghortiote family. Here, guests experience tradition, genuine hospitality and admiration for Lebanese cuisine through taste, smell and ambience.
How do you ensure that the taste and authenticity of Zgharta are preserved in the dishes served at Kebbet Zamen?
Preserving Zgharta’s taste and authenticity in dishes like kebbeh and faweregh requires balancing tradition, quality ingredients and culinary expertise. we ensure this by using locally sourced ingredients, typical of our hometown traditions, such as bulgur wheat and quality meat. Additionally, unique ingredients from Zgharta and northern Lebanon, like goat laban, are essential in our kitchen.
Secondly, we honor traditional recipes and cooking methods passed down through generations in Zgharta. This includes shaping kebbeh and either grilling or frying it to perfection.
How do you source your ingredients?
As firm believers in legacy, we use the traditional techniques of our parents, grandmothers and great-grandmothers, with generational recipes that prioritize the use of the freshest, most authentic ingredients.
We support local farmers, producers and artisans, mainly from Zgharta and northern Lebanon. This contributes to the growth of the local economy and fosters community connections.
What type of clientele does Kebbet Zamen cater to?
We opened the restaurant 20 years ago. Since then, my parents have built a loyal clientele with fresh ingredients, high-quality meat and unique, warm customer relationships. With this philosophy, Kebbet Zamen appeals to all. Our doors welcome a diverse clientele, from businesspeople to families cherishing quality time and international visitors exploring Lebanon’s gastronomy. Moreover, we accommodate the busy, modern customer with takeaway and delivery services, along with personalized menus for private occasions.
What are your plans for Kebbet Zamen?
While aspiring to expand into Europe and the wider Arab region, our priority remains on maintaining high culinary standards and excellent service. Indeed, international expansion may encompass various aspects of our business, including our restaurants, catering services or retail, as we have frozen products.
