Beiruti Bite Express: Shawarma Beef, Hummus, and more!

Beiruti Bite Express

Shawarma is not new to Filipinos. In fact, when you go to food courts, food markets, or food parks, chances are you'll find a stall offering shawarma. But most, if not all, of these stalls would offer shawarmas that are already, I would say, "Filipinized" to suit our taste buds. But if you're looking for authentic shawarma, I would recommend this stall at Market! Market! called Beiruti Bite Express. Owner Saad Aggag, who is an Egyptian-Lebanese, made it a point to be true to the Middle Eastern cuisine and share the culture with Filipinos.

torching the pita

I often go to Market! Market! but this is the first time I've seen them and got to try them even though they have been existing since September 2016. For one, their spot is not that visible to all passers by as they are located at the left side wing (when facing the Activity Center) ground floor, near Beyond the Box. Also, the stall in front of them selling balloons and party needs somehow covers their kiosk.

Since this is just a food stall, expect that the tables and chairs they exclusively have are good for a maximum of 4 customers only. But there is a common area shared by other stalls so customers can stay there as well in case they wanted to dine in. Speaking of "dine in", here are some of the items I've tried.

Hummus (49Php)

Premium pureed chick peas blended with garlic, lemon juice, sesame paste, and drizzled with olive oil

Hummus

I am not sure what to expect with hummus as it's very seldom that I eat it. But this Hummus with Pita from Beiruti Bite Express is nice to chew on if you're looking for something light and subtle but not boring. It has powdery yet smooth texture and just goes well with pita. It may appear small, but for the price of less than Php 50, this is already more than enough. I was able to finish the pita with still half of the humus left. I would have asked for additional pita for Php 15 but I still have shawarmas waiting for me.

Hummus on Pita


Hummus	Beef Saj

Beef Saj (Lahme B Ajine) (85Php)

Marinated beef with seasoning cooked on the saj

Beef Saj

If ever authentic Lebanese shawarma is not your cup of tea, Beef Saj is what I recommend. With its savory beef and overwhelming melted cheese sandwiched between thin slightly crisp dough, this "quesadilla"of the Middle East is truly a hit!

Shawarma Beef (regular - 59Php, titan - 95Php)

Authentic shawarma beef with tomato, pickles, and tahini paste

Shawarma Beef

Shawarma comes in two flavors: beef and chicken. I usually prefer chicken shawarma as based on my previous experiences with beef, it tends to be chewy at some parts. But for Beiruti Bite Express' Shawarma Beef, I didn't encounter that issue as the meat was tender and good. It is not the flavorful sweetened kind but it has a distinct flavor of its own, plus it's not oily! Tomato, cabbage, pickles, garlic sauce, tahini sauce, and chili sauce are rolled together with the beef. Some parts may have more spice due to the chili sauce. I also love the vegetables in it as they add texture and crunch, and refreshes the palate. But if you prefer not having the veggies, that is also possible. You'll get more meat instead.


Shawarma Beef - regular	Shawarma Chicken - titan

Shawarma Chicken (regular - 55Php, titan - 95Php)

An authentic combination of chicken, pickles, fries, and garlic paste

Shawarma Chicken

I was so surprised to see potato fries inside my Shawarma Chicken. It was my first time to encounter such and I was like "why??". And then I learned that it is really how it should be. Remember, authentic! When I tasted it, it doesn't feel off. In fact, the fries made it much yummy and filling.

titan vs regular

Above is a comparison of Regular versus Titan size. Regular is around 8 inches in diameter, while Titan is at 12 inches. There is an even bigger size called Challenger, around 16 inches, which I did not dare to try. Regular is good enough to satisfy a hungry one, and for the price of just a little over Php 50, this is already a great filling snack. Titan, for me, should be shared by two people, unless you're really-really hungry or have a huge appetite. Challenger would already be good for 3-4 people I believe.

Minted Lemonade Shake (50Php)

An Arabic way of preparing an energizing and refreshing minted lemonade shake

Minted Lemonade Shake

All those food I've tried were perfectly matched with this Minted Lemonade Shake. Lemonade alone is refreshing. Make it a shake for an added chill. But what more if you put mint? Totally cool and invigorating! Plus it was served in a big glass.

I am amazed that authentic Middle Eastern food can easily be availed in a mall food stall for a very affordable price. What more is that even though these are new to my taste buds, I openly welcomed their true form, consistency, ingredients, etc and I enjoyed them! So for those who are craving, or those who just wanted to try, visit Beiruti Bite Express at the Ground Floor of Market! Market!. The last time I dined here, they have this Buy 2, Take 1 promo which is extended until June 30, 2017. The two items should be the same, while the freebie should be equal or of less value.

Beiruti Bite Express
Ground Floor, Market! Market!, Near Beyond the Box, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City