Budget: The Lebanese Sajeria

No energy left to cook? We get it. But good food is a must—never settle for less. That’s why we’ve put together our tips for truly delicious takeaway meals, the best delivery services and affordable places.

Until now, you could only find it in Beirut, the ‘Paris of the Middle East’, or in Paris. But in the Netherlands, none of the Lebanese eateries had a real saj in the window. A domed griddle, heated from underneath by gas, on which the chef bakes a manoushe live in front of passers-by.

Sesame seeds

Manoushe is the Lebanese flatbread baked on the saj with a paste of za’atar spread over it—a mix of native herbs, sumac berries and sesame seeds.

The Lebanese Sajeria started out as a food truck at festivals.

The Lebanese Sajeria began like so many brick-and-mortar eateries: as a food truck at festivals. It now occupies a narrow space in a narrow alley, right in the heart of Amsterdam. There are a few seats upstairs; downstairs, you eat at the counter beside the saj.

Comfort food

If you like, you can have the manoushe topped with halloumi (rubbery goat’s cheese) or bacon. Add a pot of yansoon tea (made from dried aniseed) or mint tea, and you’ll still spend less than ten euros.

A mixed lunch platter with hummus, flatbread, grilled halloumi, fresh vegetables, olives and a dip of the day (labneh, babaganoush) costs exactly ten euros. Comfort food Lebanese-style.

The Lebanese Sajeria
Wijde Heisteeg 1
Amsterdam