The Middle East in Utrecht

When you say Middle East, you say pomegranate, hummus and more Ottolenghi delights. This cuisine has captured our hearts, which is why we have listed the best Middle Eastern hotspots in Utrecht for you.

Comptoir Libanais

This colorful place is located in the new Hoog Catharijne. Here, you imagine yourself in a real souk, surrounded by beautiful baskets, tagines, delicacies and cookbooks. And the food is just as impressive. Think platters full of mezze, flatbread, sweets and Lebanese beer.

Comptoir Libanais
Catharijne Esplanade 49
Open: daily from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Image: Chantal Arnts

Syr

Syr works with talented people from refugee backgrounds. This helps them connect with the Dutch language and culture more quickly, while introducing us to Syrian cuisine. Think dishes such as tabbouleh, sambusek and falafel. The proceeds go entirely to the foundation from which this initiative originated. We wholeheartedly support this concept, because food is the social glue.

Syr
Lange Nieuwstraat 71
Open: Monday to Sunday from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and for lunch: Friday to Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Juuls Hummus

Near the beautiful Wilhelminapark, you’ll find the food shop and deli Juuls Hummus. Owners Julia and Remco love hummus and now share their passion with all of Utrecht. They have found the ultimate hummus recipe and serve it with pita bread. You can also buy salads and bowls with chickpeas or stewed meat and vegetables. You can eat your hummus treasure on stools in the windowsill or take it home.

Juuls Hummus
Baanstraat 1
Open: Tuesday to Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Darah

An Afghan couple wanted to create a home for young people from refugee backgrounds. They opened Darah to help these young people. There are now four locations where you can enjoy authentic Afghan food in a Middle Eastern atmosphere. Be sure to go for the tasting menu; your table will be filled with bowls of the most delicious dishes Afghan cuisine has to offer.