Balade: A Culinary Journey Through Eastern Mediterranean Cuisine
Enjoy the enticing flavors of the Eastern Mediterranean at Balade, the New York City spot serving up authentic Lebanese cuisine. Both you and your tastebuds will be transported to a tasty – and cultural – experience in the heart of the East Village.
The intimate atmosphere of Balade features decorative Arabesque tile walls, exposed brick and wood art, meant to evoke the sleek yet cozy feeling of Lebanese design and culture. The only thing that can match the ambiance is the friendly service and original recipes which blend both traditional fare and innovative techniques.
From hearty soups to an array of Mediterranean salads, including Tabouleh and Fattoush, which features a mix of cucumber, tomatoes, onions, mint, bell peppers, sumac and extra virgin olive oil, you can enjoy the fresh flavors of the East. Make it a mezze night when you share some of their mouthwatering appetizers. Our favorites include the Hummus Kebbe, chickpeas purée served with kebbe krass garnished with nuts and pistachios, Balade Falafel stuffed with onions, sumac, crushed peppers and olive oil and Makanek, spiced beef sausages flambeed with fresh lemon juice. Fully immerse yourself in Lebanese cooking with their Kebbe Kras, the national dish of Lebanon. This mixture of lean beef and crack wheat, filled with ground beef, diced onions and pine nuts, and served with their famous Laban bread, features all of the region’s unique seasonings.
Dig into palatable platters, especially the Beef Shawarma, a tasty take on this favorite dish served with rice, pickles and tahini sauce. Fresh fish items include the Samke Harra, grilled Chilean sea bass filet marinated with lemon and served with spicy warm tahini, Samke Mechwiye, grilled branzino bone-in, and the Fatet Shrimp, jumbo shrimp infused with yogurt, olive oil, garlic and lemon. If you want to try it all – and you will definitely want to – their mixed grill options offer Beef Kafta, Lamb Kabab, Chicken Tawook and chargrilled vegetables.
Manakeesh, or Lebanese pizzas, as well as their pita pizzas and sandweechet options also feature meat, fish and vegetarian options. Finish off your culinary adventure with a delectable dessert, from the Mouhallabie, a milk pudding delicacy to Kenafa, a tasty treat baked in the oven and topped with cheese, breadcrumbs, ground pistachios and homemade syrup. Enjoy all aspects of Lebanese hospitality with the Balade Jallab, a healthy date juice with pine nuts or the Laban, Ayran, a traditional healthy, salty yoghurt drink.
Experience the homey feel and flavors of the Mediterranean at this beloved neighborhood favorite for dinner and weekend lunch.
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