It is not often that you go to a fast, casual dining restaurant in the heart of city and find yourself transported back in time to childhood; in that regard, Zizo stands out from all the others.
Offering a modern twist to traditional dining, Zizo brings greetings from Lebanon, a country as beautiful in landscape as it is in their culture, heritage, and food.
Zizo reminds you of those beautiful days filled with fun and frolic. The word 'Zizo' itself draws inspiration from a tiny lil green beetle, which is still considered an enchanting part of Lebanese childhood for many.
The green beetle is reminiscent of the simplicity of life in the Mediterranean countryside, where running through the lavender fields with friends to chase Zizos is a way of life; it's that innocence and camaraderie that Zizo hopes to share with its patrons in India.
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| Chef Danny in action at Zizo |
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| Chef Danny |
Walk into any Zizo outlet in Delhi-NCR and take away a bite of the simple life. A visit to Zizo is not just about authentic Lebanese fare but much more!
Promoting the central idea that fast food can also be healthy, Fouad Abdel Malak, co-founder and CEO at Zizo.in, believes that food is not rational but culture, habit, craving, and identity. I couldn't agree more!
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| A Server at Zizo |
With Zizo, Delhi gets a hearty mix of healthy and tasty authentic Lebanese food, amidst a perfect Lebanese ambiance.
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| Ambiance at Zizo |
As I walked into Zizo's new outlet at the Palm Springs Plaza in Gurgaon, I couldn't help but rave about their uncompromising style of light-hearted, contemporary hospitality.
At Zizo you can be assured of handmade food with the freshest organic ingredients. In fact all herbs, oils, and spices are imported from Lebanon to add an authentic kick of flavor.
The Lebanese food at Zizo is prepared with a slight tangy twist to suit the Indian palate.
I got a firsthand taste of authentic Lebanese food that evening, courtesy Chef Danny Elsoury. Hailing from Lebanon, Chef Danny is an expert in the preparation of fresh salads and cold mezze, hot mezze, rolls, burgers, main courses and grills, pastas, desserts, and traditional oven food items.
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| Chef Danny Elsoury |
Here are my top recommendations from his kitchen at Zizo.
Salads and Cold Mezze
Fattoush Salad
[My Rating: 4.5 out of 5]
Flavorful salad prepared with fresh herbs, mixed vegetables, organic sumac, and pomegranate vinaigrette dressing.
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| Fattoush Salad |
Trio Hummus
[My Rating: 5 out of 5]
Served with soft and fragrant Pita bread, the Trio Hummus comprises bowls of Traditional, Spicy, and Basil Hummus.
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| Trio Hummus |
Rolls
Falafel Roll
[My Rating: 5 out of 5]
These delicious vegetable rolls are prepared with pickles, mint, lettuce, tomatoes, and spicy Tahini sauce.
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| Falafel Roll - Preparation |
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| Falafel Roll - Preparation |
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| Falafel Roll - Preparation |
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| Falafel Roll |
Fresh from Traditional Oven
Zaatar Manoushe
[My Rating: 4 out of 5]
Popularly known as Lebanese pizza, this oven-fresh flatbread is topped with grade A thyme and olive oil.
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| Zaatar Manoushe |
Spicy Tomatoes and Zaatar Manoushe
[My Rating: 5 out of 5]
This unique Lebanese dish is made of tomatoes, onions, chatta (homemade chili paste), and Lebanese Zaatar.
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| Spicy Tomatoes and Zaatar Manoushe - Preparation |
Drinks
Mulberry Lemonade
[My Rating: 5 out of 5]
Perfect drink to cool off in this sticky, hot summer. The freshly squeezed mulberries when garnished with mint leaves render a unique refreshing taste that you'll truly fall in love with.
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| Mulberry Lemonade |
Watermelon Passion Fruit Juice
[My Rating: 5 out of 5]
Enjoy this naturally healthy tropical juice made of watermelon and passion fruit. The latter contains high fiber, protein, and iron; plus being low in sugar, this juice packs a punch with essential vitamins and minerals.
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| Watermelon Passion Fruit Juice |
Desserts
Cafe Blanc
Also known as White Coffee, this soothing, caffeine-free drink is made of hot water, lemon zest, and orange blossom water. Served in shots at Zizo; however, it should be served in a coffee or tea mug, like the way they do it in Lebanon.
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| Cafe Blanc and Lady's Arms (Znoud el Sett) |
Lady's Arms (Znoud el Sett)
[My Rating: 5 out of 5]
True to its name, Lady's Arms are rolled puffed pastries with Lebanese custard and sugar syrup.
I so wanted to try the Chocolate cake with halawa, which essentially is a warm chocolate cake topped with halawa sauce and roasted hazelnut. Maybe on my next visit!
Finally, Zizo is the proud recipient of the Times Food and Nightlife Awards for Best Arabian/Lebanese serving place two years in a row (2015-16). That's not all; even this year the Lebanese restaurant is nominated in the World Cuisine Category of the Gurgaon Foodie People's Choice Award 2016.
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| Danny and Fouad |
There is a lot of Lebanon waiting for you at Zizo, including food, music, and people. If you're interested in seeing a Lebanese belly dancer perform, don't forget to attend the Layalina night every Friday post 8:30 pm. I was absolutely mesmerized to see 'Raqs Sharqi' (Belly Dance), which is the ancient art form native only to the Middle East.
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| Layalina night every Friday at Zizo |
I hope you have enough reasons now to get enchanted at Zizo. So what are you waiting for?
Zizo sounds to be another awesome place with a unique theme. The innocence and simplicity of childhood seems to be the running theme. The food too looks awesome, especially the trio Hummus. Sandy N Vyjay
ReplyDeleteI love Lebanese food and have tried my hand at cooking it too. Dining in such authentic places is such a delight for a foodie like me.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love Lebanese food. The humus and the dips are my favourites. I will definitely try to visit Zizo for the delicious food.
ReplyDelete