Casa Kuri, an ode to authentic Lebanese food

Mexico City has become the ideal setting to immerse oneself in the culinary traditions of countries from all continents. Month after month, new gastronomic proposals delight our palates with innovative dishes; however, there is one cuisine that has won the hearts of Mexicans for several decades: Lebanese cuisine. The Lebanese community began to migrate to Mexico in the mid-19th century, but also after World War I. Upon their arrival, the center of Mexico City started to fill with all kinds of wonderful spices that have enriched Mexican gastronomy, but which have also led to new dishes. According to the documentary The Eternal Feast, produced by the National Autonomous University of Mexico, Middle Eastern food began to be sold in small restaurants and within neighborhoods, but today, Lebanese food is one of the most popular in our country. So much so that there are now a large number of Lebanese food and Middle Eastern-influenced restaurants in Mexico. Thanks to the arrival of Lebanese migrants, we can now enjoy dishes like taco al pastor, an icon of Mexican food worldwide. However, the fusion of flavors has resulted in the tropicalization of dishes, as it is common to find kibbeh raw with green chili or tahini with cilantro and chili. Although the fusion of flavors shows that Mexican and Lebanese cuisines complement each other very well, the gastronomic trends for 2022 indicate that diners are now interested in trying authentic recipes with a homemade flavor, as they desire to learn about true culinary traditions. In the case of Lebanese gastronomy, one of the main exponents of this culinary tradition is Casa Kuri, a small and cozy restaurant located in the Condesa neighborhood. Chef Naguib Kuri, with a Lebanese mother and Syrian grandparents, has been responsible for bringing the true flavors of the Middle Eastern country to Mexico City.You can also read: 10 recipes to explore Lebanese gastronomySharing the most authentic flavors of Lebanon has become Chef Naguib's mission, but he puts a twist on it by presenting traditional dishes with a fine dining style. Additionally, he uses the highest quality ingredients, which he prepares using family techniques he has inherited. In most Lebanese restaurants, generous portions of hummus, baba ganoush, rice with noodles, kibbeh balls, raw kibbeh, shawarma, falafel, grape leaves, and other delights are usually served; however, enjoying a meal at Casa Kuri is like traveling through the most authentic flavors of Lebanon, as the chef recreates dishes you can enjoy in Beirut. This small restaurant is the perfect example that haute cuisine can perfectly combine with family recipes, as the chicken with jocoque, baby potatoes, and paprika, a recipe from his mother, is a must-try dish. Another of his signature dishes, which you won't find in other restaurants, is the kibbeh damascena, prepared with caramelized onions and pine nuts. If you've never tried this type of cuisine, I recommend ordering the Eating in Beirut menu, which will allow you to taste the most representative dishes of Casa Kuri. If you're in the mood for something different, then you have to order the tasting menu, which consists of 12 courses that the chef creates on the spot and also includes a bottle of wine. To close your meal on a high note, don't miss the best bride's fingers in the city, which are prepared by the chef's mother. Another excellent dessert option is the 85% cocoa cake with beetroot. Casa Kuri is a restaurant that offers an experience that goes beyond commercial Lebanese food, as its dishes are honest and preserve the most authentic flavors of Lebanon by using the best quality ingredients.*Photos taken from Casa Kuri on Instagram