What began as a simple farmers’ market in Beirut in 2004 has grown into one of Lebanon’s most heartfelt and far reaching food movements. Souk El Tayeb was created to bring rural produce into the city and connect people to the land through food. Over time it evolved into something more personal. It became a space where cooks share their stories, recipes and regional traditions through a shared table.
Today, Souk El Tayeb lives on not only in its weekly markets but also through Tawlet. These open kitchen restaurants can be found across Lebanon. From Jisr El Wati to the hills of Bakish, the wetlands of Ammiq and the stone houses of Douma, each Tawlet tells a different story. Every location serves food that reflects the people who make it and the region it comes from.
Tawlet Ammiq, Bekaa
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Tawlet Ammiq (+961 3 004 481) is located in the heart of the ancient Ammiq village and offers stunning panoramic views of the Bekaa Valley. The restaurant was created to celebrate the local culture and culinary traditions of Ammiq and its surrounding region. Most villagers work in agriculture and the municipality is committed to sustainable practices to protect the land for future generations. Tawlet Ammiq gives local producers a platform to share their traditions crops and cooking methods while encouraging cooks to revive old recipes and customs. The building itself is one of the greenest in Lebanon featuring eco-friendly design elements such as solar chimneys a green roof and natural cooling systems. It uses eighty percent less energy than traditional buildings and sorts and recycles waste. Inside the restaurant much of the furniture and décor is handmade by local artisans with inspiration drawn from the natural surroundings. The project is part of a regional conservation effort funded by the Swiss Development Agency and supports the work of the Royal Society for Conservation of Nature and local partners. Visitors can enjoy hiking or guided tours in the nearby wetlands and Ammiq reserve or rent bicycles for a more adventurous experience. The guest house offers three rooms where guests can wake up to birdsong and enjoy free access to the reserve with breakfast included. Families are welcome with indoor and outdoor kids’ areas and a dekenet is available for purchasing local products and mouneh as souvenirs.
Tawlet Bakish, Keserwan
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Tawlet Bakish (+961 81 767 301) is located in the village of Qanat Bakish between the mountains of Kfardebian and Baskinta. It was created to honor the food and farming traditions of the Baskinta region and the surrounding Keserwan mountains. Here, local producers bring their seasonal crops and methods while village cooks return to old recipes that carry the flavor of home. The setting is calm and remote with sweeping views that stretch across the mountain landscape. It is a quiet place to eat well and slow down with food that comes straight from the land around it.
Tawlet Beit Douma, North Lebanon
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Tawlet Douma (+961 70 082 225) is set inside Beit Douma, a restored Lebanese house in one of Lebanon’s most charming and well preserved villages. The home dates back to the 18th century and still holds many of its original features. It sits above the Batroun mountains surrounded by orchards gardens and stone terraces. The open kitchen welcomes local cooks, who prepare breakfast, lunch and dinner using recipes passed down through generations. Guests are welcome to join in the cooking or simply enjoy a quiet meal overlooking the valley. Tawlet Douma is known for its warm hospitality homemade food and peaceful setting. On weekends, the buffet lunch includes a free guided tour of the Douma souks. The house is also available for private events weddings and overnight stays. Whether you come for a meal or a weekend you will leave with a deeper taste of village life.
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If you enjoyed reading this, check out our interview with Kamal Mouzawak, founder of Souk El Tayeb.
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