Private Lebanese Cooking Class in Beirut with Amal + Transfers

That was definetly more than a cooking course. Amal and her family were so amazing and once we arrived, their welcome was so warm, we felt like beeing at home of friends. Of course, we learnt cooking of some lebanese food, but this was honestly a side issue. I am travelling a lot, but I never made such an extraordinary experience:)

I have travelled all over the world (77 countries) and the dinner with Amal and her family is one of the most memorable experiences I have ever had. I was picked up in Beirut and driven to the village of Aramoun, about 20 minutes from Beiruit to Amal’s family home. The early 20th century home had been built by Amal’s grandfather and had a fabulous garden, beautiful stone walls and an amazing family room adjoining a magnificent deck with views to the Mediterranean and Beirut. After meeting the family, including Amal’s sisters, husband, dad and mum. (Amal’s parents are amazing), I was given a tour of the home and garden, Then it was time to cook. Now the table was already laden with food, but there four more dishes to make: Kibbeh, tabouli, babba ganoush and a desert called maakaroun. The ladies showed me how to make each of the dishes and Amal’s mom even got into the act showing me how to roll the maakarouns. Conversation and laughter were abundant. And once the food was cooked, we sat down to eat dinner (which included arek, the anise based drink from Lebanon). The food prepared was spectacular and the conversation was wonderful. After dinner we enjoyed maakarouns (a doughnut like desert) along with grapes and apples from the garden. (I am pretty sure I would still be there eating apple slices Amal’s dad kept cutting for me if Amal hadn’t told him I was full.). Amal and her family are the poster family for Lebanese hospitality. Simply fantastic people. After I returned to my hotel, Amal sent me wonderful pictures from the evening and all of the recipes for the food we ate. The experience is one of a kind. There are not enough superlatives I can use to describe my experience and Amal and her family. Amazing, kind people living in an incredibly historic region. You will have an experience to remember for your lifetime!

From the beginning to the end a memorable and wonderful experience. Such a lovely and warmhearted family, three generations together made their guests feel so welcome over great local food and drinks. Regardless of the horrible weather outside we sat by the fireplace and talked about everything and shared some laughs. Absolutely fantastic and unforgettable evening with genuine Lebanese family!