Zaroob became a family favourite on the strength of their Fattah, a southern Levantine dish which consists of pieces of fresh, toasted, or stale flatbread covered with strained yogurt, steamed chickpeas and olive oil. My wife finds it almost as irresistible as she finds me – almost. This Ibn Battuta branch is located in middle of the China Court courtyard (find Borders and walk straight out) beside two restaurants I have a lot of respect for, Kasap (Turkish) and Safaran (Iranian). Although not as appealing as the original on SZR or even the Marina branch we most often visit, its still easily recognisable as Zaroob.
Outdoor seating 
Inside seating 
The kitchen
One of the things I like most about the whole Zaroob franchise is that the food is consistently good throughout the branches, this one included. Struggling to find appease everyone in our party of ten, we left the ordering to the amazing restaurant manager, Sameh. He organised a perfect mix of starters and mains which included, fried Halloumi, Hummus with a Lebanese twist, Fattoush, Falafel and of course, Hummus Fattah (one for my wife and two to share).
Hummus 
Fattoush 
Falafel 
Za’atar: my son taught me to dip a piece of my flatbread into olive oil and then roll it around in the Za’atar – delish! 
Fried Halloumi 
Zaatar and Lebneh Saj 
Hummus Fattah
Once we got started on these, seamlessly, he fed our hungry table with Zaatar and Lebneh Saj, Cheese and Mince Wrap, Chicken and Beef Shawarmas, Garlic Chicken Wrap, Kofta…and on and on it went in typical Lebanese/Jordanian style. Everything was super delicious including the desserts (yes, we even ordered desserts).
Meat Shawarma 
Cheese and Mince Wrap 
Kofta
What this branch of Zaroob lacked in décor wow, it made up for with its excellent service. Sameh and his team really treated us like…um, his family. I don’t know if this was a new year thing or if they’re always like this, but it left a lasting impression with our group. Thank you Sameh and your amazing team. Zaroob does catering! I can only imagine what these guys could do for one of our crazy parties. Hmm.
One is really spoilt for choice in that Ibn Battuta courtyard. I will now add a third to my list of favourites there – Zaroob. So, if you fancy excellent Lebanese Jordanian street food, this eatery with its retro interior is the place to go.
Hey! Now read this –
Xerxes physically dines at, or orders from, each and every venue he reviews. He pays in full for whatever he and his companions eat, drink, take away or occasionally throw at each other. Xerxes accepts no money, gifts, discounts or free meals in return for reviews or favouritism. What you have read was NOT influenced in any way by the venue. Join me on Instagram @ravenousxerxes or email me on xerxes@dellara.com.