Irresistible Temptation, Middle Eastern Cuisine Arabesque

Restaurant Story

Irresistible Temptation, Middle Eastern Cuisine Arabesque

Writer Lee Hyeon-ju
Photographer Choi Jun-geun

A pleasure encountered during a trip to other countries is trying local food. Unique spices of a country are difficult to get familiar during the trip but its flavor becomes a fond memory and you will crave for the dish. While Thai and Vietnamese restaurants are easily found when craving for the food, ones serving Middle Eastern cuisine are not for those who travelled Turkey, India and the Middle East area. "Arabesque" which sits in Ongnyeon-dong, Yeonsu-gu can be a paradise for those missing Middle Eastern, Turkey and Indian cuisine.

Restaurant Serving Multinational Cuisine run by a Jordanian

The restaurant is run by Mr. Firas Alcoufhy, a Jordanian. After getting married to a Korean woman, he opened an Arabic restaurant called 'Sahara Tent.' It has developed into 'Arabesque' restaurant serving other international dishes of India, Turkey, Germany and others together with Arabic food. Arabesque specializes in Turkish kebab and Indian curry. It also offers various Arabic dishes every one or two weeks among fifteen dishes such as Saudi Arabian 'Kabsa', Joradanian 'Mansaf', Libyan and Moroccan 'Couscous' and Yemeni 'Mandi'. Halal meat slaughtered in a strict manner of Islamic law is only used.

A Variety of Curries, Kababs and BBQ served by Indian

Its various menus are another great feature of the restaurant. It serves 21 kinds of curries and 10 kinds of kebabs and BBQ. As naan bread, a perfect accompaniment to a curry, is baked in a tadoor, it tastes great. Hummus, a dip made with smashed chickpea, mixed with Tahini source and lemon juice. Baba ghanoush, a dish of smashed egg plant after being grilled. Riata, a condiment made with home-made yogurt and fresh vegetable. Names of dishes and ingredients may sound unfamiliar but you will keep craving for those dishes once trying them.

Spices and herbs sourced from Mr. Alcoufhy's home in Jordan help make authentic Arabic cuisine. There are few restaurants which serve authentic Middle Eastern cuisine even in the heart of Seoul where restaurants with diverse international dishes can be met. It also hires Indian cooks to offer the authentic Arabic taste.
Mr. Alcoufhy kindly introduces its food to customers like a friend. Arabic customers hear news on their countries from him. He always greets people with a kind smile. His attitude attracts customers and the restaurant is full of customers all the time.

When the restaurant was open, few Koreans visited but now 60% of customers are Korean people.
"I come here and dine five days a week. As it serves different dishes, I never get sick of eating here. The food helps me get over homesickness. Arabesque is like a family member for me" Mr. Mohamed (From Pakistan) said. He added that the presence of Arabesque gives me encouragement to work hard. Arabesque which helps revive fond memories of the authentic Arabic cuisine and travelling with Indian and Turkish food. In Ongnyeon-dong, there is a small Middle East which has an irresistible temptation.