Alameen Gets a Facelift but Not at the Cost of Its Affordable Middle Eastern Fare

Alameen has long been known for its flavorful, affordable and authentic Lebanese fare. But the venue by no means had a reputation for its decor. That should soon change, thanks to a recent revamp in which the Sanlitun North restaurant’s increasingly dingy brick interior has been swapped with a far slicker aesthetic. A pesky barrier in the venue’s center has been knocked down, giving Alameen a new airiness that nicely complements the hardwood flooring and fresh white walls. The best of the restaurant’s old aesthetic still remains, such as the eye-catching patch of unpainted brick on the far wall, and the sturdy old hardwood tree that stands at the center like a pillar.
 

The menu has also been rejuvenated. Presented on slick digital pads, those offerings include old favorites like the generous RMB 40 appetizer platter, featuring wholesome hummus, baba ghanoush and cushy Lebanese bread, or a plate of four smokey chicken kebabs for RMB 60. Hungrier customers can opt for the RMB 110 mixed grill platter, featuring half a dozen skewers worth of chicken, lamb and beef with those barbecue sticks already conveniently removed. It also comes with a side of salad and french fries, and is more than enough to satisfy a trio of hungry customers.

Ayman Kanbar, the affable chef and owner, is always on hand to welcome customers with a smile as warm as a Mediterranean breeze, or even his peoples customary the peck-on-the-cheek greeting whenever a fellow Muslim arrives. He touts the venue’s cups of Arabic coffee, which only costs RMB 20, along with new additions like pizzas and steaks that are equally affordable – the priciest being a hulking leg of lamb for RMB 148. 

But many longtime customers will be most pleasantly surprised by the new wine and beer options, which were previously barred in accordance with Muslim traditions. Patrons were always permitted to bring their own booze, but after years of missing out on alcohol related revenue, Kanbar has given in and is now sure to attract thirsty customers with premium prices, like the RMB 15 bottles of Tsingtao, RMB 20 bottles of Heineken and Carona, RMB 38 bottles of German Erdinger beer, RMB 200 bottles of Le Prieure red wine. 

Thankfully, that same old bang-for-your-buck credo, which has always been Alameen’s biggest draw, was not lost in the renovation. The impeccable quality of this homestyle Lebanese food, at such reasonable prices, still makes it the best Muslim restaurant in town, and now it’s sure to no longer be a best kept secret thanks to its far prettier ambience.

Photos: Kyle Mullin