La Gruta Ehden is likely one of the oldest and most beloved Lebanese eating places in Mexico City. This culinary gem stands as a testomony to an enchanting but usually ignored chapter in Mexico’s wealthy cultural tapestry – the story of Lebanese immigration and its profound impression on Mexican society.
From the road entrance on the unique location in Colonia Florida, it appears to be like a bit nondescript, save for the restaurant’s signal above the door. However, when you stroll in, you are in a lush inexperienced tunnel headed towards the coated entrance patio seating, flanked by a phenomenal stone waterfall wall and tropical crops. Beyond that, the standard dimly-lit eating room, and when you preserve going, the coated eating space with a excessive ceiling and extra tropical greenery.
A Surprising Cultural Fusion
The presence of Lebanese delicacies in Mexico City might sound surprising at first look. After all, Mexico and Lebanon are separated by hundreds of miles and vastly completely different cultural traditions. Yet, this unlikely pairing is the results of a big wave of Lebanese immigration to Mexico that started within the late nineteenth century and peaked within the Twenties and Thirties.
Today, Mexico is residence to one of many largest Lebanese diaspora communities on the earth, with estimates suggesting over 400,000 Mexicans of Lebanese descent. This neighborhood has left an indelible mark on Mexican tradition, influencing every part from enterprise and politics to, in fact, the nation’s numerous culinary panorama. There’s even a Lebanese social membership in Mexico City, Lebanese centerwhich opened in 1962.
La Gruta Ehden stands on the intersection of those two wealthy cultures, providing a singular eating expertise that bridges the hole between the Middle East and Latin America. It’s a spot the place the spices of Beirut mingle with the heat of Mexican hospitality, making a culinary journey that is as surprising as it’s pleasant.
La Gruta Ehden’s Story
La Gruta Ehden’s story begins in 1930 when, like many immigrants, the grandparents of the present house owners introduced with them the flavors of their homeland. They established the primary Lebanese restaurant in Mexico upon their arrival. This daring transfer laid the muse for what would develop into a culinary establishment in Mexico City.
In 1976, constructing on the success of their household’s pioneering efforts, La Gruta Ehden opened its doorways in Colonia Florida, within the South of Mexico City. The restaurant’s mission: to deliver genuine Lebanese gastronomy to this bustling a part of the Mexican capital, introducing locals and guests alike to the flavors of Levantine delicacies.
Today, La Gruta Ehden continues to function a bridge between Lebanese and Mexican cultures, providing a style of genuine flavors and household recipes handed down by generations, and a singular window into the shocking and pleasant ways in which world migration has formed Mexico’s cultural panorama.
What to order at La Gruta Ehden
Each of those dishes affords a singular glimpse into the wealthy culinary traditions of Lebanon, expertly ready and served within the coronary heart of Mexico City. Whether you are new to Lebanese delicacies or a longtime fan, La Gruta Ehden’s menu has one thing to fulfill each palate.
Remember, a part of the enjoyment of eating at La Gruta Ehden is the expertise of sharing a number of dishes together with your companions. Don’t hesitate to order a wide range of mezza to begin your meal – it is the standard Lebanese option to dine and an ideal alternative to discover the various flavors on the menu.
Please notice that the costs listed on the menu beneath are from September 2024, and will have modified since these images have been taken.
Here’s a information to a few of the most delectable dishes you need to strive in your go to:
Mezza (Appetizers)
The mezza choice at La Gruta Ehden affords an ideal introduction to Lebanese flavors:
Dry Jocoque: This strained yogurt dish is a must-try. Don’t miss the variations ready with Lebanese spices or za’atar, which add layers of taste to the creamy base.
Ground eggplant: Better referred to as baba ghanoush, this smoky, roasted eggplant dip is a Lebanese basic. It’s good for spreading on heat pita bread.
Raw kepe: Also known as kibbeh nayyeh, that is the Lebanese model of beef tartare, however made with lamb. Made with floor beef and bulgur wheat, it is seasoned with olive oil, mint leaves, and inexperienced onion. It’s served with contemporary pita and skinny pita chips. A real delicacy for adventurous eaters!
Chanklish: This distinctive cheese is produced from curdled yogurt that is strained and fermented that’s most much like feta cheese. It’s usually served with finely-chopped tomato, onion, and a drizzle of olive oil, providing a tangy and wealthy taste profile.
Soups and rice (Soups and Rice Dishes)
Rice lentils: This hearty and comforting lentil and rice dish is a staple of Lebanese delicacies, providing an ideal steadiness of protein and carbohydrates. I like the fried onion blended into it!
Entradas (Main Dishes)
The important course choices at La Gruta Ehden showcase the depth of Lebanese delicacies:
Kepe Charola (Kibbeh Charola): This baked dish options floor beef blended with bulgur wheat, onion, Serrano chile, cumin, and mint. It’s lower like a pie slice and served with a refreshing aspect salad.
Shawarma de Carnero: For meat lovers, this lamb shawarma served in a pita with lettuce and tomato is a must-try. The tender, spiced meat is a trademark of Middle Eastern delicacies.
Taco Fuad’s: A singular fusion dish, this “taco” makes use of pita bread as a base, crammed with slices of beef filet and topped with a particular salsa. It’s an ideal illustration of the Lebanese-Mexican cultural mix.
Lebanese pastry (Lebanese desserts)
No meal is full with out one thing candy, and once you ask to see the dessert menu, they’re going to deliver a giant tray of desserts to your desk:
Baklava or Wedding finger: A basic for a purpose, this conventional deal with is worthy of being chosen over extra commonplace Mexican desserts on the tray, similar to flan. The “dedo de novia,” or “bride’s finger,” is a kind of baklava. Phyllo dough is rolled with nuts and honey right into a finger form, leading to a crispy, candy deal with. It goes nice paired with a cup of café arabe.
Datile cake: This basic Lebanese date pie is made with pecans and a cookie crust. Often additionally in style to serve round Christmastime amongst Lebanese households, it is a pleasant option to finish your meal any time of the yr, and the restaurant carries it on the menu year-round.
Knefe: You can get this conventional Arabic dessert (additionally known as knafeh) plain or flambeed with Licor 43. It’s made with spun pastry known as kataifi, soaked in a candy, sugar-based syrup known as attar, and usually layered with cheese, or with different substances similar to clotted cream, pistachio or nuts.
To go to:
Check The Grotto ehden‘s web site for hours of service and telephone quantity. Reservations are really helpful.
The unique location in Colonia Florida:
Pino 69, Col. Florida, Between Río Mixcoac and Moras. Mayor’s Office Álvaro Obregón, CP 01030, CDMX, Mexico
The location in Polanco:
Lope de Vega 334, Col. Polanco, Between Horacio and Masaryk. Miguel Hidalgo Mayor’s Office, CP 11550, CDMX, Mexico
