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What's cooking? - Lebanese recipes, chefs and restaurants
What's cooking? - Lebanese recipes, chefs and restaurants

Restaurants and more - WHAT'S COOKING?

Lebanese culture, activism and mezze: The Marseille triptych of Paul Khouri’s 'Asabiya' bar

At the intersection of a cultural bistro and a hub for solidarity activism, the Lebanese mezze bar has been drawing a growing clientele since its opening in 2022 in Marseille. Here's a closer look with its founder, Paul Khouri.


Lebanese culture, activism and mezze: The Marseille triptych of Paul Khouri’s 'Asabiya' bar

Asabiya, both a cultural bistro and a place of solidarity engagement in Marseille. (Credit: Photo taken from its Instagram account @asabiya_)

Set amid Marseille’s dazzling landscape, with its inextricable chaos of colors, graffitied buildings, and sun-drenched trees, Asabiya — which means "nervous" in Arabic — feels as if it has always belonged here. At the top of the Cours Julien stairs, its terrace blends naturally into the Mediterranean vibe. And for good reason: the mezze bar is all at once a restaurant with a menu predominantly Lebanese, a venue for eclectic cultural programming, and a politically engaged space. Outside, the metal shutter is decorated with Arabic calligraphy, a Palestinian flag, and a woman wearing a keffiyeh. Wondering where to eat? Crispy crepes and 100% vegan Lebanese cuisine: 5 spots to discover in Chouf Inside, the walls are covered with posters raising awareness around issues like Islamophobia, anti-racism, or consent, but above all:...
Set amid Marseille’s dazzling landscape, with its inextricable chaos of colors, graffitied buildings, and sun-drenched trees, Asabiya — which means "nervous" in Arabic — feels as if it has always belonged here. At the top of the Cours Julien stairs, its terrace blends naturally into the Mediterranean vibe. And for good reason: the mezze bar is all at once a restaurant with a menu...
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