The concept pays tribute to the founder's family through food.

The London-based, Lebanese entrepreneur, Nermin Khamosia, has opened the new café, Matbakh. Located in Bloomsbury, it showcases the authentic taste of Middle Eastern food, and a daily tabkha (meal) for the week. Each day, there is an entirely different meal on the menu, which means there are more reasons to make a return visit. 

Located on Great Ormond Street, Matbakh prides itself on its home cooking. In Arabic, matbakh means kitchen, and refers to a style of cooking or cuisine. The menu features a range of traditional dishes, which wouldn't look out of place in an Arabic home. Plus, the café bistro boasts a minimal design with a black door, white exterior and small tables.  

Nermin credits her grandmother as a source of inspiration, and pays tribute to memories of her through food. She explains: Growing up, I remember standing on the balcony observing my grandmother, as she prepared ingredients to cook for lunch. She would explain the significance of each spice, how they not only enhanced flavours but also told stories of our heritage and family traditions.

"Each dish she prepared was a labour of love, a recipe passed down through generations, transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary. My grandmother often reminded me that cooking is an art, but it's also a way to nurture relationships and maintain bonds. The essence of Middle Eastern cuisine lies not just in the recipes but in the heart behind them. It's about the shared moments over a platter of hummus, the joy of picking at a tray of stuffed grape leaves, and the satisfaction of coming together to enjoy the fruits of our labour".

At Matbakh, the food menu includes Waraq Enab (stuffed grape vine leaves), Lebanese Lentil Soup, Levantine Tabouleh Salad and more. The drinks menu includes a wide selection of teas and coffee, and Arabic coffee. Plus, there are vegetarian as well as vegan options.

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Go: Visit www.matbakh.co.uk for more information.