Who doesn’t love a carb topped with anything your heart desires? Al Manakeesh brings a unique taste to Dublin with their star: manakeesh.

Manakeesh, also known as manaqish and manaeesh, is, in the simplest terms, a Levantine pastry or flatbread, traditionally topped with za’atar (a mix of dried oregano, thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds) and olive oil. 

We spoke with one of four owners, Assad Hijazeen, about what these few months of being open have felt like, and he responds proudly with, “extremely busy and packed.”

Al Manakeesh opened their doors in Dublin on March 14th, immediately pleasing locals with their unique offerings. The menu can be simply split based on the type of base carb you’d like: Jerusalem Kaakak (informally known as bagels) or manakeesh, served open-faced or as a sandwich.

Whether you prefer it salty or sweet, you can order one of the curated menu items or build your own manakeesh. Keep it traditional with a za’atar and labneh manakeesh, or get creative with the trendy Dubai chocolate manakeesh.

“We make our own dough (for the manakeesh). It’s soft on the inside and a little crispy on the outside. It has a special taste; you cannot find this taste anywhere,” says Hijazeen

The manakeesh dough also doubles as their sandwiches, which have been a star seller since the start. Notably, the mixed meat and roast beef sandwiches are crowd-favorites, with the turkey coming in a close third.

“Most restaurants prepare their food in the back of the restaurant, but people love that we do it in front of them. People can see everything.”

Al Manakeesh prides itself on offering a dining experience that goes beyond the norm. Hijazeen recounts how special it has been to connect with the community, sharing food that “tastes like home.”

And, once you’ve dined on the delicious manakeesh, we recommend walking next door to Hijazeen’s other establishment, Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co.. With a large selection of tea and coffee, it’s the perfect end to a meal.

 

 

 

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Visit Al Manakeesh!

6181 Sawmill Rd, Dublin

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