By Zara Samdani, Co-Managing Editor
Squeezing in on a tight Sunday night reservation, I opened the doors of Fattoush Mediterranean Cuisine in Malvern to a warm and inviting hostess greeting guests and walking them to their tables. By 5 p.m., nearly every seat was filled in the stylishly furnished restaurant.
The interior was beautifully decorated with intricate paintings, stained glass windows and brightly lit floral candles, creating a charming and inviting ambiance. The overflow of tables provided ample space to enjoy the unique Mediterranean cuisine.
The menu offered a wide variety of dishes, from classic falafels to flavorful shawarma wraps. I began my meal with a hummus platter, which arrived on a pristine white plate adorned with paprika and parsley. The hummus served as a delightful and refreshing prelude to a satisfying meal. Its creamy and smooth texture complemented the subtle tanginess, and the accompanying vegetables and pita bread provided a crunchy counterpoint to the balance of flavors.
For my main course, I opted for the Greek chicken wrap with rice on the side. The first bite tasted like heaven: the thick yet pliable pita bread enveloped the perfectly marinated, juicy chicken breast. The tomatoes and olives in the interior had a satisfying saltiness, and the crumbled feta cheese created a delicious creamy texture. The rice was perfectly cooked and seasoned, providing a hearty and comforting accompaniment to the wrap.
As a side dish, I decided to try the fattoush salad. The pickled tomatoes were exactly as advertised — spicy! The tangy, vinegary flavor was a perfect balance to the crunch of the lettuce. The salad was made with a smooth and velvety sauce that was loaded with five different spices, creating a decadent and indulgent treat.
Although I was quite full after my meal, I could not resist ordering the traditional Lebanese baklava. The dessert was presented beautifully, with a thick layer of caramelized sugar on top of the flaky pastry. The contrast between the crunchy sugar and the smoothly-chopped nuts delightfully soothed my tastebuds. Thin sheets of dough counteracted the sugar, making the overall sweetness just right.
Fattoush, named after a Lebanese salad, serves more than leafy greens. Open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., it offers a respectable Mediterranean-infused dining experience with options for everyone. Not including tax or tip, the meal came to a total of $50. While the prices are slightly higher than some other local restaurants, the quality of the food and the overall dining experience made it well worth it. If you’re looking for a delicious and authentic Mediterranean meal, I highly recommend giving Fattoush a try.
Zara Samdani can be reached at [email protected].
