BKLAVA, is a Lebanese-British genre defying artist who has been honing her craft in south London.

BKLAVA 

One thing many can agree on is that London is diverse. The majority of Lebanese people in the UK reside in the capital. The growth of the UK Lebanese population began in 1975, when many Lebanese people started fleeing the Civil War. Edgware Road is one of the key hubs for Lebanese people in this country and is the most densely populated area. Walking down the road, you’re surrounded by a whole host of Middle Eastern cuisines, shops, libraries, banks, pharmacies and even dental practices. Paying a sweet homage to the well-known treat, BKLAVA, is a garage sensation who calls the city home. She rounds up her favourite places across the city...

London

Maroush is situated on Edgware Road. There’s actually a chain of Maroushs' in and around the city. The restaurant is owned by a couple that have a very interesting origin story in this country: "When my wife Houda and I arrived in London over 35 years ago war was raging in our home country, Lebanon. It felt sad leaving our family and friends behind, but Londoners received us with a warm and genuine welcome. My mum had also fled Lebanon in 1984 to escape the Civil War and managed to get a job in the city, during this time she spent a lot of time in Maroushs’.

Cedar is located in South Wimbledon, near where I grew up. Not only does it have the best and most authentic Lebanese food, but I hold it close to my heart because it’s where my family and I would always go out to eat when I was growing up and even to this day! One of my Teta’s favourites too. My Teta always cooked the best Lebanese/Armenian food so I always trusted her judgement on this one being authentic.

Noura is located in Mayfair. Another spot my mum used to go to after work in the city. They play live music and have upstairs/downstairs seating. With a lot Lebanese spots normally being quite small and intimate, this makes a whole new experience with lots of buzzing atmosphere. The restaurants journey began in the 70s at the very start of the Civil War and they opened up a restaurant in Paris in 1980 before opening another few in London.

Le Val is based in Kingston. We eat here as a family whenever we are in the area. The restaurant is light and airy and has the most amazing Knafeh! I remember once sitting in there with my parents and sisters and it felt weird being there without the whole family, so we called my Aunty and Uncle last minute and they came and bought all of my cousins too. We ended up having an enormous feast.

Tooting is known for it’s British-Asian community, which is why walking through Tooting Market has always been special to me, the market plays host to a wide range of Asian and African cuisines and the fact that I used to visit here with my Teta makes it extra special.

Impact Lebanon is a non-profit organisation based around the world, including the UK. They help Beirut from Beirut itself, especially during the recent explosion that caused devastation and heartbreak to Lebanese people throughout the world. They also helped to bring aid to Beirut from all over the globe. At the time of the recent explosion, Beirut was in the mist of a revolution and a pandemic. Impact Lebanon have been there for the people, trying to help them through this devastating time.