A Taste of Home
College often means leaving behind more than just family and friends; it also means saying goodbye to the foods that define home. From comfort dishes that remind them of family dinners to late-night cravings that cure homesickness, each person takes a culinary tour of the city, proving that even thousands of miles away, a taste of home is never too far.
The Lebanese Student Association, or LSA, was established in 2014 and hosts events to share Lebanese culture on campus with different events such as LSA Cafe and Byblos Bash. The celebrations aren’t only limited to fellow Bruins, as they often have collaborations with Lebanese student associations from other schools, including hosting a fun soccer tournament with nine other universities. Out of all the amazing selections of Lebanese restaurants in Los Angeles, Sunnin Lebanese Cafe and Laya Restaurant are the top two that LSA members frequent for a connection to their roots.
Below, several UCLA students share what they miss most about Lebanese cuisine — and where they go when homesickness hits.
Sunnin Lebanese Cafe
Address: 1776 Westwood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90024
Located in Westwood just a short drive away from UCLA is Sunnin Lebanese Cafe, which has been serving delicious Mediterranean cuisine since 1996. LSA Bruins love the establishment for its homey atmosphere. Gianna Karkafi, a third year neuroscience and disability studies student, said, “It reminds us of being home in Lebanon, sitting at our grandparents’ table in the village and eating a comforting meal cooked with love.”
Favorites of the restaurant include kibbeh bi laban, a warm meat and tangy yogurt dish served with a fluffy side of rice that is especially perfect on a cozy winter night. Another dish, batata harra — crispy fried potatoes coated in fragrant spices like red peppers, coriander, chili and garlic — is a perfect addition to the satisfying choices. For an even more savory bite, try rakakat jibneh, a traditional appetizer similar to a cheese roll that uses “akawi,” a firm, salty white cheese.
One of the standout dishes is kousa mahshi, a zucchini stuffed with spiced rice and meat cooked in a savory tomato broth. It brings members back to their childhoods, especially since it is an uncommon dish to find sold at a restaurant. Maryam Alturki, a fourth year physiological science student, described the plate: “It tastes like something a Lebanese grandma would make for a family gathering on a Sunday afternoon.”
Laya Restaurant
Address: 1430 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028
Owned by Lebanese chef Charbel Hayek, who has won “Top Chef: Middle East & North Africa,” Laya Restaurant provides both a shimmering ambiance and authentic food. Janine Abubaker, a third year political science student, describes the eatery as bringing “the energy of a Beirut nightlife restaurant to Los Angeles”.
Mashawi, grilled meat and vegetables roasted over an open flame to give a strong charcoal flavor while being served with piping hot pilaf rice, starts the menu off strong. Meanwhile, fattoush salad brings an acidic flare with its fresh tomatoes and crisp cucumbers tossed in a tangy pomegranate dressing. Both of these plates are paired with batata harra, creating the most exciting combination of bright and sharp seasonings.
Just like the local shops in Lebanon, Laya also serves traditional ashta ice cream made with a clotted cream that provides a unique, stretchy texture that is both thick and decadent. The richness matched with light flavors like rose have the perfect amount of sweetness to end off the meal.
The Heart is in the People
All the favorite bites of the Lebanese Student Association center around familiarity. The members frequent places that bring them back to the dinner table with their family.
Tatiana Feghali, a second year public health student, often enjoys board dinners at Sunnin Lebanese Cafe to bond over shared Lebanese traditions. “We even cater Sunnin for many of our club events and board dinners because it always delivers the same comforting authenticity,” Feghali said.
Home can be felt not only through the food, but also through the people you’re enjoying it with who crave the same nostalgia.
