I’ve popped into Comptoir Libanais in Oxford for coffee and a pastry several times and it’s been on my must visit soon list for ages. I love the Lebanese decor and buzzing atmosphere.
My best friend and I wanted to go out for a good old catch up and dinner so it was the perfect opportunity to head to the Westgate Centre in Oxford to dine at Comptoir Libanais. Trying to be healthy this month, we both went for the vegan options on the menu.
Middle Eastern food lends itself so well to vegan options. With the blend of spices and flavours, there’s no need for dishes to pretend to be meat alternatives. They hold themselves up in their own right.
We had a few pickles and olives with our glass of Lebanese white wine (very good) and then decided we would share starers. First up was a smooth hommos and falafel with harissa sauce, parsley, extra virgin olive oil and pickled turnips. I’ve travelled around the Middle East lots and was impressed with our starter, even the flat bread was just right. We also had the Baked Aubergine with Coriander Dressing. My friend doesn’t usually like aubergine but said she loved this. The dish had a great spicy kick with the red chilli, a wonderful pop of freshness from the pomegranate seeds, coriander and mint and a sweetness from the molasses dressing.
For main we both had the slow cooked tagine, a tomato, pepper, aubergine, onion & chickpea stew served with couscous, quinoa or vermicelli rice. Wonderfully filling and warming, just perfect for a January evening dinner.
Squeezing in a zesty vegan orange cake for dessert was the perfect finish with no compromising on flavour.
If you fancy trying vegan or just want a really great dinner out in Oxford, I’d recommend Comptoir Libanais.
