The addition of UMMI Beirut, a bright contemporary restaurant tucked in the bustling area of Robertson Quay, has enhanced Singapore's gastronomic landscape. UMMI Beirut has launched on a gastronomic trip that redefines Lebanese cuisine, thanks to the artistic brilliance of famed Lebanese-Australian chef Greg Malouf and his protégé, executive chef Ali Assaf. This 76-seat restaurant is the first in a series of collaborations between RB Food Group and Lebanese businesswoman Sara Fenianos.
The ambiance pays homage to Beirut, regarded as the "Paris of the Middle East," where Lebanese culture can be found in every aspect, from the food to the flatware.
Greg Malouf, a Melbourne-born chef, is passionate about sharing his love of Beirut's rich tradition with the rest of the globe. "Beirut is a historical city with so much to offer the rest of the world," he says. "It's a hive of intellectual and artistic life, with people gathering and bonding over a bounty of dishes." UMMI Beirut is our cultural love letter."
"Ummi," which means "my mother" in Arabic, honours the matriarch's significant role in Lebanese family life. It symbolises the restaurant's commitment to bring people together at the table in the most authentic way possible. Sara, the Lebanese-born co-founder of UMMI Beirut who has lived in Singapore for six years, reflects on mothers' roles in Lebanese kitchens, saying, "They would be rolling, kneading, stuffing, grilling, and basting, and they do it out of love for their families, so you know you will get the best." Then there's mama, who preside over the dinner table, inviting friends and family to share in the festivities. She represents everything. We aim to create a similar sense of belonging here."
UMMI Beirut epitomises a mother's love by sourcing only the highest-quality ingredients and handcrafting each meal from scratch, all while giving warm Lebanese hospitality. The restaurant takes pride in sourcing only the freshest ingredients from Beirut's souks. Fresh herbs are procured locally, while meat is shipped in from Australia. These elements form the foundation of a traditional yet modern Lebanese dinner.
Mezzes, a colourful assortment of hot and cold appetisers, set the tone for a Lebanese lunch. Organic chickpeas are finely puréed with tahini and salt to achieve a light mousse-like consistency in UMMI's Silky Hummus with French Lentil Dressing. The house-made spiced lamb sausages are served with toasted pine nuts, pomegranate, and a lemon syrup glaze that enhances the tastes.
The Butcher's Mix Grill provides a robust assortment of meats, including beef kabab, chicken tawook, lamb cutlet, and kofta, all roasted over charcoal to perfection. Diners can adjust the doneness of their meat to highlight its distinct qualities. Try the Saayadiya, which replaces the typical basmati rice with a rich crab stock-infused risotto served atop a pan-seared Lebanese fish dish.
At UMMI Beirut, no meal is complete without dessert. The UMMI Kunefe with Apricot is a wonderful twist on a traditional dish. Stacking layers of kunefe with Lebanese cheese and apricot confit results in a crispy and delicious dessert. "I wanted to translate the classics into a modern dining experience," Chef Greg explains. The goal is to deviate from tradition by introducing lighter, more textured, and contemporary versions."
UMMI Beirut boasts an amazing beverage menu that focuses on Lebanese wine and cocktails to compliment its contemporary food. The Habibi, a unique twist on the classic gin and tonic made with Lebanese rooibos tea and flavoured with dried apples, takes the stage alongside Lebanese wineries. Finish your evening with a nightcap like the Lesh La, which combines fresh Lebanese coffee with blended scotch and Mr. Black Coffee liqueur.
The restaurant's attractive setting features a terrace with rattan chairs, towering arches, and mosaics reminiscent of the outdoor cafes and courtyards of the Lebanese capital. Inside, pastel geometric mosaic tiles decorate the floors, while domed arches and regal curtains create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The unique wallpaper features the Beirut Rose emblem, a symbol of the city's resilience. Elegant arches welcome natural light above, and olive trees and areca palms pay homage to the Mediterranean landscape.
The beautifully constructed soundtrack at UMMI Beirut transports visitors on a musical journey through contemporary Arabic music. The music selection evolves from appealing melodies around nightfall to more frantic numbers as the night progresses.
Chef Greg Malouf emphasises his engagement in Singapore's booming culinary culture, saying, "I'm honoured to be a part of Singapore's vibrant food scene and introduce an authentic and unique style of Lebanese cooking." UMMI Beirut is an homage to the past interwoven with new hopes. We want clients to be less restricted by tradition and to appreciate that elements of their culture can be changed while remaining authentic."
At UMMI Beirut, you can experience the vibrant flavours of Lebanon as well as the charm of Beirut right here in Singapore. Come and enjoy the warmth of Lebanese hospitality while feasting on contemporary Lebanese cuisine that honours history while embracing innovation.
Reservations can be made online or by phone at +65 6970 1797.
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