Sambousek Lahme

Sambousek are Lebanon's most beloved savoury pastry — crescent-shaped pockets of golden, shattering dough, deep-fried until crisp, and filled with spiced minced lamb, caramelised onions, and toasted pine nuts. Every bite delivers the satisfying contrast of the crisp pastry shell and the juicy, aromatic filling.

The filling is everything: the meat must be properly seasoned, the onions fully reduced and sweet, the pine nuts toasted to just the right colour. Mirna's sambousek have a devoted following — people who've eaten them at one event specifically request them for every occasion after.

Sold by the dozen, they are the essential Lebanese party snack and an anchor of any mezze table. They're best eaten hot from the fryer but remain excellent at room temperature, making them practical for catering and gatherings of any size.