By Konstantina Voulgarelis
A new destination for Levantine street food has opened its doors in the heart of the city, on bustling Mitropoleos Street. The arrival in question is Al Abdalla, a Lebanese chain that recently made its Greek debut with its very first outpost in Athens.
Its story begins back in 1999, in the Lebanese town of Zibdine, where founder Youssef Al Abdallah set out with a simple ambition: to serve irresistibly tender charcoal-grilled chicken, paired with a distinctive handmade spicy sauce. What began in the courtyard of his home -grilling chicken over barbecue coals for friends and neighbours- gradually evolved into a restaurant of his own.
Success came swiftly, thanks to the brand’s signature secret sauce and its distinctive charcoal-grilling technique. As word spread and queues grew longer, the restaurant expanded steadily, reaching 11 locations across Lebanon by 2023.
In 2021, the company began its international expansion, opening three branches in the United Arab Emirates and two in Iraq, while also making its way into several European countries. New openings are already being planned in Qatar and beyond.
By 2016, Al Abdalla had established its own kitchen facilities, warehouse and slaughterhouse and a year later invested in a dedicated poultry farm, a move that allowed the company to oversee every stage of production and maintain complete control over quality.
What to eat at the Lebanese street food spot
At Al Abdalla in Athens, the mood is relaxed and effortlessly sociable, the kind of place made for lingering after an afternoon stroll or a round of shopping in the city centre, grazing on comforting Lebanese street food with friends. Chicken lovers, in particular, will be instantly won over. The menu revolves around juicy charcoal-grilled chicken served in countless variations, breast or thigh, boneless or on the bone, whole or half portions, all tucked into soft, pillowy Arabic flatbreads.
On the side, there’s an array of deeply moreish dips and sauces: garlic sauce (including a fiery spicy version), pomegranate sauce, tzatziki, coleslaw and more. You’ll also find velvety hummus for scooping up with warm pita and fries, alongside crisp, refreshing salads inspired by the flavours of the Levant, tabbouleh, fattoush, Arabic salad and even a classic Greek village salad.
There are also smaller bites designed for easy sharing and casual snacking, from crispy chicken bites to chicken wraps, available in three sizes, layered with Arabic bread, tender chicken, pickles, garlic sauce and a touch of heat from the house spicy sauce.
3 Mitropoleos Str., Syntagma
