Farmers Market Finds: Lebanese Flatbreads and Desserts at Saj Beirut

Farmers markets are breeding grounds for food innovation and some of Hawai‘i’s most successful restaurants. Frolic’s series spotlights some of these ‘ono finds.

Saj Beirut owners and brothers Alain and Elvis Ghazal. Photo: Melissa Chang

What: Lebanese flatbreads, lemonade and desserts
How much: Flatbreads $11 to $15, lemonade $7, yogurt $5, mouhalabiya $6, meghle $7
What markets: Kaka‘ako Farmers Market (Diamond Head side), 1011 Ala Moana Blvd.; Kailua Farmers Market, 640 Ulukahiki St.
Vendor schedule: Kaka‘ako on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Kailua on Sundays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Instagram: Not yet

Hawai‘i may be a melting pot, but that pot really mostly holds cuisines of Asia, the Pacific Rim and North America. I guess that’s one reason why people go crazy when when popular foods from outside that radius come in.

So it was with Saj Beirut, which opened three weeks ago at the Saturday Kaka‘ako Farm Lovers Market. With no promotion, no sign, not even a name at the time, they were busy with curious eaters and sold out well before the market closed. They’ve gotten even busier since.

Photo: Melissa Chang

Run by brothers Elvis (mostly front of the house) and Alain (mostly cooking) Ghazal, Saj Beirut specializes in Lebanese flatbread. Saj literally means sheet metal in Arabic and is the name of both the flatbread and the convex metal griddle (like an upside down wok) that it’s cooked on.

Photo: Melissa Chang

Most people unfamiliar with this Lebanese staple will want to start with the traditional za‘atar (a mix of spices and herbs), which is topped with fresh vegetables and mint. I’ve had it like a pizza, which is easier for sharing and photographing, and as a wrap, which is easier for eating while you walk around the market. The za‘atar spread is tart and citrusy, which is great with the veggies, and the mint pulls all the flavors together. This one is $12, but I’m told it’s possible to add some other toppings for an extra charge.

Photo: Melissa Chang

My favorite so far has been the minced lamb ($15)—I like the savoriness and heartiness of it.

The brothers also sell yogurt, lemonade and desserts like mouhalabiya (milk pudding) and meghle (spiced rice pudding). I haven’t had a chance to work my way around to this part of the menu, but I’ve heard people say the lemonade and desserts are delicious and they would have them again … if they can get to the booth.

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