Maithili Ahluwalia's Beirut Globetrotter Guide
Maithili Ahluwalia may be of Indian decent but she travels the world handpicking the most coveted finds for her Mumbai concept store Bungalow 8 and global clothing line BUNGALOW. We caught up with Maithili after her recent trip to Beirut to find out the must-try haunts for eating, drinking, and shopping for the beau monde.Maithili Ahluwalia may be of Indian decent but she travels the world handpicking the most coveted finds for her Mumbai concept store Bungalow 8 and global clothing line BUNGALOW. We caught up with Maithili after her recent trip to Beirut to find out the must-try haunts for eating, drinking, and shopping for the beau monde.
Main image courtesy of BeirutPost
We know you recently went to Beirut! What do you love most about this city?
That despite decades of conflict and a daily precariousness, it is a city that has a generosity of spirit and embraces you with warmth and positivity.
How does women?s street style differ from Mumbai to Beirut?
I didn?t notice a street style culture per se perhaps because nobody really walks in Beirut. Neither do they for that matter in Mumbai. However, neighborhoods seemed to have their own sartorial codes. In the grungier and hipper parts of town, a Parisian nonchalance prevailed, while in fancier areas, bling and brands reigned.
Bungalow 8 scarves worn by Lebanese women
Can you share your top three favorite spots for eating, drinking, and shopping in Beirut? Please be as a specific as possible.
Eating
1 ? Onno, a hole in the wall Armenian restaurant in Burj Hammoud, the Armenian quarter. Ghabios Str, Area Bourj Hammoud, Beirut, 03 801476
2 ? Liza, for modern Lebanese cuisine; also to see and be seen. Rue Metropolitan Club Doumani, Trabaud, Achrafieh, Beyrouth +961 1 208 108 / +961 71 71 71 05 / info@lizabeirut.com
3 ? Some of the best food I ate was at friends home, so if you know people, and can wrangle an invitation or two, that is highly recommended.
Drinking
1 ? Internazionale to hob nob with the art crowd. Armenia Str/Alexander Fleming Str, Mar Mikhael, Beirut, 01 565463
2 ? Time Out for an unpretentious and casual night out, a favorite of the cultural cognoscenti. Lebanon Street, +961 1 331 938
3 ? Casablanca, by the bar, with a view of the corniche. Rue Dar el-Mreisseh, Ain el-Mreisseh | Qaddoura Building, Second Floor, Beirut, Lebanon, 01-369-334
4 ? Albergo Hotel rooftop with its sumptuous view of the city. 137 Rue Abdel Wahab El Inglizi, Beirut 00000, Lebanon, +961 1 339 797
Shopping
1 ? Basta flea market if you are a fan of 1950?s furniture and lighting.
2 ? Orient 499 for the best artisanal finds with a contemporary edge. Omar Daouk Street, Beirut, Lebanon +961 1 369 499
3 - L?Artisan Du Liban for rare djellabas. Each one is painstakingly created with well chosen textiles and different from the next one. Ain Mresseh, Sea Shore, Beirut, Lebanon, +961 1 362 610
Courtesy of Hg2beirut, Accessorator
What is your favorite item you purchased or were given while on this trip?
Dates filled with almonds and coated with chocolate from dry fruit emporium, Goodies.
Bungalow 8 in Mumbai.
What are your three must pack when planning a trip to Beirut?
- Walking shoes. It is a city best experienced on foot. Not only is the architecture beautiful and diverse with Ottoman, Colonial and Art Deco influences, but there is an operatic rhythm in flowing from one neighborhood to another.
- Beirut Revealed, the most comprehensive guide book in town.
- Contacts, because as an Indian citizen it was impossible to get a visa without the assistance of well placed friends.
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