As its name suggests, new eatery Lebmex serves Lebanese and Mexican cuisine, as well as dishes that fuse the two. And while a falafel garnished with salsa, sour cream and guacamole doesn’t sound like a bad idea, the version offered here is ... unfortunate. As are the Mediterranean nachos, featuring pita chips, feta cheese, olives, salsa and sour cream.

We picked up these and other dishes from the first Lebmex outlet in Mumbai (they have a few branches in Bangalore as well), a sliver of a restaurant wedged next to Sukh  Sagar at Chowpatty. Like all other eateries in the neighbourhood, it too is strictly vegetarian, with a special Jain menu. The prices are reasonable and the real estate precious, with seats for no more than 20 in the brightly coloured space; we suggest you get take out, or order in when their delivery service begins next week.

But before you do either, be warned about the food.

Health Hazard Warning

At the outset our meal seemed  promising, the food still hot after a twenty minute car ride, wrapped in foil and sealed in plastic, with little containers of salsa and plenty of extra napkins. Eagerly we dug into the above mentioned Lebanese nachos, which looked fresh enough but filled our mouths with the hollow, decayed taste of seriously stale ingredients. Aged cheese, anyone?

Next up were quesadillas, the simple dish ruined by tasteless, gluey clumps of black beans. These made an appearance in the Mediterranean burritos as well, their dense texture further worsened by the addition of rice. Dousing them in the decent condiments – spicy salsa and really yum sour cream – makes them only a little better.

Back to the Basics

If you must eat here, stick with staples on the Lebanese side of the menu – hummus and falafel (ask for extra condiments in your sandwich), neither of which are spectacular but at least passable. We however suggest you skip Lebmex entirely, satisfying your hankering for a quick bite at the Sukh Sagar next door or New Yorkers down the street.

Getting there: Lebmex, S.V.P Road, next to Sukh Sagar, Chowpatty, call 23688000, Rs 400  for a meal for two.

bpb reviews anonymously and pays for its own meals.