Spice level warning — Fattoush is not what I expected

I underestimated Fattoush. The bright and balanced description didn't prepare me for the reality. tahini brings a heat or pungency that builds steadily rather than hitting upfront. By halfway through I was sweating but couldn't stop eating.

the cuisine shares roots with the broader Levantine tradition. The a Beirut street stall setting means locals eat this with ease while visitors like me reach for water. fresh mint lemonade cut through it better than water would have. Don't order the mild version out of caution — the full version is the point. I'd go back. Three stars only because I wasn't warned.