A thoughtful reason to celebrate World Mankoushe Day!

BEIRUT: Dough, thyme, and olive oil are the magical combination for many of the Lebanese’s all-time favourite “Mankoushe”.

While it is mostly eaten at breakfast, some people have mankoushe for lunch or even dinner.

A great initiative adding to the World International Days was presented today by Zaatar w Zeit (ZWZ); who chose November 2 to celebrate World Mankoushe Day. 

Hasna Namnoum, from Zaatar w Zeit’s marketing department, told Annahar “We felt that we should have a day to celebrate mankoushe, just as there are days to celebrate other things.”

The quick casual urban eatery, as their description on Facebook indicates, celebrated World Mankoushe Day in Lebanon and other Arab countries where ZWZ branches are found.

Mankoushes were distributed in Lebanon and the UAE for everyone visiting ZWZ. Namnoum also indicated that “our famous zaatar and wild zaatar mankoushe were distributed at university campuses and tv stations near our branches, after getting their permission.” 

The amazing thing behind the initiative is that the total number of mankoushes distributed for people will also be distributed to “Food Blessed”; an NGO tackling food poverty in Lebanon while addressing and raising awareness about food waste!

Until 5:50 pm, which is when we contacted ZWZ, 2100 mankoushe had been distributed, “and we are looking forward to distributing more,” Namnoum pointed out.

#WorldMankousheDay hashtag was trending on social media, and the following are other restaurants that joined the celebration of one of Lebanon’s most authentic breakfast as well.

ZWZ collaborated on the initiative with Anthony, founder of the Nogarlicnoonions blog. “We prepared mankoushes, and went to Anghami together,” Namnoum said.

The vibe of Lebanese celebrating Mankoushe day was “remarkable”, she added.

Food Blessed could not be reached for a comment.

Youth seem to love mankoushe. 25-year-old Yehia says that “No matter where or how old you are, a good mankoushe and a cup of coffee will always be your ideal breakfast treat.”

Layla Hariri says that “If that’s not a reason to have mankoushe for breakfast I don’t know what is.”

Tony Haddad, on the other hand, preferred to change the well-known saying about the apple, changing it into a mankoushe by saying: “One mankoushe a day keeps the doctor away.”

Isn’t that an enough of a reason to celebrate today? The mankoushe you buy will contribute to fighting hunger.