This article is about Pain Perdu, not bread pudding, because that’s a totally different thing! Some people even refer Pain Perdu as French toast, but it’s really so much more indulgent. An amped up French toast, maybe.
I’ve scoured the country for years in search of the best Pain Perdu, and I’ve had some pretty bad ones.
So here I am now with a list of my five must-try pain perdu in Lebanon. Obviously I haven’t finished my “Pain Perdu To-Do” list (such as Olio, Alesia, Cucina…), but I can guarantee that you will love these (or else all that weight gain would have been in vain):
1. Couqley
Image via travelingwiththyme.com
A well-deserved place on this list, the Pain Perdu at Couqley is phenomenal. Not once have I ordered this sweet dish and been disappointed. It is prepared and presented with finesse and always tastes the same: delicious.
Address: The Alleway, Gouraud Street, Gemmayze, Beirut Contact: +961-1- 442678
2. SUD
Image via travelingwiththyme.com
I’ve had the Pain Perdu at SUD more times than I care to admit. On our way down from Harissa, at their branch in Dbayeh, as well as in SUD Mar Mikhael on a casual day date. SUD’s Pain Perdu has a crunchy and caramelized exterior enveloping a soft moist interior, served with ice cream. I will keep coming back for this.
Address: Armenia Street, Facing Manar Gas Station, Mar Mikhael, Beirut Contact: +961-1-560900
3. Prune
Image via travelingwiththyme.com
I’ve been to Prune a number of times, and every time I visit, I order their renowned “Pain Retrouvé”. They have definitely found it. The Pain Perdu at Prune is ultimate bliss. Two thick chunks of soaked brioche toast drenched in caramel, and served with vanilla ice cream as it should be!
Address: Madrid Street, Mar Mikhael, Beirut Contact: +961-1-569939
4. Goutons Voir
Image via Goutons Voir on Facebook
The Pain Perdu at Goutons Voir also comes in a pair and looks similar to Prune’s – perhaps that’s the secret to making a great Pain Perdu? I would ask for extra caramel on the side (but maybe that’s because I’m a caramel addict).
Address: Abdel Wahab El Inglizi Street, Ashrafieh, Beirut Telephone: +961-1-333644