- Insiders Profile -
Anthony Abi-Haidar
Founder of Taza
Anthony is the founder of Taza, a modern Lebanese eatery with a focus on gourmet sandwiches that has quickly become one of Lisbon's most talked-about casual dining spots.
Rooted in the rich culinary traditions of Lebanon while embracing the vibrant energy of Lisbon, Taza offers a fresh take on street food, built around bold flavours, carefully sourced ingredients, and recipes that celebrate the spirit of sharing and hospitality. Behind every sandwich is a deep respect for quality and craftsmanship.
From the selection of ingredients to the balance of flavours, Anthony has created a concept that proves that simple food can be exceptional when made with intention and attention to detail. At a time when Lisbon's food scene is more diverse than ever, Taza stands out by introducing many locals to the depth, generosity, and complexity of Lebanese cuisine, one sandwich at a time.
◆ What inspired you to launch Taza, and how did the idea first come to life?
The idea for Taza was born out of a personal discovery during a vacation to Portugal. While exploring the vibrant, rapidly evolving culinary landscape of Lisbon, I realized there was a distinct gap in the market: the city completely lacked a premium, gourmet Lebanese sandwich concept.
I saw an incredible opportunity to bridge that gap. I wanted to bring the authentic, soul-satisfying street food culture of Beirut to Lisbon, but elevate it with a refined, high-quality approach. Taza was created to prove that a sandwich can be both casual and deeply gastronomic, combining rich, time-honored culinary traditions with the energy of a contemporary European capital.
◆ If you had to describe Taza in just 3 words, what would they be?
Vibrant, Conscious, Uncompromising.
◆ Lebanese cuisine is still relatively unknown to many people in Portugal. What are some of the biggest misconceptions people have about Lebanese food?
The biggest misconception is often that Lebanese food is intensely hot or 'picante'. In reality, our kitchen relies on a complex, aromatic mix of varieties of spices that favor depth of flavor and fragrance over burning heat. Another common mistake is comparing Middle Eastern street food to just standard kebabs. True Lebanese cuisine is actually a beautiful, deeply balanced expression of the Mediterranean diet – focusing on fresh herbs, olive oil, lean proteins, and grains. It is celebrated globally as one of the most healthy and wholesome culinary traditions in the world.
◆ Taza is deeply rooted in Lebanese culinary traditions. How important was it for you to stay true to the original recipes, and have you adapted any elements to Portuguese tastes or local ingredients?
It was highly important to remain true to the origin and honor the soul of our culinary heritage. However, Lebanese cuisine is incredibly versatile by nature. At Taza, we have modernized the cuisine rather than keeping it strictly traditional. Because of that progressive approach, we definitely adapted it to the local and European taste.
◆ One thing that stands out at Taza is the quality of the ingredients. How do you source your products, and why is that so important to you?
As a passionate chef coming from a family of cooks, I never compromise on the quality of ingredients and flavors. Luckily, in Portugal, we still find beautiful ingredients that remind us of home, such as fresh vegetables sourced directly from farmers, which is also our way of giving back to the community. We prioritize premium sourcing, using exceptional products like grass-fed beef from the Azores and free-range chicken, and we work closely with trusted local suppliers like the farmers' market at Time Out.
◆ If someone was discovering Lebanese cuisine for the very first time, which 3 dishes or flavours would you introduce them to?
I would introduce them to Hummus, Tabbouleh, and Shawarma. First, Hummus, because it is the ultimate foundation of our cuisine—creamy, rich, and a perfect test of balance. Second, Tabbouleh, which is a vibrant, herb-forward salad that completely redefines what fresh Mediterranean flavor means. Finally, our Shawarma, which represents the absolute pinnacle of Lebanese street food comfort, packed with deeply marinated, complex flavors and crafted with premium execution.
◆ Hospitality is at the heart of Lebanese culture. How has your background influenced the way you welcome and connect with your customers?
Hospitality is not a corporate strategy for me; it is genuinely embedded in my DNA. Growing up in a culture where food and community are completely inseparable, welcoming people is something I do effortlessly. I cannot even explain it, as it just comes naturally to me. The moment one guest walks through the doors of Taza, they are treated with the exact same warmth and generosity that we would extend to a guest in our own family home.
◆ Looking back, what has been the biggest lesson you have learned since becoming an entrepreneur?
The journey of building a brand has taught me that the most vital lessons are patience, perseverance, adaptation, and truly trusting the process. Launching a business requires navigating constant changes, especially when introducing a new culinary vision to a market. I have learned that success does not happen overnight. It comes from being resilient, staying flexible enough to adapt to daily challenges, and maintaining absolute faith in your vision even when the path gets demanding.
◆As a Lisbon Insider, what would be your perfect 24-hour Lisbon itinerary? We would love your recommendations for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a drink.
My perfect 24-hour itinerary in the city centers around spaces that respect true craftsmanship and vibrant energy. For breakfast, I highly recommend starting at Marquise da Mobler or Gleba. Both spots represent the pinnacle of artisanal baking in Lisbon, whether you are looking for exceptional, slow-fermented sourdough bread or beautifully crafted pastries in a cozy atmosphere.
For lunch, head over to Taberna Os Papagaios in Arroios. It is a fantastic modern take on the traditional Portuguese taberna, serving incredibly executed, flavor-forward dishes that respect local traditions without being stuck in the past. Finally, for dinner and a drink, BAZ is the choice without a doubt. It is a hybrid audio restaurant and bar where seasonal cuisine seamlessly meets meticulously balanced cocktails, all tied together by an exceptional sound system and a flawless musical atmosphere.
◆ Finally, what exciting projects, collaborations, or plans can we expect from Taza next?
The future of Taza is focused entirely on strategic growth and expanding our footprint. We are heavily focused on further developing our catering and events segments, building on the services we already offer to bring the vibrant Taza experience directly to clients outside the restaurant walls.
Furthermore, we have exciting collaborations in the pipeline with other restaurant brands, chefs, and bars that will bring fresh, creative energy to our community. Looking further ahead, we are actively preparing to scale. Stay tuned!
