Ask any Lebanese, anywhere in the world if they know Anthony Rahayel and watch their reaction. Unless they’re a recluse (and Lebanese people rarely are), they will undoubtedly say “wallaw!”- of course in Arabic- whilst their eyes light up and a smile spreads across their face. To us, he’s more famous than the Pope, with all due respect, and unlike the Holy Father, Anthony is the almighty one in the food world, using his considerable power benignly. He travels the world spreading the word about Lebanese food and drink and by doing so, has single handedly shone the global spotlight on Lebanon and its highly creative and resilient people. He’s a superhero who doesn’t need a cape - just his trademark polo shirts and faded jeans- and his special power is visibility and celebration of Lebanon’s culinary heritage. His dedication, passion and zeal for this mission has made him a household name.
NoGarlicNoOnions
Anthony used to be a dentist before his food career took off astronomically. In the waiting room of his dental surgery, he had tv screens running shows such as Chef’s Table and Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations which combine food and travel. He watched these with great interest and thought (1) there is no equivalent for the Middle East even though it’s a region known for its rich food culture and (2) that could be me. So he set about making this dream a reality and swapped his dentist’s drill for a knife and fork. First came his website nogarlicnoonions.com, (“NGNO”) launched in 2012. He chose this name as it reflects his personal preference to avoid garlic and onions in his food; in itself a stroke of genius as this is something which many will say “me too” adding to his relatability, one of his most endearing qualities.
NGNO quickly grew into a multimedia platform featuring restaurant reviews from around the world and his food adventures with an emphasis on local street food and food producers. His NGNO YouTube channel has amassed 2.4 million subscribers (and counting) with over 9,000 videos to date. From cooking tutorials to travel vlogs, he takes his audience along on adventures with him, all presented in an enthusiastic and authentic way. He comes across as genuinely interested in what he’s showcasing and open to learning from others. It’s this humility, his ability to laugh at himself and let others take the limelight that has earnt him so many devotees.
Souk el Akel & Made by Nature
Beyond social media, Anthony has championed local food producers by setting up “Souk el Akel” in 2015, a weekly street food market way back before street food markets became a thing- an initiative which went on to inspire many more similar projects throughout the country. He followed up this venture with Made by Nature opened in 2022- a huge mouneh shop (mouneh is traditional lebanese preserved food and ingredients) stocked with a vast selection of locally made products, providing income and economic opportunity for those producers. But Made by Nature does more than just sell, they have also helped the producers meet international standards so that they can export their products and promote sustainability with a focus on eco-friendly items and encouraging environmentally conscious consumption. The orders are taken and fulfilled by university students providing valuable job opportunities for young people. Through Made by Nature, many food artisans have achieved a reach they could have only ever dreamt of.
Mechwar & Samoun w Zaatar
He has stepped into the shoes of those presenters he used to watch on his tv screens in his surgery. He now hosts weekly shows both on the Lebanese tv station, MTV Lebanon, called “Mechwar” (journey) and in Iraq, on Al Sumaraia Television, “Samoun w Zaatar” (salmon and zaatar referencing his view that the Lebanese herb mix zaatar can be matched up with many foods).
Recognition & Reach
In 2019, Anthony won the title of World Street Food Blogger at a ceremony in Cannes, France. His reaction on receiving this much coveted award was to say “Mabrouk Libnan” (Congratulations Lebanon). In the following year in 2020, he once again snagged the Best Expert Food Account. These accolades, which he keeps accumulating, don’t come easy. He works relentlessly and puts in a considerable amount of effort to make it all look so effortless.
In a typical year, he travels for 250 days, scouring the world for Lebanese success stories. His mission has taken him to over a 100 food factories, 10,000 restaurants and across over 46 countries including Qatar, U.A.E., U.S.A., Australia and Canada. But he always has time for where he started, the small Lebanese villages where he goes to visit the people who make food using traditional methods and the best Lebanese produce. When he’s interviewing someone, he makes them the star. He generously shares his global stage with them and shows them respect. This is where his magic comes from and it’s no surprise that millions have fallen under his spell.
Humanitarian Efforts
Through every recent crisis this beleaguered country has been through, Anthony has been there to help through fundraising and raising awareness, encouraging his followers to support local businesses. He was there during covid-19 pandemic, the Beirut explosion in 2020 and now the Israeli invasion of 2024. Pleas for donations from him fall on listening ears and he has collaborated with NGO’s to distribute meals and food supplies to the needy and displaced. His participation in charity dinners, auctions and fundraising events ensures a vast turnout and generous contribution. Children’s welfare, education and health is one of his main causes but he also supports mental health charities who deal with the disproportionate amount of trauma wrought on the Lebanese.
An Ordinary Superhero
Even though a sprinkle of Anthony Rahayel’s magic can transform the prospects of whomever he chooses to shine the spotlight on, there is no magic in his method. Just hard work, preparation and commitment. Every video he produces is professional and slick, using high tech equipment. As off the cuff as he appears, there is a lot of hard graft that takes place behind the scenes so that his output is credible and makes the right impression.
Khalil Gibran may be Lebanon’s most famous poet and Fairuz, its most famous singer but Anthony Rahayel will always be our most famous champion of Lebanese cultural heritage- no one has done more than him to raise the profile of Lebanese cuisine and those who make it so special. He is an avid believer in the power of food to connect people and has used this to connect with millions. But as famous as he is, he has maintained his guy next door image bringing in his wife Nell, three kids and adorable black labrador Brownie (who loves labneh and crunchy cucumbers) to show us just how like everybody else he is. What marks him out from the rest was that he was brave and determined enough to make his dream a reality and in turn gave others the confidence and opportunity to do the same. That is the hallmark of a true hero.
By Angela Zaher (@angela_zaher)
