Anthony Rahayel just returned to Dubai from his first trip to Ghana, a short four-day visit that left a big mark. Invited by Le Pavillon, a Lebanese and international restaurant in Accra, Anthony set out with no expectations and came back with stories, emotions, and a surprising connection to a country he had never visited before.
Arriving in Accra: A Warm First Impression
After a long nine-hour journey, Anthony landed in Accra with the same excitement he carries on every NoGarlicNoOnions (NGNO) adventure. What struck him immediately wasn’t just the heat or the colors of the city — it was the people.
Ghanaians welcomed him with genuine warmth, easy smiles, and an openness that made filming, photographing, and meeting people feel effortless.
Even with limited time to explore the country, Accra made him feel comfortable from the start. As Anthony put it, the trip felt like “a first meeting… one that makes you want a second, and a third.”
Le Pavillon: Lebanese Food, Lebanese Soul
The heart of the trip was Le Pavillon, a restaurant run with passion and precision. The team invited Anthony to discover what they’ve built in Accra over the past three years — and the experience took him completely by surprise.
Inside the kitchen and on the tables, Anthony found something he didn’t expect to find so far from home:
authentic Lebanese flavors prepared with respect, patience, and extremely high standards.
Here’s what stood out:
- Nearly 90% of the ingredients come straight from Lebanon — vegetables, herbs, olive oil, dairy, mezze essentials, even smoked salmon.
- The staff is mostly Lebanese and Syrian chefs, working side-by-side like one unified family.
- Cleanliness, ingredient selection, and technique are handled exactly as they would be in Beirut.
- Tabbouleh, hummus, manakish, and za’atar tasted familiar, honest, and prepared the way they should be.
From manakish to Lebanese cheeses, fresh za’atar, and every mezze plate that arrived, Anthony saw how Lebanese culinary identity is preserved with pride in the heart of West Africa.
This is what NGNO is built on — finding people across the world who still speak the language of Lebanon through their food.
Anthony will be returning to Accra in January to continue documenting the culinary scene and reconnecting with the people he met.
Stories From the Kitchen
Another major highlight was meeting the chefs behind the restaurant. Some have been cooking since 2007. Others worked in Dubai, Egypt, and beyond before joining the team in Ghana.
Throughout the episodes, viewers meet experts and passionate individuals who:
- Built the restaurant from the ground up over the past 3.5 years
- Work from early morning until late night
- Treat customers like family
- Prioritize ingredient integrity and spotless kitchens
- Bring decades of Lebanese culinary experience to Accra
This sense of loyalty, community, and shared heritage plays a huge part in Le Pavillon’s success.
Behind the Scenes: Cleanliness, Discipline & Real Dedication
In the third video, Anthony captures something diners rarely see: the team’s weekly deep-cleaning ritual.
Every Sunday at 7 AM — before the city wakes up — the entire staff gathers to scrub every inch of the restaurant. Kitchens, walls, shelves, under the fridges, behind equipment — nothing is ignored. If needed, they repeat the deep clean during the week.
It’s the kind of attention most people give to their homes, not just their workplaces.
Anthony also enjoyed a traditional Lebanese breakfast at the restaurant — fresh labneh, za’atar, tomatoes, herbs — simple, clean flavors that bring an instant sense of home.
The People Behind the Experience
• Nabil Hatoum
A key figure behind Le Pavillon and a recurring presence in Anthony’s interviews. He explains the restaurant’s vision, the challenges, and the pride behind building something so authentic far from Lebanon.
• Rima Hatoum
A founder and driving force behind the project. Rima speaks about her background in Lebanon, her work ethic, and how the Lebanese community supports one another in Ghana and even Syrian families in need.
• Chef Jean (Bou Jebrayel)
Anthony photographed Chef Jean and many of his dishes during the visit.
He is leading the upcoming two-floor concept Marvello, opening November 28, introducing something entirely new to Accra:
- Fast food / street food downstairs
- A modern international diner upstairs
In just three days, Chef Jean created a full special tasting experience for Anthony.
These names each play a role in bringing Lebanese culture, values, and flavor to Accra.
A New Culinary Destination: Marvello Lounge
Anthony also explored Marvello Lounge, the next project by the Hatoum family. Chef Jean is shaping a modern dining experience with new flavors, new presentations, and a fresh culinary personality for Accra.
It’s a new concept, new food, new story — continuing the strong Lebanese culinary footprint in West Africa.
A Beginning, Not an Ending
Even with a short visit, Ghana left something meaningful behind.
Anthony describes the country as kind, warm, and close to the heart.
For a first trip to Sub-Saharan Africa, it was the perfect introduction.
More importantly, it planted the seed for future visits.
“I’ll definitely be back,” he says.
“This trip was just the start.”
Follow the full journey — authentic reactions, first impressions, behind-the-scenes kitchen access, meals at Le Pavillon, and more — across all the video episodes.
About NoGarlicNoOnions
NoGarlicNoOnions (NGNO) is a global food discovery platform founded by Anthony Rahayel, dedicated to uncovering hidden culinary gems, uplifting local communities, and sharing authentic food stories from around the world. NGNO celebrates real food, real people, and honest experiences — from Lebanon to every corner of the globe.
About Accra, Ghana
Accra is one of West Africa’s most vibrant cities — full of color, culture, energy, and some of the warmest people you’ll ever meet. The city blends tradition and modernity, creating a welcoming atmosphere for visitors and a thriving environment for culinary innovation and international cuisine.
About Le Pavillon
Le Pavillon is a Lebanese and international restaurant in Accra known for its commitment to quality, authenticity, and heartfelt hospitality. Lebanese ingredients, a dedicated team of Lebanese and Syrian chefs, and a passion for serving honest flavors, the restaurant has become a key culinary landmark in Accra.
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Watch the Full Video Series
- Episode 1:
- Episode 2:
- Episode 3:
