The story
Perched dramatically above the Krak des Chevaliers castle, Baibars Hotel and Restaurant is a family-run gem that food traveler Mark Wiens calls “incredible home-cooked Syrian food” paired with “amazing hospitality.” The scenic outdoor seating and warm, family-friendly atmosphere have earned it a near-perfect 4.9 rating among ReTubeIt creators, who praise it as a local spot that delivers both comfort and a view.
Wiens singles out the garlic grilled chicken—drenched in a pungent, nutty sauce—as the star, though the kitchen also turns out a silky musakka (eggplant stew), spiced kebab hindi, and perfectly simple rice with noodles. Each dish reflects the home-style cooking that makes this Krak des Chevaliers eatery a destination in its own right, not just a stop for castle visitors.
Synthesised by AI from every creator’s review. First reviewed 2024.
Most-loved dishes
AI summary of what 4 dish mentions say about the food
The kebab hindi earns unanimous praise for its tender, spiced perfection. Overall, the food delivers a warm, comforting authenticity that feels both rustic and refined.
“These are small hand-rolled lamb meatballs with parsley, onion, cumin, and pepper, baked in a pan with tomato sauce, tomato juice, and pomegranate molasses. The sauce has a sweet and sour taste from the pomegranate molasses, and the lamb is tender. It's like straight-up tomato sauce meatballs, and the spices are mellow but flavorful.”
What creators say
1 creator has covered Baibars Hotel and Restaurant. Most active: Mark Wiens
- Mark WiensLoved
Extreme Garlic Grilled Chicken!! 🍗 SYRIAN FOOD + Amazing Hospitality in Syria!! · @ 3:53
A family-run guest house and restaurant with incredible home-cooked Syrian food, especially the garlic grilled chicken, and amazing hospitality overlooking the Krak des Chevaliers castle.
Dishes mentioned
Grilled Chicken with Garlic Sauce
The chicken is marinated with garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and lemon juice, then grilled over charcoal until the skin is crispy and golden brown. The garlic sauce is a combination of olive oil, garlic, lemon, and salt — it's phenomenal. The chicken is juicy, smoky, and charred, and the garlic has a pungent but sweet and mild flavor. I load it up with that sauce and it's incredible.
Musakka (Eggplant Stew)
This is a cold dish made with eggplant, potato, tomato, pepper, garlic, and olive oil, simmered with cumin and pepper. The eggplant melts in your mouth, the potatoes have a silky texture, and the flavors are light but vibrant. It's great with bread or rice, and the juice absorbs all the flavor. I love it.
- Kebab
Rice with Noodles
The rice is cooked with noodles that are sautéed in oil until golden brown and crispy, then mixed with rice, parsley, and lamb meat. It's warm and comforting, and the crispy noodles add a great texture.
