Belal Kamana left behind a world of engineering to bring his passion for food and culture to the city centre
Blends in Liverpool city centre (Image: Liverpool Echo)
It was a passion for food that inspired former engineer and PHD student Belal Kamana, to open his own shop in the city centre and it is now a hub for international food from Italian imports to fresh Syrian bakes.
Melo’s and its sister-restaurant Blends, opened in 2022 after owner Belal, 40, moved from his former London Road supermarket, which opened in 2018, taking over a new site from former music shop Dawson’s on Williamson Street.
Originally one unit, a newly built wall now sees the space split into a restaurant and separate shop, unified by a commitment to international cuisine and culture. Visitors to each will find a mouth-watering array of Greek, Italian, Turkish, Lebanese, Syrian and Arabic foods with aisles at Melo’s stocked with everything from Italian passata and salted capers to Greek cheeses, Palestinian herbs and imported soft drinks. A butcher at the back offers marinated meats and premium cuts, including sirloin steaks and chicken shish.
Belal said: “It’s funny because the Italians think Melo’s is an Italian shop, the Greeks think it is a Greek shop. We’ve been able to create an identity for both of them. People will come here for the things they miss from their country.”
Melo’s and Blends on Williamson Street(Image: Liverpool Echo)
As well as providing a space for Mediterranean foods, Belal is keen to recreate the quality and attractive style of food shops in Syria, where he was born.
Belal said: “When I moved to Liverpool in 2008, there weren’t many Middle Eastern food shops. Now there’s many. But few at the time were a good representation of what it’s actually like back in Syria and Lebanon. I wanted to represent that.
“Anyone growing up in Syria and Lebanon knows we’re very proud of food, what originated where, and having a rivalry about it.”
At Blends, diners can enjoy an array of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes such as Mezze plates, mixed grills and breakfasts including Shakshoukah plus burgers, wraps, tabbouleh, and salads. During Ramadan, the restaurant stays open later in the evening, becoming a “hub” for those stopping by to break their fast. The menu also includes Ramadan specials with warming dishes such as lamb stew, chicken crema and beef stroganoff.
Belal, who left behind a career at Jaguar Land Rover to pursue his food business, said: “The restaurant is a continuation of what we have in the shop. They’re very related – Italian, Greek, Turkish and even Arabic foods. I wanted to make something that blends together cultures with food. It’s about being inclusive and international”
Diners can enjoy an array of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes (Image: Liverpool Echo)
A standout dish for Belal is Manouche, a traditional Syrian and Lebanese flatbread typically topped with ingredients including za’atar, meats, cheese, strained yoghurt, fresh tomatoes and herbs.
Belal said: “Manouche is the father of pizza. We get a lot of Middle Eastern people to come to us specifically because they know what food we sell. Other people don’t know about it so they’re interested. When they try it, they love it, because everyone loves pizza. It’s about creating food visibility and raising awareness.”
Speaking of other food spots in the city centre, Belal explains that many shops will refer to cultures that are more familiar to Western audiences when marketing what they sell. Belal said: “There are a lot of shops selling Syrian food but most call it Lebanese because the food is very similar. [Lebanese] is more trendy so it’s easier than calling it Syrian but really it’s Levantine”.
For Blends, the focus will remain on being a melting pot for a wide range of cuisines, with the approach built in to the restaurant’s name. Looking to the future, Belal hopes to continue growing the brand potentially venturing into Manchester or to other parts of Liverpool, such as Lark Lane and Bold Street, bringing their homemade food and international ethos to diners city wide.
Blends and Melo’s can be found at 16-26 Williamson St, Liverpool L1 1EB.
Dining and Cooking