Beirut’s pricey chicken sandwich sparks discourse over disparity in Lebanon

A $13 chicken sandwich in Beirut has sparked a debate about economic inequality in Lebanon, seven years after the country's financial collapse. The Glow Paradise restaurant sold over 20,000 Chic Taouk sandwiches in 11 days despite online criticism. Economist Sami Nader notes that 22 restaurants closed last month, highlighting the stark divide between those who can still spend freely and those struggling to get by.

A debate over a $13 chicken sandwich in Beirut has highlighted the growing economic divide in Lebanon, seven years after the country's financial collapse. The Glow Paradise restaurant launched the "Chic Taouk," a healthier version of the traditional shish taouk, priced at nearly double the cost of a standard chicken sandwich. The sandwich sparked outrage on social media, with critics accusing the restaurant of overcharging in a country where many struggle to afford basic necessities. Despite the backlash, the restaurant sold more than 20,000 sandwiches in 11 days, according to managing partner Hrag Jeghalian, who called the online exchanges "natural marketing." Economist Sami Nader of Saint Joseph University of Beirut noted that while the restaurant was busy, 22 restaurants closed in the previous month. Lebanon's economy has been devastated by a series of crises since 2019, including the financial collapse, the Beirut Port explosion, and two wars. The country's GDP has declined by nearly 40 percent since 2019, and inflation is expected to reach 17.5 percent. Four in five households struggle to afford basic necessities, according to UNICEF. The minimum wage is set at $400 per month, while private generator costs have risen sharply. The article quotes a restaurant worker who describes a class divide between those who can live and those barely surviving.