TRADITONAL DISHES

FOOD

• Hummus: A creamy dip made from mashed chickpeas, tahini (sesame paste), garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.
• Baba Ghanoush: A smoky eggplant dip made with tahini, garlic, and lemon juice.
• Tabbouleh: A refreshing salad made of parsley, tomatoes, bulgur wheat, and lemon dressing.
• Falafel: Deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, herbs, and spices.
• Labneh: A strained yogurt dip, often served with olive oil, garlic, and herbs.
• Kibbeh: A dish made of minced meat (usually lamb or beef), bulgur wheat, and spices, sometimes served raw or fried.

2. Kebbeh

Kebbeh is a national dish of Lebanon, and it’s typically made with ground meat, bulgur wheat, and spices. The most common variation is Kebbeh Nayeh, which is a raw version, similar to steak tartare. Cooked variations include Kebbeh bil Sanieh, which is a baked version in a large dish with layers of meat and bulgur.

3. Fattoush

A fresh and zesty salad made with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, and crispy pieces of flatbread. It’s dressed with olive oil, lemon juice, and sumac, giving it a tangy and vibrant flavor.

4. Shawarma

A beloved street food, shawarma is made of thinly sliced marinated meat (often lamb, chicken, or beef), which is cooked on a vertical rotisserie. The meat is served in a flatbread wrap with pickles, tomatoes, and tahini or garlic sauce. Shawarma is often enjoyed with a side of fries or in a sandwich.

5. Manakish

Manakish is a popular Lebanese flatbread, often described as the Lebanese pizza. It’s topped with various ingredients such as za’atar (a mix of thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds), cheese, or minced meat. It’s usually eaten for breakfast or lunch.

DESERT

1.Baklava

For dessert, Lebanon offers a variety of sweet treats, with Baklava being one of the most famous. This flaky pastry is made of thin layers of dough, filled with chopped nuts (usually pistachios or walnuts), and sweetened with honey or syrup.

2. Atayef

A traditional Lebanese dessert, Atayef is a type of stuffed pancake, typically filled with sweet cheese or nuts, and served with syrup or honey. It’s especially popular during Ramadan.

3. Lebanese Coffee and Sweets

Lebanese coffee is a strong, aromatic brew that’s typically served in small cups. It’s often accompanied by ma’amoul, a shortbread cookie filled with dates, nuts, or figs.

Lebanese food is a delightful combination of flavors, textures, and techniques passed down through generations, deeply rooted in both tradition and regional variation. Whether enjoyed in a festive gathering or a casual meal, Lebanese dishes are perfect for sharing and offer a taste of the country’s rich culinary heritage.