15 Most Popular Foods of Lebanon

Lebanese cuisine is one of the most vibrant and flavourful in the world. It’s a combination of diverse flavours and cooking techniques that make Lebanese food an absolute delight to eat.

If you haven’t tried Lebanese cuisine yet, then you’re missing out on a whole world of tasty, healthy, and exciting dishes.

15 Most Popular Foods of Lebanon

Lebanese cuisine is one of the most vibrant and flavourful in the world. It’s a combination of diverse flavours and cooking techniques that make Lebanese food an absolute delight to eat.

If you haven’t tried Lebanese cuisine yet, then you’re missing out on a whole world of tasty, healthy, and exciting dishes.

Hi, we’re Rach & Marty!

We’ve visited every country in the world and want to help you get the most out of your travels!

Whether you need an expertly planned itinerary, some experienced hints and tips, or just craving a delicious food adventure, we’ve got you covered!

Hi, we’re Rach & Marty!

We’ve visited every country in the world and want to help you get the most out of your travels!

Whether you need an expertly planned itinerary, some experienced hints and tips, or just craving a delicious food adventure, we’ve got you covered!

Hi, we’re Rach & Marty!

We’ve visited every country in the world and want to help you get the most out of your travels!

Whether you need an expertly planned itinerary, some experienced hints and tips, or just craving a delicious food adventure, we’ve got you covered!

We may earn affiliate commissions from websites we link to, at no cost to you. Click here for details.

15 Foods of Lebanon Table of Lebanese food

Here are 15 foods from Lebanon that you must try

1) Falafel

These small, deep-fried balls made of chickpeas, parsley, and onions are a staple in Lebanese cuisine.

Falafel is a popular street food of Lebanon and can be enjoyed with tahini sauce or hummus. Falafel is eaten throughout the Middle East and is a common street food.

15 Foods of Lebanon Falafel
15 Foods of Lebanon -Falafel

2) Kibbeh

Kibbeh is a classic Lebanese dish made of bulgur wheat, minced onions, and finely ground meat (beef, lamb, or goat). It can be served raw, baked, or fried.

15 Foods of Lebanon -Kibbeh
15 Foods from Lebanon -Kibbeh

3) Tabbouleh

The freshest Lebanese food ever! This refreshing salad is made of chopped parsley, bulgur wheat, tomatoes, onions, and lemon juice.

It’s a light and healthy dish that can be enjoyed as a side dish or a main course. I order tabbouleh salad whenever I get the chance to enjoy the food of Lebanon.

15 Foods of Lebanon -Tabbouleh
15 Foods of Lebanon – Tabbouleh

4) Hummus

This creamy dip made of chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic is a staple in Lebanese cuisine.

It’s a perfect accompaniment to pita bread and fresh vegetables or eaten with fresh, hot falafel.

15 Foods of Lebanon Hummus
15 Foods of Lebanon -Hummus

5) Shawarma

This popular street food is made of marinated meat (usually chicken or beef) that is roasted on a spit and then shaved off and served in pita bread with pickled vegetables and sauces.

15 Foods of Lebanon Shawarma
15 Foods from Lebanon -Shawarma

6) Baba ghanoush

This dip is made of roasted eggplant, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice. It’s similar to hummus but has a smoky flavour and a creamier texture. 

15 Foods of Lebanon -Baba Ghanoush
15 Foods of Lebanon -Baba Ghanoush

7) Kafta

This Lebanese dish is made of ground meat (beef, lamb, or goat) mixed with onions and parsley, and then grilled or baked. It can be served with rice, salad, or pita bread.

Enjoy Kafta with some freshly baked Lebanese bread and mezze, a selection of small dishes that are served as appetisers in the Middle East.

15 Foods from Lebanon - Kafta
15 Foods from Lebanon -Kafta

Subscribe to our newsletter!

Expert travel tips, resources and exclusive discounts worldwide

8) Fattoush

This salad is made of mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumber, radish, and fried pita chips.

It’s dressed with a tangy mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, and sumac. This is one of my personal favourite foods of Lebanon.

15 Foods of Lebanon - Fattoush
15 Foods of Lebanon – Fattoush

9) Manakish

This traditional Lebanese breakfast food is a type of flatbread that is topped with za’atar (a mixture of dried herbs, sesame seeds, and sumac) and baked in an oven.

It’s cheap and filling and you can find them sold in small bakeries and street food vendors around the country.

15 Foods of Lebanon Manakish
15 Foods of Lebanon -Manakish

10) Stuffed grape leaves

This dish is made of grape leaves stuffed with a mixture of rice, herbs, and spices.

It’s a popular appetiser in Lebanese cuisine and other Middle Eastern and Mediterranean countries. These foods from Lebanon can be enjoyed hot or cold.

15 Foods of Lebanon Stuffed Grape Vines
15 Foods of Lebanon -Stuffed Grape Vines
tourradar latest deals

11) Kanafeh

Kanafah is a traditional dessert food of Lebanon and in other Middle Eastern countries. 

This incredible dessert is made with two crispy layers of kataifi pastry which is soaked in sugar syrup and rose water, and then filled with clotted cream or ricotta cheese.

The filling is often flavoured with cardamom and orange zest. Kanafah is served warm and it is the most wonderful dessert I’ve ever eaten. 

15 Foods of Lebanon -Kanafeh
15 Foods of Lebanon -Kanafeh

12) Lebanese-style pizza

This type of pizza is made of a thin, crispy crust that is topped with a variety of fresh vegetables, meats, and herbs.

Foods of Lebanon like this are best eaten straight from the oven. Oh, and don’t forget to squeeze fresh lemon over top. Delicious!

15 Foods of Lebanon Lebanese Pizza
15 Foods from Lebanon -Lebanese Pizza

13) Lentil soup

This hearty soup is made of lentils, onions, garlic, and spices.

It’s a warm and comforting dish that can be enjoyed on a cold day.

15 Foods of Lebanon Lentil Soup
15 Foods of Lebanon -Lentil Soup

14) Sfeeha

This Lebanese meat pie is made of ground beef or lamb that is mixed with onions, pine nuts, and spices, and then baked in a dough shell.

I’ve also eaten Sfeeha while travelling in Syria and it was amazing! Read more about the 9 Most Delicious Foods of Syria.

RELATED POST – How to Travel to Syria in 2023: Everything You Need To Know

15 Foods of Lebanon -Sfeeha
15 Foods of Lebanon -Sfeeha

15) Lebanese grilled fish

This dish is made of fresh fish that is marinated in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs, and then grilled to perfection.

It’s a healthy and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed with fresh salad, rice, or bread.

15 Foods of Lebanon Grilled Fish
15 Foods of Lebanon -Grilled Fish

Most Popular Drinks in Lebanon

Lebanon has a diverse and vibrant food culture, and its drinks are just as delicious and unique.

Here are the 3 most popular drinks in Lebanon:

Arak

Arak is a traditional Lebanese anise-flavored spirit that is often served as an aperitif. It is made from grape juice that is distilled with anise seeds, giving it a unique and distinctive flavour.

It is usually served mixed with water and ice, which causes it to turn white and cloudy, creating a beautiful presentation.

Lebanese Wine 

Lebanon is one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world, with a history of winemaking that dates back to ancient times. Today, Lebanese wine is popular both in Lebanon and abroad, with a variety of red, white, and rosé wines produced in the country.

Some of the most popular Lebanese wineries include Château Ksara, Château Musar, and Domaine des Tourelles. I highly recommend this Lebanese Wine Tasting Tour from Beirut, if you’re visiting Lebanon’s capital city.

Arabic Coffee

Arabic coffee, also known as Turkish coffee, is a popular beverage in Lebanon and throughout the Middle East. It is made by boiling finely ground coffee beans with water and sugar in a special pot called a dallah.

It is traditionally served in small cups, and is often accompanied by dates or other sweet treats. Arabic coffee is a social drink and is often shared with friends and family during social gatherings or celebrations.

Final Thoughts about Foods from Lebanon

15 Foods of Lebanon Meat Pizza

Lebanese cuisine is a unique and diverse blend of flavours, ingredients, and cooking techniques that have evolved over thousands of years. It’s a cuisine that is rooted in tradition and history, yet constantly evolving and adapting to new tastes and trends.

From the classic dishes like falafel, hummus, and kibbeh, to the lesser-known dishes like manakish and sfeeha, Lebanese food offers a truly delicious and exciting culinary experience.

Lebanese cuisine is also known for its health benefits, as it often uses fresh, whole ingredients and a lot of vegetables and herbs. The use of olive oil and lemon juice as common ingredients also adds to the health benefits of this cuisine.

Lebanese food is not just about nourishing the body, but also about nourishing the soul. The dishes are often shared with family and friends, and enjoyed in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Lebanese food is a true celebration of life, love, and the pleasures of good food.

If you haven’t tried Lebanese cuisine yet, I highly recommend you give it a try. And, after visiting (and eating in) every single country in the world, I rate this cuisine in my Top 10 Food Countries for Food Lovers!

Travel Tips for Asia

We have many travel guides and tips for Asia— a fascinating continent!

Delicious cuisine can be enjoyed across Asia, and our food map of Asia will inspire your food journey.

These top 5 best street foods in Asia are unmissable! We explain Central Asian food, including seven popular foods in this region.

Our Southeast Asia packing list will be helpful if you’re travelling here.

Furthermore, if you plan to travel long-term (or at least until the money runs out), these 21 cheapest countries to visit will help you make your hard-earned dollars stretch a bit further.

Not surprisingly, our top 10 best countries for food lovers include a few Asian countries.

You’ll need to stay connected while travelling in Asia. We recommend eSIM. It’s easy, reliable and affordable. View eSIMs for individual Asian countries, or consider a regional eSIM for Asia (which covers 18 countries).

If your travels in Asia are part of a much larger global adventure, then a Global eSIM may be the answer. It connects you in 124 countries, offering data-only eSIM and data/call/text eSIM. The Global eSIM has been a game-changer; we couldn’t imagine travelling without it now.

If you want to travel with like-minded travellers, consider joining a group tour. View the best deals on group tours in Asia.

Finally, check out our travel resources page for the best websites, tools and products we use to travel the world.

View the travel gear we use on the road, and don’t miss our best-ever travel tips compiled from more than twenty years of experience. 

Did you enjoy this article? Share it with friends and family!

Travel Planning Resources

✈️ Flights: We use Skyscanner to book cheap flights worldwide.

🏨 AccommodationBooking.com is our preferred platform for booking hotels and accommodation. We use Vrbo to book apartments and long-term stays.

🏥 Travel Insurance: We recommend Heymondo (Get 5% off Heymondo) & SafetyWing

🚌 Transportation: Trainline is the best website to reserve trains. We use Omio to book transport worldwide. For travel in Asia, we use 12Go. 

🚘 Car Rental: We use DiscoverCars to book rental cars worldwide.

👫 Group ToursG Adventures OR compare multi-day tours worldwide with Tourradar.

📸 Day Tours & TripsGetYourGuide & Viator are the only two platforms you need.

📚 Lonely Planet: The Best Range of Travel Guides & Ebooks, and FREE Shipping! (use code RACHELDAVEY10 for a 10% discount)

🎒 LuggageOsprey Farpoint 40L Backpack or Samsonite Luggage Range.

🛄 What to Pack: Don’t forget your Universal charger and a good power bank.  To help you pack the essentials, here is our ULTIMATE Packing List for all Travellers.

🐶 Become a House Sitter: Join Trusted Housesitters and enjoy FREE accommodation worldwide. Use our invite to receive 25% off your new membership.

💰 Send Money Anywhere: WISE & Revolut are the best online accounts that let you send money, get paid, and spend money internationally. Both are so easy to use and way cheaper than any bank transfer.

📶 Stay Connected: Airalo eSIM allows you to get connected the moment you land at your destination, and you can avoid those expensive data roaming charges. We LOVE this product! Use promo code NOMAD15 for 15% off ALL eSIMs (new Airalo users only) OR use NOMAD10 for 10% off ALL eSIMs (for existing Airalo users)

✅ Check out our Travel Gear and Travel Resources for more valuable tips to save you money!

Tasty Food Adventures

Are you looking for more adventures?
See all articles about Lebanon

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Fill out this field
Fill out this field
Please enter a valid email address.
You need to agree with the terms to proceed