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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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