Lebanon is celebrated for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. But for some, specially for food lovers the most tempting aspect of this Mediterranean gem is its cuisine.
Food is by all means at the heart of the Lebanese life and any visit to Lebanon is not complete without experiencing Lebanon’s rich culinary traditions.
Here’s a guide to some of Lebanon’s must-try dishes when visiting, we are limiting it to some of our favorite recommended dishes because there are so many delicious dishes and would be impossible to list them all:
Mezze: The Heartbeat of Lebanese Dining
No visit to Lebanon is complete without experiencing “mezza” (as we call it in Lebanon), a selection of shareable dishes. Mezze isn’t just about the food; it’s about coming together, sharing moments, and experiencing the warmth of Lebanese hospitality.
Hummus: Creamy chickpea dip that despite becoming very popular worldwide still tastes unbelievably good in Lebanon.
Baba Ghanouj: Smoky eggplant blended with tahini, lemon, and garlic and what makes it even better is when garnished with pomegranate seeds.
Tabbouleh: The most popular Lebanese salad, composed of parsley, tomatoes, onions and bulgur with olive oil and lemon.
Fattoush: What makes this Mixed green salad exceptionally delicious is the pomegranate molasses sauce, crispy pita, and the tangy sumac.
Warak Enab: Vine leaves stuffed with rice, tomatoes, and spices—the juicier they are, the better they taste.
- Batata Harra: Spicy sautéed potatoes with garlic, cilantro, and chili— the Lebanese version of French fries.
- Chicken Liver: What makes it special is the addition of pomegranate molasses offering a rich and savory flavor with a slight tang.
- Rakakat (Cheese Rolls): Crispy rolls filled with melted cheese, fried to golden perfection—a delightful and addictive addition
Lebanese home-cooked dishes, or “tabekh”: the ultimate comfort foods, full of rich flavors.
Kibbeh Labniyyeh: Kibbeh balls cooked in a tangy yogurt sauce, creating a creamy and savory dish.
Mloukhiyyeh: Stewed jute leaves with chicken or beef, served over rice, for a flavorful, nutritious meal, usually accompanied by a vinegar & onions dressing.
Cheikh el Mehche: Eggplants stuffed with seasoned meat and pine nuts, cooked in a tomato-based sauce—a delicious blend of flavors.
Mehche Koussa: Zucchini stuffed with rice and meat, then cooked in a light tomato sauce. Usually when cooked at home, different kind of stuffed veggies are added. Often enjoyed with yogurt on the side.
Mehche Malfouf: Cabbage stuffed with rice and meat, usually cooked with garlic.
Shawarma: The Street Food King
Shawarma is one of Lebanon’s most beloved street food sandwiches. Marinated meats are slow-cooked on a rotisserie, packed with flavor.
Chicken Shawarma: Marinated in garlic, lemon, and spices, served with garlic sauce, pickles & fries in pita.
Lamb Shawarma: Served with tahini sauce that is called “Tarator” and fresh vegetables (tomatoes, parsley, onions) in pita.
Kebbeh: The National Dish of Lebanon
Kibbeh is a true Lebanese classic, offering a perfect blend of spices and textures.
Kebbeh Nayyeh: Similar to steak tartare, this dish combines raw minced meat with bulgur and spices. Served with mint, onions, and olive oil.
Fried Kebbeh: Golden croquettes stuffed with minced meat, onions, and pine nuts—a crunchy treat usually found among mezze platters.
Kebbet Laktin: A vegetarian pumpkin kibbeh, mixed with bulgur and spices, offering a unique, slightly sweet twist on the classic.
Lebanese cuisine offers a world of flavors and traditions, each dish telling its own story of the country’s vibrant culture.
