Lebanon is a country where the dishes are as rich in flavor as they are in history. Through food, you can know more about a country’s history, culture and agriculture, and Lebanon is no different. Lebanon is a paradise for food lovers and can tempt picky eaters to sample a bite of the local cuisine and crave for more. These 5 foods from Lebanon should be on your must-eat list as you explore the country. Lebanon has it all – vegetarian-friendly meals, mouthwatering meat dishes, delicious dips, refreshing salads, pillowy breads and desserts for sweet tooths. Ready to have unforgettable dishes that will have you loosening your trousers? Let’s dive into this country’s unique flavors and dishes.  

Here are some foods that should be on your must-eat list when visiting Lebanon:

Meats

Indulge in the  succulent meats of Lebanon, seasoned with traditional Lebanese spices and techniques. Here are some of the dishes you simply must try:

Shawarma

Shawarma is one of Lebanon’s most famous street foods and is a favorite around the world, inspiring many countries to put their spin to it by infusing local flavors and toppings. This meat-based dish has explosive flavors from a slow-roast on a spit. The thin slices of marinated meat, usually chicken or beef, is served with pita bread with vegetables and sauce.

Kafta

Like kebabs, this simple yet flavorful dish features ground meat on skewers, typically beef, lamb, or chicken, mixed with spices and onions to create a versatile option that pairs well with salads, complements platters, or serves as a satisfying sandwich filling.

Kibbeh

Considered Lebanon’s national dish, Kibbeh is a unique dish, typically shaped into small, round or football-like patties. It combines ground meat, usually beef or lamb, with cracked bulgur, diced onions, and a blend of spices. You can enjoy this dish in various forms – raw, fried, baked, or even in a hearty soup – for a delicious treat.

Salads

Lebanon provides salad options that pack flavor and are healthy, perfect for vegetarians and those seeking nutritious meals. Make sure you try these nutritious salads:

Tabbouleh

If you are looking for a light, refreshing salad then tabbouleh should be on your must-eat list. People typically make this popular salad by finely chopping parsley, mint, tomatoes, onions, and bulgur. Then, they dress it with olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Fattoush 

For a burst of freshness, try Fattoush – a vibrant, chopped salad with mixed greens, fresh vegetables, and crispy pita chips. Add tangy sumac and lemon vinaigrette to make it a perfect addition to any meal.

Mezze

At the top of our list of foods you should try in Lebanon is Mezze. Mezze is a communal style of dining that features a variety of small dishes, typically served at the start of a meal as appetizers or as part of a larger meal. The word “mezze” comes from the Turkish word “meze”, which has roots in “maza”, meaning taste or relish. These delightful dishes are a mix of hot and cold dishes such as dips (like hummus and baba ghanoush), salads (e.g. tabbouleh), stuffed grape leaves, and various grilled meats and seafood, all accompanied by drinks. It is a wonderful way to sample a range of dishes in one sitting and offers a social experience with friends and family. For an authentic mezze experience, be sure to dig into these foods:

Hummus

A world-famous dip from Lebanon is hummus. It is a delicious creamy dip of chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. It is a staple in Lebanese cuisine and pairs perfectly with warm pita bread. 

Muhammara

Muhammara is a roasted pepper dip that originated in Syria but has become a favorite among the Lebanese. This spicy roasted pepper dip combines red pepper, walnuts, breadcrumbs, and seasonings like lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, and sometimes chili paste. Recipes differ by region and household, but typically involve slow roasting or grilling vegetables to develop flavors for the complex accompanying courses. This dip serves as a base for many salads and spreads and is a great addition to a mezze platter or eaten with warm flatbread.

Tahini

Tahini is a creamy paste made from ground toasted sesame seeds. You can this paste in different ways, in salads, roasted vegetables, and more. You can eat it in two ways: as a standalone dip or a key ingredient in dishes like hummus and baba ghanoush. Its creamy and nutty taste make it an excellent enhancer for various recipes.

Baba Ghanoush

Originating from Lebanon, this roasted eggplant dip is made by mashing smoky roasted eggplant with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and other seasonings into a thick paste. You can enjoy it with flatbread, raw vegetables or alongside grilled kebabs. 

Labneh

Another staple throughout the Middle East, labneh is a thick creamy strained yogurt. It can be a part of a mezze spread along with bread, as a dip, garnished with olive oil and herbs, spread on toast, or as a condiment for roasted vegetables or lamb kebabs. 

Warak Enab (stuffed grape leaves)

In addition, Warak Enab is a classic mezze dish features little rolls filled with a mixture of rice, meat, and spices, cooked in lemon juice, and served at room temperature.

Breads

Sample Lebanon’s pillowy and unique breads that complement dishes perfectly as a wrap or for scooping dips. Here are two baked goods you shouldn’t leave Lebanon without trying:

Pita

Pita, also known as Lebanese bread, Arabic bread, or Syrian bread, is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine including Lebanon. This soft flatbread is famous for its unique pockets, making it a versatile choice. It can act as a scoop for dips like hummus and baba ghanoush, hold delicious fillings such as falafel, or as a wrap for shawarma. 

Man’oushe

Man’oushe, often spelled as manakish or manakeesh, is a beloved staple in Lebanese cuisine and has a rich cultural significance. This versatile flatbread, commonly enjoyed for breakfast or lunch, is one of Lebanon’s most popular street foods. You can make the dough from a mixture of flour, water, salt, and yeast then roll it out and add various ingredients and bake until golden and crispy. The classic man’oushe is generously topped with za’atar – a mix of ground dried thyme, oregano, marjoram, mixed with toasted sesame seeds, salt, and other spices like sumac – combined with olive oil before baking. You can add toppings from minced lamb and beef to fresh vegetables, and cheese. In 2023, manakish was honored by being inscribed to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists as an emblematic culinary practice.

Desserts

Treat your sweet tooth to a delightful treat at the end of your meal with these traditional Lebanese desserts. Treat yourself to these desserts during your trip: 

Layali Lubnan

Also known as Lebanese Nights, this dessert is a semolina pudding that’s luxuriously topped with cream and pistachios and flavored with orange blossom water. 

Kanafeh

Another dessert is Kanafeh, a sweet cheese pastry that allegedly originated in Nablus, Palestine. It consists of a layer of thin noodle-like pastry or semolina dough, soaked in sweet syrup, and typically layered with cheese or other sweet fillings. Kanafeh is widely popular across the Middle East, particularly in Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria.

Baklava

One of the foods you must try in Lebanon is Baklava. Baklava is a timeless treat that goes beyond national borders. This rich and sweet pastry is famous for its flaky filo pastry, a filling of chopped nuts and a generous sweetening with syrup or honey. Although the exact origins are up for debate, its history dates back to several ancient civilizations – including Assyria, the Ottoman Empire, Greece, and Constantinople. As the delicious dessert journeyed, the recipe evolved and found its way to the Middle East and the Mediterranean. Baklava comes in different variations, depending on the region and the choices of nuts varies from pistachios to walnuts, almonds or a mix. Some variations spice it with cinnamon or cloves, while others are infuse it with rose water or orange blossom water. You can eat this dessert at celebrations, particularly during the festive periods. 

As we wrap up the dishes of Lebanon, it is clear that each dish showcases the country’s rich history. Whether it is the familiarity of shawarma to the freshness of Fattoush, or the flakiness of baklava, each bite showcases the culinary heart of its people. With this comprehensive list of foods to try in Lebanon, take these recommendations on your next trip to Lebanon and bon appétit or as they say in Lebanon, Sahtein.

Inspired to learn more about Lebanon? Visit our destinations page to know the best times to visit, bucket list experiences, budget expectations, accommodation options, how to get around, visa and entry requirements, paired countries and essential things to know about Lebanon.

Book your trip to Lebanon with Kaijego

Having read this blog post on the foods to try in Lebanon and you’re eager to try these mouthwatering dishes but don’t know where to start. Kaijego provides personalized services and group trips that cater to your desire for a taste of Lebanon. For more information on personalized travel experiences, please contact us via this form. Similarly, if you want to share your Lebanon culinary experience with fellow travelers, visit our group trips page to book a group trip to Lebanon.