Lebanese cuisine is known for its wide variety of flavorful dishes that are often made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Lebanese cuisine is heavily influenced by Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Eastern Mediterranean cuisine. It is also known for its use of herbs, spices and the liberal use of olive oil. Some of the must try Lebanese dishes include:
Mezze: a selection of small plates or appetizers that may include dishes such as hummus, tabbouleh, baba ghanoush, and falafel.
Fattoush: A salad made with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and pita bread that is typically dressed with lemon juice and olive oil.
Tabbouleh: A salad made with parsley, tomatoes, onions, and bulgur wheat that is typically dressed with lemon juice and olive oil.
Shawarma: Popular dish that is made by marinating meat (usually chicken, lamb, or beef) in a blend of spices and then cooking it on a spit. The meat is then shaved off to order and typically served in a wrap or pita bread with toppings such as tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, and tahini sauce.
Mansaf: A traditional Bedouin dish made with lamb or chicken, served over a bed of rice and yogurt, and garnished with pine nuts and almonds.
Kibbeh: A dish made from ground meat (usually beef or lamb) mixed with bulgur wheat and spices, shaped into balls or patties and fried or baked.
Falafel: Deep-fried balls or patties made from ground chickpeas or fava beans that are often served as a sandwich or a side dish.
Tawouk: grilled chicken marinated in yogurt, lemon juice and spices.
Hummus: A dip made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil.
Kebabs: Grilled meat skewers that are typically made with lamb, chicken, or beef.
Alcoholic Drinks:
Lebanese wine: Lebanon has a long history of winemaking and produces some excellent wines that are worth trying.
Arak: Anise-flavored spirit that is often enjoyed as a digestif or mixed with water and ice to make a popular drink called Arak cocktail.
What sweets do I try in Lebanon?
Baklava: A sweet pastry made with layers of phyllo dough, chopped nuts (usually pistachios or walnuts), and sweet syrup or honey.
Kunafa: A sweet pastry made with shredded phyllo dough and sweet cheese (such as akawwi or mozzarella), topped with sweet syrup and sometimes nuts.
Maamoul: A traditional cookie made with semolina or farina flour and filled with dates, pistachios, or walnuts.
Qatayef: A traditional sweet dumpling filled with sweet cheese or nuts and fried or baked.
Znoud Elsit: A sweet rolled pastry filled with sweetened cream or nuts and drizzled with sweet syrup.