What to eat in Lebanon? What are the most famous dishes that attract locals and tourists to relish scrumptious food? Here is everything you need to know!
10 Good Lebanese Foods You Need to Try
Although Lebanon is famous for its stunning sceneries, picturesque beaches, Cedar trees, lush-green mountains, caves, waterfalls, rivers, and lakes, it attracts thousands of people to enjoy Lebanese foods. Here are the top ten food items you must try on your trip to Lebanon. Read on!
1. Shawarma
Shawarma is the most delectable meat treat in Lebanon. The marinated and spit-roasted food dates back to the Ottoman Empire. Shawarma vendors use rotating skewers to cook the meat. We recommend tasting all varieties of Shawarma, including turkey, lamb, beef, and chicken shawarma.
2. Kibbeh
Kibbeh is the national food of Lebanon. It is made of unique ingredients, including lamb meat and soaked bulgur wheat. Most people eat kibbeh as a snack or dessert. Chefs make kibbeh in various ways, such as raw, fried, stuffed, baked, and even vegan versions stuffed with tomatoes, potatoes, and pumpkins.
3. Fatteh
Fatteh is another famous Lebanese dish you must try. It is made of various ingredients, including stale flatbread and other fresh ingredients. We recommend eating Fatteh in breakfast to satisfy your taste buds. Fatteh is available in Egyptian and Levantine varieties. However, the Levantine version is most delicious, topped with olive oil, cumin, yogurt, and chickpeas.
4. Shish Taouk
Shish Taouk, also known as chicken kebab, is a staple item in Lebanese food. It is delectable because it is marinated with yogurt, paprika, garlic, lemon juice, and tomato paste. Most restaurants serve Shish Taouk as a platter. However, some also serve this dish by wrapping it in pita bread. You can also eat Shish Taouk as a sandwich.
5. Fattoush
Fattoush is the most delectable Lebanese salad made with pita bread and other ingredients, including onions, peppers, tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, and radish. The chef tears or cuts the pita bread into small-size pieces. Then, the chef toasts, fries, or grills the pita bread and mixes it with these ingredients. You and your family or friends will love eating this food in famous Beirut restaurants.
6. Manakish
Manakish is a flatbread topped with sumac, thyme, sesame seeds, zaatar, and olive oil. It is available in almost all famous restaurants in Lebanon, where people eat their breakfast. Depending on your needs, you can also ask the restaurant staff to customize the dish by topping it with friend eggplants, spinach, cheese, or minced lamb. Most people call Manakish Lebanese Pizza. However, it is different and has unique flavors due to the plethora of ingredients.
7. Tabbouleh
Tabbouleh is another national dish of Lebanon. Locals and tourists love Tabbouleh due to its chewy and crunchy texture of bulgur wheat, parsley leaves, mint leaves, and olive oil. It is one of the oldest dishes in the Middle East, primarily served in Lebanon.
8. Hummus
Hummus is a famous Lebanese food made of mashed chickpeas, lemon juice, tahini sesame paste, and garlic. It has a beige texture and mouthwatering flavor, making it the best food to try in Lebanon. Locals and tourists equally enjoy this food due to its tangy taste with a plethora of ingredients.
9. Falafel
Falafel is a delicious and healthy food item famous in Lebanon, Egypt, Palestine, and Israel. It contains a wide range of proteins and amino acids, making it the most nutritious dish to taste. Falafel is chickpea fitter and served as lafa flatbread sandwiches topped with pickled vegetables. However, some chefs also top it with fresh veggies. The hummus paste, garlic-flavoured yogurt sauce, or tahini dip improve the taste.
10. Kofta
Kofta is meatballs made of minced meat mixed with onions, parsley, and spices. While you can eat Kofta individually or with potatoes. Most people enjoy Kofta with tomato sauce. It is a savoury food item with a lot of meat proteins, making it a healthy choice for people of all ages.
Final Words
Lebanon offers a culturally rich and diverse cuisine with thousands of unique dishes, snacks, salads, and desserts. However, these Lebanese food are a must-try for locals and tourists to satisfy their savoury and sweet tooth.
These food items are healthiest because they incorporate a wide range of ingredients, including lean proteins, fats, veggies, and grains. Rich spices, herbs, and seeds set Lebanese food apart from European and Asian cuisines.
- Article based on personal opinion, experience and research.
- Photos from Unsplash & canva.