5 unmissable dishes from the Lebanese culture

1 – Falafels

Delicious little fried ball made of chickpeas, the falafel has become in a few years a must of the Lebanese and international street food! It makes everyone agree, both veggies and gourmets. The recipe varies from region to region and can be seasoned with cumin, parsley, coriander and garlic. Some even add sesame puree (tahini). Falafel can be eaten in pita bread with raw vegetables or as a mezze starter. A must-have specialty of the local food scene!

2 – Labneh

Light and tasty, this Lebanese mezze is eaten as a dip (a creamy sauce in which food is dipped). Labneh is made from cow’s or sheep’s milk yoghurt, which is seasoned with a dash of olive oil, mint, zaatar (a mixture of spices) and sometimes lemon juice. For variety, the Lebanese also add pistachios or pomegranate. Although it is traditionally eaten with pita bread, there is nothing to stop you from dipping a few raw vegetables into it!

3 – Shawarma

The other typical specialty of Lebanon is of course the chawarma! Icon of street food, this sandwich is made of pita bread filled with spicy meat (chicken, beef or lamb), raw vegetables and garlic sauce. What makes it special? The pieces of meat are marinated and then slowly cooked on a rotating vertical spit to allow the fat to drain away. The side dishes include chips, hummus and aubergine caviar. Delicious!

4 – Keftas

What else do you eat in Lebanon? Very good keftas! Keftas are made of lamb and/or beef meat, cumin, mint and parsley. When properly prepared, the meat is particularly moist and fragrant. Keftas are usually served with a yoghurt sauce, tomatoes and roasted aubergine. A popular dish in Lebanon and throughout the Middle East.

5 – Baklava

What about desserts? If there’s one specialty that can’t be ignored in Lebanon, it’s the baklava. In fact, the city of Tripoli boasts of being the birthplace of Lebanese baklava! Although the origins of this oriental pastry are still unknown and unclear. So what is in this little cake? The baklava consists of several layers of filo pastry, the heart of which is filled with dried fruit (pistachios, walnuts, cashew nuts, etc.). The whole thing is then drizzled with a sweet syrup made from honey and orange blossom water.