What Is Lebanon’s Famous Food?

Lebanon is one of the most famous countries in the Middle East, and its cuisine is renowned across the world. Lebanese dishes are fresh, vibrant and flavourful, with influences from different cultures and regions. There is a great variety in Lebanese cuisine, with dishes ranging from simple everyday fare to elaborate gourmet creations.

One of the most iconic Lebanese dishes is Hummus. Hummus is a creamy spread made from cooked chickpeas, tahini (sesame paste), olive oil and various spices.

It can be eaten as a dip with flatbreads such as pita or served as an accompaniment to grilled meats or salads. Hummus is popular throughout the Arab world and it’s a staple of Lebanese mezze platters.

Another popular dish in Lebanon is Kibbeh. Kibbeh is a mixture of ground lamb or beef mixed with bulgur wheat, onions and spices that’s formed into balls or patties.

It can be fried or baked, served with salads or stuffed with other ingredients such as cheese or vegetables. Kibbeh can also be eaten raw.

Tabbouleh is another classic Lebanese dish. This salad is made from finely chopped parsley, tomatoes, onions and bulgur wheat mixed together in a lemon juice dressing. It’s typically served as part of mezze platters or on its own as a light meal.

Fattoush is also popular in Lebanon. Fattoush is a salad made from cucumber, tomato, radish and lettuce tossed together in an olive oil dressing that’s flavoured with sumac and mint. It’s usually served alongside grilled meats.

Baklava, a sweet pastry made from filo dough filled with nuts and soaked in honey syrup, is also popular in Lebanon. Baklava can be found at many cafes across the country.

Kanafeh, another sweet treat that originated in Lebanon, consists of thin layers of dough filled with cheese and soaked in sweet syrup. Kanafeh can be found at specialty bakeries throughout Lebanon.

Shawarma, an Arab-style sandwich made from thin slices of marinated meat that’s cooked on a rotating spit then wrapped into flatbreads along with pickles and garlic sauce, has become increasingly popular worldwide over the past few years but it still remains one of Lebanon’s favourite street foods.