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Lebanese Food Guide: Mezze, Grilled Dishes & Arabic Sweets
Food Guide 2026-10-03 0 views
Lebanese cuisine is one of the most influential in the Middle East. From mezze platters to grilled meats, sweets, and arak, this guide covers it all.

Mezze Platters

  • Hummus: Made with chickpeas, tahini, and lemon, it’s a staple starter.
  • Baba Ghanoush: Roasted eggplant blended with tahini and olive oil, offering a smooth texture.
  • Tabbouleh: A refreshing salad made with parsley, mint, tomatoes, and bulgur.
  • Fattoush: A tangy salad with vegetables and crispy fried flatbread pieces.
  • Warak Enab: Grape leaves stuffed with rice and spices, tangy and flavorful.
  • Kibbeh: Fried balls made of ground meat and bulgur, a classic Lebanese snack.

Main Dishes & Grilled Foods

  • Mezze Grill Platter: A mix of lamb, chicken, and meatballs grilled on skewers, served with flatbread and garlic sauce.
  • Shawarma: Rotisserie-grilled meat wrapped in flatbread, commonly found at street stalls and fast-food joints.
  • Manakish: Flatbread topped with thyme or cheese, a popular breakfast item.
  • Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated with garlic sauce and spices, served with fries and salad.

Desserts & Drinks

  • Knafeh: A dessert made with cheese or cream and shredded pastry, best served warm.
  • Baklava: Layers of flaky pastry filled with nuts and syrup, often paired with coffee to balance the sweetness.
  • Arak: A traditional Lebanese spirit that turns milky when mixed with water.
  • Arabic Coffee: A slightly bitter coffee flavored with cardamom, commonly served to guests.

Where to Eat

  • Beirut’s Traditional Districts: Packed with restaurants, bars, and cafes, and known for its vibrant nightlife.
  • Beirut’s Hamra Street: A hub for affordable eateries and street food.
  • Tripoli: Famous for its traditional sweets and market snacks.

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