Lebanese Food Guide: Mezze, Grilled Dishes & Arabic Sweets
Food Guide
2026-10-03
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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.