Important Note

Syrian food culture is rich, but due to ongoing conflict, it is currently not possible to visit in person. This article serves as a cultural introduction to its cuisine, with similar flavors available at Syrian restaurants in Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, and other nearby countries.

Levantine Classics

• Hummus: A smooth dip made from chickpeas and tahini, drizzled with olive oil and served with warm flatbread. It’s often the start of a meal. (Estimated cost per person: equivalent to $5–15)
• Baba Ghanoush: Smoky eggplant puree blended with tahini, rich in charred flavor.
• Tabbouleh Salad: A refreshing mix of parsley, bulgur, tomatoes, and lemon juice — a staple side dish in Levantine cuisine.
• Kibbeh: Deep-fried meat-filled bulgur balls with a crispy outside and tender inside. It’s a signature Syrian dish.
• Grilled Kebabs and Shawarma: Lamb kebabs and spit-roasted meat wraps, served with garlic sauce and pickled cucumbers.
• Fatteh and Roast Chicken: Spiced roast chicken served over crispy flatbread, topped with pine nuts and parsley — a representative dish of Aleppo cuisine.

Sweets and Drinks

• Walnut Baklava: Layers of flaky pastry and walnuts, soaked in syrup for a sweet and aromatic treat.
• Cheese Desserts: Both Damascus and Aleppo have their specialties — stretchy cheese paired with candied orange blossom water.
• Rose Water and Jasmine: Damascus is known as the City of Jasmine. Many sweets and drinks are infused with floral waters for fragrance.
• Arabic Coffee and Mint Tea: Staples of social gatherings. Cafe culture is deeply rooted in the old cities.

Eating Ideas and Cultural Notes

• If you’re able to visit in the future, the Old City of Damascus and the markets of Aleppo are ideal places to experience these flavors. The early morning fresh bread stalls are especially worth the wait.
• Syrian cuisine has spread globally with its diaspora. Today, highly regarded Syrian restaurants can be found in Berlin, Istanbul, and Dubai, offering a great alternative taste experience.
• Aleppo has historically been famous for its spice trade, with particularly refined use of red chili and cumin.