The Best Things to Eat and Drink in Lebanon: Traditional Lebanese dishes, Popular Dishes, Must-Try Lebanese Food

Exploring Lebanon's culinary landscape is an essential aspect of any traveler's itinerary. When planning your Lebanon tours, delving into the rich tapestry of Lebanese food is a must-do experience. From savoring traditional Lebanese dishes to discovering popular delicacies like hummus, the country offers a tantalizing array of flavors that reflect its cultural heritage and diverse influences. In this guide, we embark on a journey to uncover the best things to eat and drink in Lebanon, immersing ourselves in the authentic tastes of Lebanese cuisine.

5 of the Best Traditional Lebanese Food Dishes - Traditional Lebanese Cuisine

Kibbeh Nayyeh

Originating from the mountains of Lebanon, Kibbeh Nayyeh is a beloved dish made with finely minced raw meat, usually lamb or beef, combined with cracked wheat, onions, and aromatic spices. Served with a side of fresh mint leaves, olive oil, and pita bread, it's a staple dish at Tawlet, a renowned restaurant in the heart of Beirut.

Moussaka

This hearty Lebanese casserole consists of layers of eggplant, tomatoes, onions, minced meat (typically lamb or beef), and a blend of Middle Eastern spices. Baked until tender and flavorful, Moussaka is a signature dish at Em Sherif Restaurant, an elegant dining establishment known for its exquisite Lebanese cuisine in Beirut.

Shish Taouk

Succulent pieces of marinated chicken are skewered and grilled to perfection, resulting in tender and juicy skewers bursting with flavor. Served with creamy garlic sauce, pickles, and warm flatbread, Shish Taouk is a highlight at Barbar Restaurant, a popular eatery famed for its authentic Lebanese dishes in Beirut.

Manakish

A quintessential Lebanese street food, Manakish is a flatbread topped with za'atar, a savory blend of thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, and olive oil. Alternatively, it can be adorned with a generous layer of melted cheese. Furn Beaino Bakery, located in the historic city of Tripoli, is renowned for its freshly baked Manakish, served piping hot and bursting with flavor.

Fattoush and Tabbouleh

Bursting with colors and flavors, Fattoush and Tabbouleh are vibrant salads that showcase Lebanon's fresh produce and aromatic herbs. Fattoush features a medley of lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, and fragrant herbs, all tossed with crispy pieces of toasted pita bread and dressed with a zesty sumac vinaigrette. Tabbouleh, on the other hand, is a refreshing salad made with finely chopped parsley, tomatoes, onions, and bulgur, dressed with lemon juice and olive oil. Both dishes are offered at Al Falamanki, a charming Lebanese café nestled in the bustling streets of Beirut.

5 of the Best Drinks in Lebanon

Arak

Widely regarded as the national drink of Lebanon, Arak is a potent anise-flavored spirit distilled from grapes and flavored with anise seeds. It is traditionally served diluted with water and ice, turning the clear liquid into a milky white elixir. Iris Beach Club, situated along the picturesque coastline of Batroun, offers a tranquil setting to savor this iconic Lebanese spirit.

Tamarind Juice

Made from the tangy pulp of tamarind fruit, Tamarind Juice is a popular beverage enjoyed throughout Lebanon, especially during the hot summer months. Souk El Tayeb, a vibrant farmer's market located in the heart of Beirut, is known for its refreshing Tamarind Juice, served chilled and bursting with natural sweetness.

Jallab

A beloved Lebanese refreshment, Jallab is a sweet concoction made from a blend of grape molasses, rose water, and crushed ice, garnished with pine nuts and a sprinkle of raisins. Leila Restaurant, nestled within the ancient city of Byblos, offers a delightful ambiance to savor this traditional Lebanese drink.

Ayran

Originating from the Turkish influence in Lebanon, Ayran is a cooling yogurt-based beverage mixed with salt, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich and spicy flavors of Lebanese cuisine. Le Chef Restaurant, located in the picturesque town of Zahle, is renowned for its creamy and frothy Ayran, perfect for quenching your thirst on a warm day.

Mint Lemonade

A popular thirst-quencher, Mint Lemonade combines freshly squeezed lemon juice, fragrant mint leaves, sugar, and water, resulting in a revitalizing and invigorating beverage. Café Hamra, nestled in Beirut's vibrant Hamra district, offers a refreshing Mint Lemonade that perfectly complements the eclectic flavors of Lebanese cuisine.

5 of the Best Lebanese Vegan and Vegetarian Dishes

Foul Moudamas

A nutritious and protein-rich dish, Foul Moudamas features mashed fava beans seasoned with lemon juice, garlic, and extra virgin olive oil, served alongside a medley of fresh vegetables and warm flatbread. Al Soussi Restaurant, located in the heart of Beirut, offers a delectable rendition of this classic Lebanese vegan dish.

Batata Harra

Bursting with bold flavors, Batata Harra consists of crispy cubes of sautéed potatoes tossed with garlic, cilantro, chili peppers, and a squeeze of lemon juice, creating a tantalizing vegetarian appetizer. Café Em Nazih, a cozy eatery nestled in Beirut's vibrant Gemmayzeh neighborhood, serves up a mouthwatering Batata Harra that's sure to delight your taste buds.

Mujadara

A comforting and hearty dish, Mujadara combines tender lentils and fluffy rice cooked with caramelized onions, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying vegan meal. Tawlet Ammiq, situated amidst the picturesque landscapes of Ammiq's lush Bekaa Valley, offers an authentic rendition of Mujadara that celebrates Lebanon's culinary heritage.

Falafel

Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, Falafel comprises deep-fried chickpea patties seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices, served with creamy tahini sauce and a fresh assortment of vegetables. Abu Hassan, a legendary eatery located in Beirut's bustling Bourj Hammoud district, is renowned for its iconic falafel, crafted to perfection and bursting with flavor.

Hummus

A creamy and indulgent dip made from pureed chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkled with a dash of paprika, Hummus is a quintessential Lebanese vegan appetizer. Al Soussi Restaurant, nestled in Beirut's lively Hamra district, offers a velvety smooth Hummus that pairs perfectly with warm pita bread for a satisfying and flavorful dining experience.