Lebanon has one of the most beloved cuisines in the Middle East and Mediterranean region. With influences from Arabic, Turkish, and French cooking traditions, Lebanese food offers incredible variety and unforgettable flavors. This article explores some of the highlights of this remarkable culinary destination.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Lebanese cuisine is known for its fresh ingredients, complex seasonings, and generous use of herbs and spices like cinnamon, allspice, parsley, mint, oregano, and thyme. Dishes tend to have a balance of sweet and tart flavors. The use of lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, tahini, and dried fruits helps create the signature Lebanese taste profile.
Historically, the cuisine has been shaped by Lebanon’s location on the Mediterranean and its long history as a trading hub. Influences from civilizations like the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, and Ottomans have all left their mark. More recently, the French colonial period introduced elements of French cooking as well. Despite these outside impacts, Lebanese food has remained distinctly Lebanese at its core.
Main Dishes
Some of the most popular Lebanese main dishes are:
Hummus
This chickpea dip blended with tahini, lemon, and garlic is a staple appetizer and snack. Lebanese hummus is creamier than versions found elsewhere. It’s typically served with a drizzle of olive oil and pine nuts, accompanied by fresh pita for dipping.
Falafel
Fried balls or patties made of spiced, ground chickpeas are another signature Middle Eastern food that reached perfection in Lebanon. Falafel balls are tucked into pita bread along with vegetables, hummus, and tahini sauce.
Shawarma
Thin slices of marinated chicken, lamb, or beef stacked on a vertical rotisserie then shaved off and wrapped in flatbread is a popular Lebanese street food. Tomatoes, tahini, and pickled turnips add flavor.
Kibbeh
Bulgur wheat, minced onions, and ground lamb or beef comprise these croquette-shaped patties, footballs, or torpedoes, often stuffed with meat. Kibbeh can be fried, baked, or raw.
Mixed Grill Plates
A combination of grilled meats like chicken, lamb kofta, and shish taouk with roasted vegetables is quintessential Lebanese dining. The meats are marinated in signature Lebanese spices.
Salads
Bright, herbaceous salads and vegetable dishes punctuate a Lebanese meal. Favorites include:
Tabouleh
This iconic parsley and bulgur salad gains freshness from tomato, lemon, and mint. It’s a perfect complement to rich dishes.
Fattoush
Mixed greens, vegetables, and fresh herbs tossed with fried pita chips make fattoush an addictive salad. Sumac and pomegranate molasses contribute tartness.
Baba Ghanoush
Charred eggplant gets blended with tahini, olive oil, and various seasonings for this velvety, smoky dip eaten with pita.
Soups
Warming soups are part of the Lebanese repertoire. Look for:
Lentil Soup
Hearty and protein-rich, this soup gets depth from cumin and garlic. Fried onion and pita crisps add texture.
Chicken Soup with Vermicelli
Known as shorbet frik, this soul-soothing soup features chicken broth with rice vermicelli pasta, lemon, and cilantro.
Meze (Appetizers)
Meze are a focal point of Lebanese dining. Some favorites are:
Stuffed Grape Leaves
Grape leaves stuffed with rice, ground meat, onions, and herbs make tasty bite-sized packets known as warak enab.
Labneh
Thick strained yogurt, labneh, is the perfect accompaniment to many dishes. It’s seasoned with olive oil and herbs.
Mutabal
Similar to baba ghanoush, this dip is made from charred roasted eggplant mixed with tahini and olive oil. Pitas are used for scooping.
Desserts
Sweet treats in Lebanon include:
Baklava
This rich, buttery layered pastry with nuts and syrup makes for a perfect ending. Pistachios feature heavily in Lebanese versions.
Maamoul
Filled with dates, nuts, or both, these shortbread cookies get dipped in rose water or orange blossom syrup.
Halawet el Jibn
Sweet cheese rolled in phyllo dough then soaked in rose water scented syrup delivers a decadent dessert.
Knafeh
A cheese-filled pastry soaked in orange blossom syrup and topped with crushed pistachios is heavenly.
Beverages
Notable Lebanese drinks include:
Lebanese Coffee
Thick, strong coffee spiced with cardamom and served in tiny cups is customary after meals.
Jallab
A refreshing drink combining carob, dates, grape molasses and rose water. Pine nuts and raisins garnish the top.
Ayran
Thinned yogurt gets mixed with cool water and salt for this popular accompaniment to Lebanese food.
Lebanese Wine
Lebanon has a centuries-old winemaking tradition. Red, white and rose wines from the Bekaa Valley pair beautifully with cuisine.
Where to Eat Lebanese Food
Some of the best places to experience authentic Lebanese dishes are in Lebanon itself. The capital Beirut offers many excellent restaurants representing regional specialties. Places like Tawlet, Em Sherif and Mayrig serve phenomenal food in atmospheric settings. Outside of Lebanon, Dearborn, Michigan and Ottawa, Canada have thriving Lebanese communities with fantastic restaurants. Major cities all over the world feature great Lebanese eateries as well.
Conclusion
From the incredible array of small plates and meze to the hearty main courses and delectable sweets, Lebanese cuisine offers an unforgettable culinary experience. The artful blend of flavors and textures reflects the country’s unique placement at the crossroads of Middle Eastern cultures. Food lovers visiting Lebanon and those seeking out Lebanese restaurants abroad will find a remarkably diverse, sensationally flavored national cuisine awaiting them.
FAQs
What are some key ingredients in Lebanese cooking?
Some key ingredients include olive oil, chickpeas, bulgur wheat, yogurt, tahini, herbs like parsley, mint and oregano, lemon juice, garlic, and spices like cinnamon, allspice and sumac.
What is the difference between meze and main dishes?
Meze are small plates, appetizers and dips enjoyed before or along with main dishes. Main dishes are more substantial items like grilled meats, stews and rice dishes.
What drink is Lebanon especially known for?
Lebanon is renowned for its strong, aromatic coffee spiced with cardamom and served in miniature cups after meals. Lebanese wine made in the Bekaa Valley is also noteworthy.
What is one of Lebanon’s most famous desserts?
Baklava, the rich layered pastry made of phyllo dough, nuts, and rose water scented syrup, is a signature Lebanese dessert popular around the world.
What vegetables are commonly used in Lebanese cooking?
Eggplant, tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, onions, and greens like parsley, cilantro and mint are vegetables central to Lebanese cuisine.