Lebanese cuisine is known for its rich flavors, diverse ingredients, and healthy options. In Lebanese cuisine, some dishes stand out as particularly profitable due to the low cost of ingredients and high selling prices. (The profit margin of a dish is determined by the cost of ingredients, labor, and overhead costs, compared to the selling price.) Let's delve into the top five most profitable Lebanese dishes, their estimated profit margins, and how restaurants can further increase their profitability.
Hummus
Hummus, a staple in Lebanese cuisine, is a highly profitable dish with an estimated profit margin of around 55-60%. The primary ingredients, chickpeas and garlic, are relatively inexpensive, contributing to a low cost of goods sold (COGS) of approximately $0.50 per serving. With a selling price of around $8-$9, the gross profit per serving is about $4-$5. The high profit margin is due to the low cost of ingredients and the popularity of hummus, which allows for a higher selling price.
To increase the profitability of hummus, restaurants could consider offering variations of the traditional recipe, such as roasted red pepper or beetroot hummus, which could command a higher price. Additionally, buying ingredients in bulk or sourcing locally could further reduce the COGS.
Tabbouleh
Tabbouleh is another profitable Lebanese dish, with an estimated profit margin of approximately 85-90%. The main ingredients, bulgur, parsley, tomatoes, and green onions, are cost-effective, leading to a low COGS of around $1 per serving. With a selling price of about $9-$10, the gross profit per serving is roughly $8-$9.
Restaurants can enhance the profitability of tabbouleh by offering it as a side dish with other meals, encouraging customers to add it to their order. Additionally, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients can improve the quality and taste of the dish, potentially allowing for a higher selling price.
Falafel
Falafel, a popular Lebanese street food, has an estimated profit margin of around 85-90%. The ingredients, including chickpeas, onions, garlic, herbs, oil, and flour, cost approximately $1 per serving. With a selling price of around $8-$9, the gross profit per serving is about $7-$8.
To increase the profitability of falafel, restaurants could offer a variety of dipping sauces at an additional cost. Additionally, offering a falafel wrap or sandwich as a meal option could increase the selling price and profit margin.
Baba Ghanoush
Baba Ghanoush, a flavorful eggplant dip, has an estimated profit margin of about 75-80%. The main ingredients, eggplants and garlic, cost around $2 per serving. With a selling price of approximately $8-9, the gross profit per serving is about $6-$7.
Restaurants can increase the profitability of baba ghanoush by offering it as part of a mezze platter, which can command a higher price. Additionally, using high-quality olive oil and fresh ingredients can enhance the taste and allow for a higher selling price.
Shawarma
Shawarma, a popular Lebanese meat dish, has an estimated profit margin of around 45-50% for beef and 80-85% for chicken. The cost of ingredients for a serving of beef shawarma is approximately $8-$9, while chicken shawarma costs around $2-$3. With a selling price of about $14-$15, the gross profit per serving is about $5-$6 for beef and $11-$12 for chicken.
To increase the profitability of shawarma, restaurants could consider offering a combo meal with sides like fries or salad, which could increase the overall selling price. Additionally, sourcing high-quality meat could improve the taste and justify a higher selling price.
Unit prices calculated for COGS have been sourced from the following websites and Otter’s internal menu data. This content does not represent a guarantee or expert business advice.
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