What are the most popular Lebanese foods?

Lebanese cuisine, a rich tapestry of flavors and textures, is renowned for its variety and the freshness of its ingredients. Rooted in a myriad of ancient cultures, Lebanese food combines the sophistication and subtleties of European cuisines with the exotic ingredients of the Middle and Far East. The cuisine is largely based on a plethora of fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains, with seafood and poultry also playing a significant role. Here, we delve into some of the most popular dishes in Lebanese cuisine, exploring their unique characteristics and the various ways they can be enjoyed.

Hummus

Hummus, a creamy dip made from mashed chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic, is a cornerstone of Lebanese cuisine. It's not just a dish, but a staple that complements a variety of meals. The smooth texture and rich, nutty flavor of hummus make it a versatile ingredient that can be used in numerous ways.

In Lebanese cuisine, hummus is often served as a starter, accompanied by warm, fluffy pita bread. It can also be topped with a variety of ingredients, such as pine nuts, parsley, or paprika, to enhance its flavor. One popular variation is hummus shawarma, where the hummus is topped with either chicken or beef shawarma, adding a savory depth to the creamy base. Another favorite is hummus falafel, which combines hummus with crispy falafel balls, drizzled with tahini sauce. For those who enjoy exploring different flavors, a hummus trio, typically including classic hummus, a spicy version, and another variant like roasted garlic or red pepper hummus, is a delightful choice.

Tabbouleh

Tabbouleh is a quintessential Lebanese dish celebrated for its fresh, vibrant flavors. It's a salad made with finely chopped parsley, mint, tomato, onion, bulgur, and seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This combination of ingredients makes tabbouleh not only a delicious choice but also a healthy one.

When dining Lebanese, pairing tabbouleh with other popular dishes will provide a comprehensive taste of this rich culinary tradition. Baba Ghanoush, a smoky eggplant dip, and hummus, a creamy chickpea spread, are excellent starters alongside tabbouleh. For mains, shish taouk, marinated chicken skewers, or kibbeh, savory meatballs with bulgur and spices, complement the freshness of tabbouleh perfectly. Fattoush salad, another beloved Lebanese salad with crispy pita and sumac, offers a different but harmonious flavor profile. Ending the meal with knafeh, a sweet cheese pastry, rounds off the dining experience with a touch of sweetness.

Falafel

Falafel, a popular dish in Lebanese cuisine, is a deep-fried ball or patty made from ground chickpeas, fava beans, or both. It's known for its crispy exterior and soft, flavorful interior, and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.

The classic falafel pita or falafel pita sandwich is a must-try, where crispy falafel balls are wrapped in soft pita bread with fresh vegetables and tahini sauce. For a hearty meal, the falafel platter or falafel dinner, served with sides like hummus and tabbouleh, is a great choice. The falafel salad and falafel over salad offer a lighter, healthier option. If you're looking for a unique twist, try the falafel burger or falafel burrito. Don't forget to try the delicious sides like baba ganoush, a smoky eggplant dip, and tabbouleh, a fresh parsley and bulgur salad.

Baba Ghanoush

Baba Ghanoush is a beloved appetizer in Lebanese cuisine, known for its smoky, creamy texture and rich flavor profile. It's made by mashing grilled eggplant with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and various seasonings, resulting in a dip that's both flavorful and satisfying.

When dining at a Lebanese restaurant, several popular menu options complement baba ghanoush perfectly. Hummus with pita is a classic choice, offering a creamy chickpea dip that pairs wonderfully with the smoky eggplant of baba ghanoush. Tabbouleh salad, with its fresh parsley, mint, tomato, and bulgur, provides a refreshing contrast to the richer dips. For those seeking a heartier option, chicken shawarma or shish taouk are excellent choices, offering marinated, grilled meats that are flavorful and satisfying.

Shawarma

Shawarma, a dish of marinated and slow-roasted meat, is a beloved and versatile dish in Lebanese cuisine. Celebrated for its rich flavors and aromatic spices, shawarma can be made with a variety of meats, including chicken, beef, and lamb.

Among the most popular shawarma menu options, chicken shawarma and beef shawarma take center stage. These can be enjoyed in various forms, such as the chicken shawarma plate or beef shawarma platter, offering a hearty meal with sides of rice, vegetables, and garlic sauce. For those seeking a lighter option, the chicken shawarma salad and beef shawarma salad blend the savory meat with fresh greens and a tangy dressing. Hummus with shawarma, particularly hummus with chicken shawarma or hummus with beef shawarma, presents a delightful combination of creamy hummus topped with juicy shawarma meat.

Kibbeh

Kibbeh, a staple in Lebanese cuisine, is a versatile dish made of bulgur, minced onions, and finely ground lean beef, lamb, goat, or camel meat. It can be enjoyed in various forms, from fried croquettes to raw tartare, showcasing the versatility of this dish.

The classic kibbeh is a must-try, often served as a torpedo-shaped fried croquette filled with minced meat, onions, and spices. For a different take, try the fried kibbeh or kibbeh balls, which are crispy on the outside and packed with flavor on the inside. Tomato kibbeh offers a unique twist, incorporating fresh tomatoes into the mix. If you're looking for a lighter option, kibbeh can also be served raw, similar to a tartare. Pair it with tabbouleh or lebneh, a creamy strained yogurt, for a complete meal.

Fattoush

Fattoush is a popular salad in Lebanese cuisine, known for its refreshing mix of mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, and crispy pita bread, all tossed in a tangy sumac dressing. It's a perfect balance of fresh, crunchy, and tangy, making it a favorite among many.

When dining Lebanese, fattoush is often paired with other traditional dishes. Baba ghanoush, a smoky eggplant dip, and hummus, a creamy chickpea spread, are served with warm pita bread. You can also try the shish taouk, marinated chicken skewers, or the kofta kabob, grilled minced meat skewers. If you're vegetarian, moussaka, a baked eggplant dish, is a hearty option. Don't forget to try the falafel, either in a salad, over rice, or in a pita sandwich.

Manakeesh

Manakeesh, often referred to as Lebanese pizza, is a popular flatbread in Lebanese cuisine. It's typically topped with a variety of ingredients, such as za'atar, cheese, or ground meat, making it a versatile and popular dish.

The traditional manakeesh is topped with za'atar, a mix of thyme, sesame seeds, and sumac, and drizzled with olive oil. For a heartier option, manakeesh can also be topped with ground meat, onions, and tomatoes, or with cheese. It can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, making it a staple in Lebanese cuisine.

Moussaka

Moussaka in Lebanese cuisine is a hearty dish made of eggplant, chickpeas, and tomatoes, simmered in a rich tomato sauce. It's a comforting dish that's both flavorful and satisfying.

A classic choice would be to serve moussaka with tabouli, a refreshing parsley salad, and a side of baba ghanouj, a smoky eggplant dip. For meat lovers, shish taouk, skewered chicken, or kofta, spiced meatballs, would complement moussaka well. Vegetarian options could include mujadara, a lentil and rice dish, or a vegetarian ghallaba, a mixed vegetable dish.

Shish Taouk

Shish taouk, succulent skewers of marinated chicken grilled to perfection, is a popular dish in Lebanese cuisine. It's known for its tender, juicy chicken and flavorful marinade, often served with garlic sauce and a side of salad.

When dining Lebanese, shish taouk is often paired with other traditional dishes. A vibrant tabbouleh salad, a refreshing mix of parsley, tomatoes, onions, and bulgur, dressed with lemon juice and olive oil, is a perfect starter. For those seeking variety, the shish kafta, ground meat mixed with spices and herbs, grilled on skewers, offers a rich and flavorful alternative. Accompany these dishes with baba ghanouj, a smoky eggplant dip, and finish with knafeh, a sweet cheese pastry soaked in syrup, for dessert.

This material was created based on our comprehensive study of different menus across Lebanese cuisine from Otter's internal data. The information presented in this article does not represent a guarantee.

More resources

• What is Lebanese cuisine
• Food Delivery Trends And Restaurant Insights