Lebanon
Food Safety Tips
Essential food safety information to help you enjoy Lebanon's cuisine safely and confidently.
Be cautious with tap water
Tap water in Lebanon is generally not recommended for drinking. Stick to bottled water with sealed caps.
Eat at busy restaurants
Choose busy establishments with high turnover for the freshest food and best hygiene standards.
Be cautious with raw vegetables
Raw vegetables may be washed in tap water. Consider avoiding raw salads or peeling fruits yourself unless at high-end restaurants.
Be mindful of dairy products
Some traditional Lebanese dairy products like labneh and local cheeses might be unpasteurized. Check with the restaurant if you have concerns.
Dietary Options
vegetarian
HIGH AVAILABILITYLebanese cuisine offers abundant vegetarian options, particularly mezze (appetizers) like hummus, tabbouleh, and falafel.
vegan
MEDIUM AVAILABILITYMany Lebanese dishes are naturally vegan, especially during Lent when Orthodox Christians follow plant-based diets. Be aware that some dishes may contain hidden animal products.
gluten-free
MEDIUM AVAILABILITYWhile bread is a staple, there are many naturally gluten-free options like grilled meats, rice dishes, and vegetable-based mezze.
halal
HIGH AVAILABILITYMost restaurants in Lebanon serve halal food, as the majority of the population is Muslim. Pork is rare but available in some Christian areas and international establishments.
Common Allergens
Sesame
HIGH PREVALENCESesame seeds and tahini (sesame paste) are fundamental ingredients in Lebanese cuisine.
COMMONLY FOUND IN:
Tree Nuts
HIGH PREVALENCENuts, especially pine nuts, walnuts, and pistachios, are widely used in Lebanese dishes.
COMMONLY FOUND IN:
Dairy
HIGH PREVALENCEYogurt, cheese, and other dairy products are staples in Lebanese cooking.
COMMONLY FOUND IN:
Wheat
HIGH PREVALENCEWheat is a staple grain in Lebanese cuisine, used for bread, pastries, and bulgur.
COMMONLY FOUND IN:
Essential Food Experiences
These iconic dishes represent the must-have culinary experiences that define Lebanon's food culture for travelers.
Mezze
A selection of small dishes served as appetizers, including hummus, tabbouleh, baba ghanoush, and many more, designed for sharing.
Kibbeh
Lebanon's national dish consisting of minced meat (typically lamb) mixed with bulgur wheat and spices, often served raw (kibbeh nayyeh) or fried with a meat filling.
Shawarma
Thin slices of marinated meat (chicken, beef, or lamb) stacked on a vertical rotisserie, slowly roasted, and shaved off to serve in sandwiches or plates.
Man'oushe
A traditional Lebanese flatbread topped with za'atar (a blend of herbs and spices), cheese, or minced meat, often eaten for breakfast.
Knafeh
A sweet cheese pastry soaked in sugar syrup, often topped with crushed pistachios. It's popular throughout the Levant region.
Lebanese Wine
Lebanon has a 6,000-year history of winemaking. The Bekaa Valley produces excellent wines, with Château Musar being the most internationally renowned.
Regional Specialties & Local Favorites
Discover the authentic regional dishes and local favorites that showcase Lebanon's diverse culinary traditions.
Lebanese Mezze
The heart of Lebanese dining - a generous spread of small dishes including hummus, tabbouleh, fattoush, and baba ghanoush, designed for communal sharing and conversation.
Allergens:
Kibbeh
Lebanon's national dish featuring finely minced lamb or beef mixed with bulgur wheat and spices, enjoyed raw (kibbeh nayyeh) or fried with a meat and pine nut filling.
Allergens:
Shawarma
Succulent, marinated meat stacked and slowly roasted on a vertical spit, then shaved into thin slices and wrapped in bread with tahini sauce and fresh vegetables.
Allergens:
Man'oushe
Beloved Lebanese street food consisting of a flatbread topped with za'atar (herb and sesame blend), cheese, or minced meat, then baked in a brick oven.
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Baklava
Delicate layers of phyllo pastry filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with sugar syrup or honey, reflecting Lebanon's Ottoman influence.
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Regional Cuisine Highlights
Explore the diverse culinary landscapes across different regions of Lebanon.
Beirut
Beirut's cuisine reflects its cosmopolitan nature, with a mix of traditional Lebanese dishes and international influences. Seafood is prominent, alongside diverse street food and upscale dining experiences.
Cultural Significance:
Beirut's diverse culinary scene reflects its history as a trading hub and its openness to global influences.
Signature Dishes:
- Seafood
- Falafel
- Shawarma
Key Ingredients:
Tripoli
Tripoli's cuisine is known for its rich Ottoman heritage, featuring dishes like kibbeh, sfouf, and a distinctive style of baklava. The city also boasts a vibrant street food scene.
Cultural Significance:
Tripoli's cuisine preserves Ottoman culinary traditions while incorporating local ingredients and flavors.
Signature Dishes:
- Kibbeh
- Sfouf
- Baklava
Key Ingredients:
Beqaa Valley
The Beqaa Valley is known for its agricultural produce, influencing its cuisine with fresh ingredients. Grilled meats, hearty stews, and a variety of fruits and vegetables are common.
Cultural Significance:
The Beqaa Valley's cuisine emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients, reflecting its agricultural heritage.
Signature Dishes:
- Grilled meats
- Stews
- Fresh produce
Key Ingredients:
Sweet Delights & Desserts
Indulge in Lebanon's traditional sweet treats and desserts.
Baklava
A rich, sweet pastry made of layers of filo dough filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey.
Sfouf
A Lebanese turmeric cake made with flour, turmeric, pine nuts, almonds, and spices. It is often enjoyed during special occasions.
Meghli
A spiced rice pudding made with rice, milk, sugar, and spices like anise, caraway, and cinnamon. It is often served during religious festivals.
Traditional Beverages
Discover Lebanon's traditional drinks, from locally produced spirits to regional wines.
Arak
A Levantine anise-flavored distilled alcoholic beverage. It is traditionally served with water and ice, turning it milky white.
Wine
Lebanon has a long history of winemaking, with several wineries producing both red and white wines. Chateau Ksara and Chateau Kefraya are among the most well-known.
Soft Beverages
Discover Lebanon's traditional non-alcoholic drinks, from local teas to refreshing juices.
Jallab
A refreshing drink made from grape molasses, dates, rose water, and pine nuts. It is often served during Ramadan.
Lemon Mint Juice
A simple yet refreshing drink made with fresh lemons, mint leaves, sugar, and water.
Arabic Coffee (Ahweh)
A strong, flavorful coffee made with finely ground coffee beans and cardamom. It is traditionally served in small cups.