Lebanese Food Guide: What to Eat & Try

Discover Lebanon Tours
Dec 13
3 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

Lebanese cuisine is one of the country’s greatest treasures. Known for its freshness, variety, and balance, Lebanese food reflects the country’s Mediterranean roots, cultural diversity, and love of sharing meals.

This guide introduces travelers to the most important dishes and food experiences to try while visiting Lebanon.

Traditional Lebanese mezze table with hummus, tabbouleh, falafel, and other Lebanese dishes — A traditional Lebanese mezze table featuring a variety of classic dishes that reflect Lebanon’s rich culinary culture.

The Heart of Lebanese Cuisine: Mezze

Mezze is a collection of small dishes served at the beginning of a meal — and often the highlight.

Must-try mezze include:

Hummus – chickpea dip with tahini and olive oil
Moutabbal (Baba Ghanouj) – smoky eggplant dip
Tabbouleh – parsley salad with lemon and olive oil
Fattoush – fresh salad with toasted bread
Labneh – strained yogurt, often served with olive oil

Mezze is meant to be shared and enjoyed slowly.

Grilled Meats & Main Dishes

Lebanon is famous for its grilled dishes, known as mashawi.

Popular options:

Shish Tawouk – marinated chicken skewers
Kafta – minced beef or lamb with herbs
Mixed grills – a combination of meats
Kibbeh – Lebanon’s national dish, made from bulgur and meat

Many dishes are cooked over charcoal, giving them a distinctive flavor.

Street Food Favorites

Lebanese street food is simple, fresh, and delicious.

Don’t miss:

Falafel – fried chickpea patties in pita
Manoushe – flatbread topped with zaatar or cheese
Shawarma – marinated meat wrapped in bread
Sfiha – Lebanese meat pies, especially famous in Baalbek

Perfect for quick lunches or casual meals.

Seafood & Coastal Specialties

Along the coast, seafood is a highlight:

Fresh grilled fish
Shrimp and calamari
Lemon, garlic, and olive oil–based flavors

Cities like Byblos, Batroun, Tyre, and Tripoli are known for excellent seaside dining.

Vegetarian & Healthy Options

Lebanese cuisine is naturally vegetarian-friendly.

Many dishes are plant-based:

Lentils, chickpeas, beans
Fresh vegetables and herbs
Olive oil and lemon

Vegetarian travelers find Lebanon especially easy and enjoyable.

Desserts & Sweets

Lebanon is famous for its desserts, particularly in the north.

Must-try sweets:

Knafeh – warm cheese dessert with syrup
Halawet el Jeben – cheese rolls with cream
Baklava – layered pastry with nuts
Maakaroun – semolina pastries soaked in syrup

Tripoli is considered the dessert capital of Lebanon.

Coffee, Tea & Drinks

Lebanese coffee – strong, served in small cups
Mint tea – refreshing and common
Fresh juices – orange, pomegranate, and lemonade
Arak – traditional anise spirit, often served with mezze

Drinks are part of social life and hospitality.

Dining Culture & Etiquette

Meals are social and unhurried
Sharing food is encouraged
Hosts often insist guests eat more — it’s a sign of generosity
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory

Lebanese Food Guide: Traditional Dishes to Try

This Lebanese food guide highlights the most popular dishes to try, from classic mezze to traditional main courses enjoyed across the country.

Lebanese food is more than nourishment — it’s a cultural experience. From mezze tables to seaside lunches and sweet shops, every meal tells a story of tradition, hospitality, and flavor.

Trying local food is essential to understanding Lebanon.