Lebanese dishes offer a rich variety of tastes, colors and smells, much more than just hummus and falafel. Although classic Lebanese meals are famous around the world, the country’s menus are packed with dishes waiting to be discovered.
If you are fond of food or simply eager to discover something delicious, you’ll find that these 10 dishes will surprise, please and change your mind about Middle Eastern cuisine.
1. Kibbeh Nayeh: Lebanon’s Steak Tartare
Although Kibbeh Nayeh looks like steak tartare, it has an unmistakable Middle Eastern flavor. Lamb or beef is finely chopped and blended with bulgur wheat, onions and a mix of cinnamon and allspice in this dish. Traditionally eaten with mint leaves, olive oil and pita bread, Kibbeh Nayeh is a sign of a celebration—usually served at weddings and family celebrations. It has a wonderfully smooth texture, the taste is strong and the whole thing is unforgettable. If you want to try something new, learning to cook it helps you understand the heart of Lebanese food.
2. Fatteh: Layers of Comfort
Fatteh is all about comfort, combining different textures and tasty ingredients. This dish is made based on crispy pita, cozy yogurt, crunchy chickpeas and butter browned with garlic and pine nuts. Different parts of Lebanon make kibbeh differently; some put in tender lamb or chicken, while others make the dish entirely with vegetables. Every bite of fattoush surprises you with its smooth yogurt, warmed chickpeas and the crunch of toasted pitta. You can have fatteh for any meal, since it’s filling enough to enjoy at any time of the day, though it’s normally eaten at breakfast or brunch.
3. Sfiha: Lebanese Meat Pies
Sfiha is almost like pizza, but imagine a pizza with a Lebanese Middle Eastern twist. Lamb or beef mixed with onions, tomatoes and spices like sumac and pomegranate molasses tops each savory pie. When they’re perfectly golden, Sfiha can be eaten as an appetizer, but they’re good enough to make a whole meal out of. Having a mix of tart, spicy and savory is very tantalizing.
4. Mujadara: The Humble Lentil Pilaf
Mujadara shows that a few simple ingredients make a great dish. This simple but delicious pilaf uses lentils, rice and caramelized onions to offer you something healthy and filling. What makes it special are the slow-cooked onions which fill the whole dish with their sweet and smoky taste. Having Mujadara at home usually means accompanying it with some crisp green salad and yogurt. It doesn’t contain any animal products, it won’t break the bank and you can make it with just a few things.
5. Warak Enab: Stuffed Grape Leaves
Warak Enab, otherwise known as stuffed grape leaves, are very common in the Levant, but the Lebanese version is particularly admired for its unique and well-balanced spices. A mixture of rice, tomatoes, parsley, mint and occasionally minced meat is put inside tender grape leaves and the bundle is cooked in lemon broth until very soft. They are charming and rich in flavor and they reflect the Lebanese way of inviting friends and family to share a meal.
6. Samke Harra: Spicy Baked Fish
Coming from Tripoli, Samke Harra is a zesty and flavorful baked fish dish that people enjoy. A whole fish (often sea bass or snapper) is marinated with garlic, chili, coriander and tahini before being baked and covered with a tasty, spicy sauce. The finished product is a mix of rich, fresh flavors in just the right proportions of heat, sourness and cream. Samke Harra is a common dish served at special occasions and represents Lebanon’s strong seafood cooking.
7. Shish Barak: Lebanese Dumplings in Yogurt Sauce
Dumpling lovers are sure to love Shish Barak. Small dumplings are stuffed with ground beef or lamb, mixed with herbs and cooked in a savory yogurt sauce until tender. By soaking up the tangy yogurt, the dumplings end up making a dish that’s both pleasant and classy. Shish Barak takes a lot of effort to prepare, often with family, but it is very satisfying when finished. This dish gathers people around for both the preparation and the eating.
8. Fattoush: The Ultimate Lebanese Salad
Lebanese meals usually end with a refreshing salad and usually it’s Fattoush that takes center stage. The crisp romaine lettuce, juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes and a sprinkle of mint and parsley are the main ingredients in this salad. Frying or toasting chaats (pita bread slices) is what brings out the best in Fattoush, providing it with nice crunch. The vinaigrette poured over the salad is tangy and made with sumac which gives Fattoush its classic flavor. It tastes great, brings energy and refreshes your mouth..
9. Kafta: Lebanese Spiced Meat Skewers
Lebanon has its version of the kebab, called kafta which is a mixture of ground beef or lamb, parsley, onions and many spices rolled onto skewers and cooked to perfection. The warmth of Kafta comes from cinnamon, allspice and black pepper. At cookouts or family parties, Kafta can be found served on its own, with grilled vegetables, rice or stuffed inside pita bread with tahini sauce. It is simple to make, totally satisfying and very delicious.
10. Maamoul: Festive Date-Filled Cookies
Any experience of Lebanese cuisine should include a sweet and Maamoul is the best-known Lebanese dessert of all. Delicate butter cookies are made with dates, walnuts or pistachios and often are scented using orange blossom or rose water. Because they are often made to celebrate, Maamoul are carefully shaped using ornamental molds which make them both special in flavor and appearance. A dish of quite sweet fillings and beautifully light crumbs ensures they’re the crowning piece of any Lebanese meal.
Final Thoughts: A Feast for the Senses
Lebanese cuisine is about living, family and tradition—it brings together many flavors to represent the country’s diversity. Although many know of hummus and falafel, the true beauty of Lebanese cuisine can be found in the favorite local dishes families reshare each generation.
With dishes such as Samke Harra or Mujadara, this list lets you taste and appreciate the unique character of Lebanese cuisine. So, the next chance you get to be at a Lebanese place, whether it’s a restaurant or family home, try something new from this list. Your sense of taste will be pleased and new flavors will make you want to continue exploring.
Getting ready to discover delicious Lebanese dishes? Mention your favorite dish below or reveal the one you are most curious to taste!