Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Beirut, Lebanon
1. Sfiha Zghorta
A flaky pastry filled with minced meat and pine nuts, served hot. It's a must-try for anyone visiting Beirut.
- Traditional: Sfiha Zghorta is a traditional Lebanese dish with a unique blend of flavors.
- Versatile: Can be found in many local bakeries and restaurants, offering variety in taste and quality.
- Best in the Morning: Ideal for breakfast or brunch, but also served throughout the day.
2. Fattoush
A refreshing salad made with romaine lettuce, radishes, cucumber, tomatoes, and toasted pita chips. Dressed with a tangy lemon and garlic dressing.
- Fresh: Features fresh vegetables and a zesty dressing, perfect for hot summer days.
- Versatile: Offered in restaurants and street vendors alike, catering to various dietary preferences.
- Seasonal Ingredients: Ingredients used are often fresh and locally sourced, enhancing the flavor profile.
3. Kibbeh Nayyeh
Raw ground beef mixed with bulgur and seasonings, served with onions and fresh mint. A bold, authentic Lebanese dish.
- Authentic: A traditional raw meat dish that showcases the unique flavors of Beirut's culinary heritage.
- Bold Flavor: Ideal for adventurous eaters seeking bold, authentic flavors.
- Traditionally Served: Best enjoyed at local restaurants specializing in Lebanese cuisine.
4. Manakish Zaatar
Thin, doughy flatbread topped with zaatar (a blend of thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds), olive oil, and sometimes cheese. A popular street food in Beirut.
- Street Food: A convenient, delicious snack available from street vendors and bakeries.
- Quick Bite: Perfect for a quick meal or snack on-the-go in Beirut.
- Flavorful and Versatile: Can be found with various toppings, offering different flavor profiles.
5. Kebbeh Rabeit
Deep-fried, meat-filled pastries made from a mixture of ground meat, bulgur, and onions. A popular dish in Beirut's street food scene.
- Street Food: A convenient, flavorful snack available from street vendors.
- Crispy Texture: The crispy exterior combined with a tender, juicy filling makes for an enjoyable bite.
- Spicy Option: Some versions are spicy, catering to those seeking a heat kick.
6. Fatteh Bi Laban
Layered dish made with crispy fried chickpeas, fried vermicelli noodles, yogurt, and topped with chicken or meat. Served cold.
- Cold Dish: Perfect for hot summer days in Beirut, offering a refreshing meal.
- Layered Texture: The layered texture creates an interesting visual and flavorful eating experience.
- Versatile: Offered with chicken or meat, catering to various dietary preferences.
7. Mansaf
A traditional Palestinian dish made with lamb, rice, and fermented dried yogurt sauce (jameed). Often served at special occasions or festivals.
- Traditional: A traditional dish that showcases the unique flavors of Palestinian cuisine.
- Special Occasion: Ideal for those seeking a taste of Beirut's diverse cultural heritage.
- Rich and Creamy: The rich, creamy sauce adds depth of flavor to this hearty dish.
8. Musakhan Bi Dajaj
Chicken cooked with onions and sumac, served on top of flatbread and topped with pine nuts and sumac. A popular dish in Beirut's restaurants.
- Authentic: A traditional dish that showcases the unique flavors of Palestinian cuisine.
- Flavorful and Tender: The tender, flavorful chicken combined with the nutty pine nuts creates a memorable dining experience.
- Restaurant Favorite: Found in many restaurants throughout Beirut, offering various takes on this classic dish.
9. Mansaf Bi Laban
Lamb cooked with rice and yogurt sauce (jameed), topped with pine nuts. A popular dish in Beirut's restaurants.
- Rich and Creamy: The rich, creamy sauce adds depth of flavor to this hearty dish.
- Versatile: Offered in various restaurants throughout Beirut, catering to various dietary preferences.
- Unique Texture: The unique texture of the yogurt sauce sets this dish apart from other Lebanese dishes.
10. Falafel
Deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas and herbs, served in a pita pocket with various toppings. A popular street food in Beirut.
- Street Food: A convenient, delicious snack available from street vendors.
- Versatile: Can be found with various toppings, offering different flavor profiles.
- Spicy Option: Some versions are spicy, catering to those seeking a heat kick.
11. Shawarma
Marinated meat (often lamb or chicken) cooked on a vertical spit and served in a pita pocket with various toppings.
- Street Food: A convenient, delicious snack available from street vendors.
- Versatile: Can be found with various toppings, offering different flavor profiles.
- Spicy Option: Some versions are spicy, catering to those seeking a heat kick.
12. Knefeh
A sweet dessert made from shredded dough soaked in sugar syrup and topped with cheese or clotted cream.
- Sweet Dessert: The perfect ending to a meal or a satisfying snack.
- Unique Texture: The unique texture of the shredded dough and cheese creates a memorable dining experience.
- Widely Available: Found in many sweet shops throughout Beirut, catering to various taste preferences.
13. Baklawa
A rich, sweet pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts and soaked in sweet syrup or honey.
- Sweet Dessert: The perfect ending to a meal or a satisfying snack.
- Unique Texture: The unique texture of the flaky filo and nutty filling creates a memorable dining experience.
- Widely Available: Found in many sweet shops throughout Beirut, catering to various taste preferences.
14. Ma'amoul
A traditional Lebanese cookie made with a dough of finely ground wheat and filled with dates or nuts.
- Traditional: A traditional treat that showcases the unique flavors of Lebanese cuisine.
- Unique Texture: The delicate, crumbly texture of the cookie and the sweet filling create a memorable experience.
- Seasonal Delight: Ideal as a treat during festivals and special occasions.
15. Kunafa
A sweet, cheese-based pastry soaked in sugar syrup and topped with crispy vermicelli noodles. A popular dessert in Beirut's restaurants.
- Sweet Dessert: The perfect ending to a meal or a satisfying snack.
- Unique Texture: The unique texture of the cheese, vermicelli noodles, and sugar syrup creates a memorable dining experience.
- Restaurant Favorite: Found in many restaurants throughout Beirut, catering to various taste preferences.