Visiting Lebanon can be particularly an exciting experience for many, especially if you love trying out different foods. Beirut isn’t just rich in history, but also home to 9 of the most delicious meals you probably never heard of. Pay London’s best Lebanese restaurant a visit, here are some unbelievably delicious foods and treats you should try, some of which you’ll only find in this part of the world.
1. Kibbeh
This is Lebanon’s top (and national) dish made up of fried spicy minced meat and sauteed pine nuts. The lovingly prepared kibbeh will leave you licking your fingers and asking for more.
2. Kafta
Kafta is a common and household delicacy in Lebanon. It is basically a meatball made of chicken, beef, or little lamb meatballs filled with spices, parsley, onions, and breadcrumbs. Kafta can either be served in gravy or barbecued on skewers to give them their unique taste and texture.
3. Kanafeh
Made of butter, cheese, and sugar among other ingredients, kanafeh is the pastry to go for when looking to sweeten your day. It is often topped up with an orange blossom syrup for that extra sugar punch.
4. Hummus
Although popular in many parts of the world (thanks to the internet), you’ve never experienced hummus like Beirut has to offer. The hummus here is specially prepared with tahini, garlic, and chickpea blend, giving you the happiness you want just before dinner. Carrot sticks never tasted this good with a hefty scoop of hummus.
5. Rice Pilaf
Although rice is a staple food in most Middle Eastern countries, it is prepared and served with a twist here in Lebanon. The rice is fried with vermicelli noodles and served with various Lebanese meat dishes for proteins. You can also learn to prepare rice pilaf online as well.
6. Fattoush
Fattoush, or bread salad, has its origin to northern Lebanon, and is a preferred delicacy, especially for breakfast. It is essentially deep-fried bread, vegetables, and lettuce, deep-fried to a crispy crunch. Who said you couldn’t enjoy a healthy deep-fried breakfast?
7. Manakish
Manakish is essentially Lebanese pizza and a popular breakfast here. It is essentially bread topped up with sumac, sesame seeds, thyme, and olive, and can be enjoyed any time of the day. This is one of the dishes you can only enjoy while in Lebanon.
8. Tabbouleh
Tabbouleh is a traditional Lebanese die-hard side dish made with tomatoes, mint, parsley, and other delicious ingredients stuffed together. It is one of the few foods most Lebanese grew up eating and enjoy to this date.
9. Sfeeha
Sfeeha is a Lebanese version of a meat pie. What makes sfeeha special is that it has an almost similar meat-to-pie ratio, with the meats uncovered. This enables to one feast their eyes on what they are about to enjoy, causing their mouth to water. Nothing satisfies more than seeing the freshly ground and fried meat coming together in a pie, and its delicious sumptuous taste.
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