Are you down for a food trip? If yes, then be ready because we’re taking you to Lebanon. Located in the Middle East, Lebanon is well-known because of Beirut. Beirut is the capital of Lebanon, and its culture is outstanding. One of the reasons why Beirut is famous is because of Lebanese cuisine.
Lebanese always include food in every part of their culture. With that, Lebanon is dubbed as the ‘Melting Pot of the Middle East.’ Looking back in history, different civilizations arise in the country resulting in several recipes created. Because Lebanon is close to Israel and Greece, the delicacies in the countries are almost the same, but there’s something unique with Lebanese foods.
Foods to Try
In different occasions, food is always present in Lebanese households. It has become a way to socialize with each other in the community. Listed below are top picked Lebanese recipes. You can try the foods even if you’re not in Lebanon.
- Shish Taouk
Commonly known as chicken kebab, Shish Taouk is a meal eaten frequently by most Lebanese. In preparing the dish, it needs to be soaked in garlic, yogurt, tomato paste, paprika, and lemon juice for a night. Moreover, it matches well with pita bread and garlic sauce to make a sandwich.
- Baba Ghanoush
For hummus lovers, you should not miss out Baba Ghanoush. It is somehow like a piece of pita bread with a relish that is covered in olive oil. Tahini is one of the main ingredients used in this dish. Comparing it with hummus, eggplants, not chickpeas, constitute the meal.
- Manakeesh
It is the Lebanese version of pizza. Just like the regular pizzas, Manakeesh has cheese, meat, herbs, and wheat paste. It is also baked in a high temperature in an oven. Tomatoes, olives, mint leaves, cucumbers, often complement this dish. The fresh dough makes this food special.
- Kibbe Nayeh
Kibbe Nayeh is made of raw beef. This is one of the exotic foods that Lebanese serve, it is their type of sushi. In other places, instead of beef, lamb is served. If you are afraid of eating raw foods, ask if the meat is grounded in a food processor. Eating raw products can lead to severe diseases.
- Falafel
If you are a vegetarian, then this is the right find for you. In Lebanese restaurants, Falafel is served as an appetizer. It is made of ground chickpeas and fava beans, together with other herbs. It is deep-fried and wrapped in pita bread.
Looking for Lebanese Foods
After reading the descriptions of the foods above, I’m sure you are looking for restaurants to fix your Lebanese food cravings. If you can’t find an authentic Lebanese restaurant, try checking out Manoosh Pizzeria for a temporary fix. They offer Lebanese inspired freshly baked pizzas and wraps to satisfy your cravings for Lebanese foods.
Alternative for Lebanese Foods
Yes, you read it right. You can try Lebanese inspired freshly baked pizzas and wraps if you are very passionate on your hunt for Lebanese foods. You can also try Greek foods or any other Mediterranean staple to suffice your longings.