The Most Delicious Typical Middle Eastern Food from Lebanon

Lebanon is famous for the beauty of its capital city, Beirut, which is called the Paris of the Middle East which is an attraction for local and foreign tourists. Not only that, Lebanon is also famous for its delicious specialties.

The image of a culinary taste that is very Middle Eastern, makes Lebanon a food heaven for travelers.

Shish Kebabs

Shish Kebab is widely hailed as one of the most popular dishes in Lebanon. This food is rich with traditional delicacy from various spices native to the country. Shish Kebab uses the basic ingredients of young goat meat which is grilled and mixed with garlic and spices. Food can be enjoyed on various occasions especially when walking around Lebanon as there are so many street food vendors selling it.

Shawarmas

Shawarma is known as the Middle Eastern version of the taco. Food similar to this sandwich is quite popular in Lebanon. Bread-based shawarma stuffed with mutton served with pickles and tahineh. Shawarma – marinated meat (chicken or lamb) skewered on a large stick and cooked slowly, then shaved and placed in a 10 inch pita roll with pickles, tomatoes, and other tangy spices.

Balila

Balila is a typical Lebanese chickpea salad that is usually served as hot mezze in most Middle Eastern restaurants or as a breakfast menu item in every neighborhood joint for workers who is usually eaten before leaving for their jobs at construction sites or in the office. Balila is made from cooked chickpeas or garbanzo beans paired with classic Middle Eastern flavors like tahini, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic, cumin and parsley.

The common balila is served with an assortment of herb garnishes which include fresh horseradish, fresh mint, some chili peppers, chives, sliced tomatoes and olives and slices of warm pita bread. Balila is a traditional Lebanese dish at an affordable price. This chickpea salad is a symbol of the dish of the poor in Lebanon.

Nabulsi Cheese

Nabulsi cheese or Nabulsi cheese is the most popular type of white brined cheese in the Middle East. Nabulsi is a rectangular cheese with a semi-soft texture, and is usually immature, so it becomes elastic when heated. This cheese is suitable for frying or baking.

The taste of Nabulsi cheese is quite unique, which is both sweet and salty with a high melting point, and added with exotic spices such as nigella and mahaleb seeds, so that Nabulsi has a unique cheese taste. Nabulsi cheese can be made with fresh goat’s or sheep’s milk that has not been boiled or through a pasteurization process. However, sheep’s milk tends to have more fat and protein and more milk solids when compared to using goat’s milk.

Badem Tatlisi

Badem Tatlisi is a traditional Lebanese cake influenced by Turkish cuisine. So don’t be surprised if you find Badem Tatlisi in Türkiye. This cake is made from oval-shaped flour dough then filled with various kinds of roasted nuts. Various types of nuts such as almonds, chopped peanuts, cashews, and pistachios.

This dish can also be used as a padding. Badem Tatrici can be found at az greek house. Because of its sweet taste, this cake is often used as a dessert. However, some people make this cake a casual companion while enjoying the morning or evening atmosphere accompanied by a cup of tea, coffee and wine. You can try it when you come to visit.

Kibbeh

Turkish Ointment or Ointment and Cinnamon Stick Christmas Eggnog. This dish is generally served with cinnamon sticks and orchids which is also known as Kibbeh. This food is a traditional Lebanese dish that you should not miss. This dish is ground beef mixed with wheat and onions, hardened and cooked until done.

Although Kibbeh looks like meatballs at first glance, it is also the country’s national dish. The strong spicy taste has become a favorite of many people. Kibbeh can be eaten with tahini sauce which is made by gently boiling sesame seeds. Kibbeh is often enjoyed with plain yogurt dips and fresh vegetable salads.