15 Popular Lebanese Food & Drinks You Need to Try!
Lebanon is a country where food isn’t just something you eat—it’s a way of life. From vibrant mezze platters to slow-grilled meats, sweet desserts infused with rose water, and bold local wines and spirits, Lebanese cuisine is a celebration of rich culture, family gatherings, and ancient traditions.
Whether you’re wandering the buzzing streets of Beirut or relaxing in a mountain village, food is always at the heart of the experience. We’ve rounded up 15 must‑try Lebanese foods and drinks, so get ready to explore flavors that are unforgettable.
The Hummus 🥄
Creamy, tahini-rich, and drizzled with olive oil. Lebanese hummus is smooth perfection—best scooped with fresh pita or enjoyed by the spoonful.
The Kunafa🍯
Golden, crispy kataifi pastry, stretchy cheese or semolina, drenched in orange blossom syrup and topped with pistachios. Warm, gooey bliss with every bite.
The BBQ Platter 🥩🔥
Juicy lamb chops, kafta skewers, shish taouk, and charred veggies—served with warm bread, pickles, toum (garlic sauce), and hummus.
Pro tip: Share a mixed grill and eat family‑style for the full experience.
The Baklava
Layers of buttery phyllo, crushed pistachios or walnuts, and fragrant attar syrup. Lightly sweetened and often flavored with orange blossom or rose water. The lebanese baklava is very special as it is very flaky and fresh, but less sweet and soggy as other versions of the so famous baklava like the greek or turkish ones. The so famous attar syrup (rose water syrup) is very needed for a delicious piece of these heavenly sweets.
The Arak 🥂
Lebanon’s anise-flavored spirit served with mezze. Watch it turn milky-white when mixed with water—bold, aromatic, and an acquired taste you’ll likely love.
The Baba Ghanoush 🍆
Smoky eggplant dip blended with tahini, lemon, and garlic. Often mistaken for hummus—but with more character and smokiness. Delicious with fresh bread.
The Lebanese Wine 🍷
From the Bekaa Valley to coastal vineyards, Lebanese wines—reds, whites, and rosés—are earning international praise. A local wine is a must for any meal.
The Tabouleh 🥗
A zesty, herb-forward salad of parsley, mint, tomatoes, onion, bulgur, and lemon juice. Bright, fresh, and perfect for pairing with many dishes.
The Falafel 🧆
Crispy outside, fluffy inside—these chickpea fritters are wrapped in pita with pickles, veggies, and tahini. Great as a street food treat or casual meal.
The Sfiha “Baalbek”🍕
Mini flatbreads topped with spiced minced meat, onions, and pine nuts—fit for sharing or as a savory snack. Think Lebanese pizza, but better. This delicious meatpie is originated in the area of Baalbek in Lebanon and mostly enjoyed with pomegranate syrup or “Laban” yogurt with a pinch of salt.
The Bouza (Arabic Ice Cream) 🍨
Stretchy, chewy ice cream flavored with sahlab, often paired with ashta (milk clotted cream flavor) and pistachios. A Middle Eastern twist on the italian gelato.
The Halawet el Jibn
Sweet cheese dough rolled with clotted cream and drenched in orange blossom syrup, topped with pistachios. Melt-in-your-mouth indulgence and very special lebanese treat that is one of the most popular desserts of the locals!
The Shawarma Sandwich 🌯
Slices of marinated chicken or beef, spit-grilled and wrapped in flatbread with garlic sauce, pickles, and fries. Quick, delicious, and addictive. The Go-To Snack in Lebanon, wether for lunch, dinner or your night.out snack!
The Lebanese Coffee “Arabic Coffee” ☕
Strong, black, often infused with cardamom. More than a drink—it’s a ritual, sipped slowly while socialising. Bold, aromatic, and unforgettable.
The Manakish 🫓
Flatbread spiced with zaatar, cheese, or meat, baked to perfection. Best enjoyed with fresh vegetables and mint leaves, served fresh out of the oven for breakfast. A cheap but delicious staple snack for all lebanese people.
Wrapping It Up… 🎉
From savory classics to sweet sensations, traditional to modern, Lebanon’s food and drink scene is as diverse as it is delicious. These 15 dishes and beverages are only a taste of the country’s culinary magic—each offering a glimpse into rich heritage and vibrant flavors.
So whether you’re feasting on a BBQ platter, sipping arak by the sea, or enjoying warm manakish in the mountains, remember: every bite tells a story. And trust us, they all taste incredibly good.
Grab your fork (or pita!) and dive into the flavors of Lebanon. We’ll be right here, enjoying another delicious bite.
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