Lebanese cuisine is like a warm hug from the Mediterranean—fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavors that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
It’s a beautiful blend of herbs, spices, and wholesome ingredients that come together to create dishes that are both comforting and exciting.
Whether you’re a foodie looking to expand your culinary horizons or someone who just loves a good meal, Lebanese food has something for everyone.
Ready to dive into a world of mouthwatering dips, hearty stews, and flaky pastries? Buckle up, because we’re about to take you on a flavor-packed journey.
Through the 10+ best Lebanese recipes you absolutely need to try at least once in your life. Trust us, your kitchen (and your stomach) will thank you.
1. Hummus The King of Dips
Let’s start with the MVP of Lebanese cuisine—hummus. Creamy, dreamy, and oh-so-versatile, this chickpea-based dip is a staple in every Lebanese household.
It’s perfect as a snack, a spread, or even a main dish if you’re feeling fancy.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Paprika and parsley for garnish
How to Make It:
Throw the chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and salt into a food processor.
Blend until smooth, adding a splash of water if needed to get that perfect creamy texture.
Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle some paprika and parsley on top, and serve with warm pita bread.
Why We Chose It:
Hummus is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It’s healthy, easy to make, and downright delicious.
Plus, it’s a great introduction to Lebanese flavors if you’re new to the cuisine.
2. Tabbouleh A Fresh Herb Explosion
If you’re a fan of fresh, zesty flavors, tabbouleh will be your new obsession. This parsley-packed salad is light, refreshing, and perfect for summer.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup bulgur wheat
- 2 cups fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh mint, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 4 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Soak the bulgur wheat in water for about 30 minutes, then drain. Mix it with the parsley, mint, tomatoes, cucumber, and green onions.
Whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper, then toss it all together.
Why We Chose It:
Tabbouleh is a celebration of fresh ingredients. It’s healthy, vibrant, and bursting with flavor—a true taste of Lebanon.
3. Falafel Crispy, Golden Goodness
Falafel is the ultimate street food. These crispy, golden balls of chickpea goodness are crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and totally addictive.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
How to Make It:
Blend the soaked chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, onion, garlic, and spices in a food processor until coarse.
Form the mixture into small balls and fry until golden brown. Serve with tahini sauce or stuff them into pita bread.
Why We Chose It:
Falafel is a Lebanese classic that’s loved worldwide. It’s vegan, protein-packed, and downright delicious.
4. Baba Ganoush Smoky Eggplant Dip
Baba ganoush is like hummus’s smoky, sophisticated cousin. Made with roasted eggplant, it’s creamy, rich, and full of depth.
Ingredients:
- 2 large eggplants
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Parsley for garnish
How to Make It:
Roast the eggplants until the skin is charred and the flesh is soft. Scoop out the flesh and mix it with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. Garnish with parsley and a drizzle of olive oil.
Why We Chose It:
Baba ganoush is a smoky, flavorful dip that’s perfect for parties or a cozy night in.
5. Shawarma The Ultimate Wrap
Shawarma is the Lebanese answer to fast food—marinated meat, wrapped in warm pita, and loaded with garlic sauce and pickles. It’s a flavor bomb in every bite.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken or beef, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pita bread, garlic sauce, and pickles for serving
How to Make It:
Marinate the meat in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices for at least an hour. Cook on a skillet or grill until tender. Serve in pita bread with garlic sauce and pickles.
Why We Chose It:
Shawarma is a Lebanese street food icon. It’s hearty, flavorful, and totally satisfying.
6. Kibbeh A Meaty Masterpiece
Kibbeh is Lebanon’s answer to meatballs, but way more exciting.
These football-shaped delights are made with ground meat, bulgur wheat, and spices, then fried to perfection.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup bulgur wheat
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp allspice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
How to Make It:
Soak the bulgur wheat, then mix it with the ground meat, onion, and spices. Shape into oval balls and fry until crispy.
Why We Chose It:
Kibbeh is a Lebanese comfort food that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
7. Fattoush The Perfect Salad
Fattoush is a Lebanese salad that’s anything but boring. With crispy pita chips, fresh veggies, and a tangy dressing, it’s a party in a bowl.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup mint leaves
- 1/4 cup parsley
- 2 pita breads, toasted and broken into pieces
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Toss the greens, veggies, and herbs together. Add the pita chips and drizzle with the dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Why We Chose It:
Fattoush is a refreshing, crunchy salad that’s perfect for any meal.
8. Manakish Lebanese Pizza
Manakish is like pizza’s Lebanese cousin. Topped with za’atar, cheese, or ground meat, it’s a breakfast favorite.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Za’atar or cheese for topping
How to Make It:
Mix the dough ingredients and let it rise. Roll out the dough, top with za’atar or cheese, and bake until golden.
Why We Chose It:
Manakish is a versatile, delicious dish that’s perfect for any time of day.
9. Mujadara Comfort in a Bowl
Mujadara is a simple yet satisfying dish made with lentils, rice, and caramelized onions. It’s the ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup lentils
- 1 cup rice
- 2 onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Cook the lentils and rice separately. Caramelize the onions in olive oil, then mix everything together.
Why We Chose It:
Mujadara is humble, hearty, and full of flavor.
10. Baklava Sweet, Flaky Perfection
Baklava is a dessert that’s rich, sweet, and utterly irresistible. Layers of phyllo dough, nuts, and syrup make it a treat you won’t forget.
Ingredients:
- 1 package phyllo dough
- 2 cups mixed nuts, chopped
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make It:
Layer the phyllo dough with nuts and butter, then bake. Pour a syrup made from sugar, water, honey, and vanilla over the top.
Why We Chose It:
Baklava is a decadent dessert that’s worth every calorie.
11. Labneh Creamy, Tangy Bliss
Labneh is a thick, creamy yogurt cheese that’s perfect for spreading on bread or dipping veggies into.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups plain yogurt
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Olive oil and za’atar for serving
How to Make It:
Mix the yogurt and salt, then strain it through cheesecloth for 24 hours. Serve with olive oil and za’atar.
Why We Chose It:
Labneh is simple, versatile, and utterly delicious.
Conclusion
Lebanese cuisine is a treasure trove of flavors, and these 10+ recipes are just the tip of the iceberg.
Whether you’re whipping up a batch of hummus, savoring a shawarma wrap, or indulging in baklava, each dish offers a unique taste of Lebanon’s rich culinary heritage.