Twelve Dishes Every Tourist In Lebanon Must Try

If you’re only in Lebanon for a few days, you’ll have a tough time deciding what to do, where to go, and what to eat. Today, we’ll cross that last concern off your list.

1. Mint Lemonade from Enab, Mar Mikhael

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You’re probably thinking, “mint lemonade isn’t Lebanese!” Well, you’re right. But I couldn’t consciously put together a list of all the dishes/drinks you should try in Lebanon without including Enab’s shockingly refreshing mint lemonade. I rarely finish my glass at other restaurants because it’s too sweet, too sour, or even too minty. But this one? This one’s perfect. A plus? It comes in a mason jar. Because, you know, hipsters.

2. Beetroot Tahini from Falamanki, Damascus Road

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This one’s definitely unique to Lebanon. An entirely delightful blend of beetroot and tahini, this side dish serves as a perfectly acceptable substitute from the typical hummus side to a kebab or taouk plate. Actually, it’s even better. While too much hummus can mask the taste of a well grilled piece of meat, Falamanki’s beetroot tahini enhances the smoky flavors, leaving a happy party in your mouth. Coming to the Mediterranean, you should expect no less.

3. Sahyoun Brothers’ Falafel, Damascus Road

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The story behind the Sahyoun brothers is the reason most foreigners visit the seemingly ordinary falafel stand. Before their father passed away, the Sahyoun brothers were apprentices at the family’s falafel shop, which was amongst the most renowned in Lebanon. After his death, the Sahyoun brothers had a disagreement, and each opened a separate falafel shop… Right next door to the other. Till today, people drop by the side street, purchase one falafel from each brother, and attempt to decide which one tastes better. Don’t let anyone decide for you—tradition is tradition, after all.

4. Baked Potato from Spuds Truck

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Any city-goer can tell you that food trucks are da best. So when Spuds Truck showed up in Lebanon, many of us American city expats were thrilled. Plus, it’s potatoes. Who doesn’t love potatoes? For less than 10,000LL, you too can get a deliciously baked potato with any and all toppings your drunken self desires. Keep up with their Facebook page to find where they’re at every night.

5. Ferdi Burger from Ferdinand's, Hamra

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I’ve talked about this one before. At just $15, Ferdinand’s Ferdi burger, topped with blueberry jam and homemade mayonnaise, is groan inducing. The good kind. Seriously, I dare you–no, I DOUBLE DOG DARE YOU–to take a bite of this gorgeous, gorgeous specimen and not cry tears of joy.

6. Manakeesh, from anywhere in the country

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If you go to Italy, you have pizza or pasta. Go to Egypt, you have kushari. England, fish’n’chips, America, a burger and fries, and Lebanon, manakeesh. There is no way you can visit this country properly is by eating at least three manakeesh (the plural of manoushe). Different shops have different doughs, but the standard manoushe is a circular disc of dough with a zaatar, jibneh (cheese), or lahme bajjine topping. If you’re not eating this at least twice a week, then you’re not living a Lebanese life.

7. Kaak b’Knefe from Abdul Rahman Hallab, Chiyeh

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If your arteries aren’t clogging just by looking at the pictures above, then I don’t think you understand what you’re looking at. Knefe is a popular Arab dessert that consists of pastry, cheese, sugary syrup, and a hella lot of butter. Kaak is a Lebanese type of bread, speckled with sesame seeds, and in the shape of a handbag. Together, they create the magnanimous invention know was Kaak b’Knefe, or the Arab version of KFC’s Double Down. Your taste buds won’t regret eating this, but your heart might.

8. Abu el Ziz Falafel, Hamra

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I realize that falafel has already been listed, but Abu Al Ziz is by far my favorite in the country. Super fresh, super crisp, and utterly divine. Probably the best thing that's ever crossed my lips, Abou Al Ziz's falafel sandwich will be the best 3,000 LL ($2.00) you've ever spent. Mouthgasm guaranteed.

9. The Full Dinner at Em Sharif, Monot

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It’s going to cost you a heavy penny, but the full dinner at Monot’s Em Sherif restaurant is most definitely worth it. With over 10 courses of entirely Lebanese dishes, this massive dinner will leave you a giant ball of happiness at the end. You might want to hold off eating for a day or so after, though...

10. Fatet Lahme from Malak el Foul, Hamra

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Malak el Foul is a little shop in Hamra with arguably the best Fatet Lahme in all of Lebanon. Fatet is like a savory tiramasu--layers and layers of yogurt, nuts, and oil. Add lahme, and you have a beautiful medley of creamy goodness, grease, and and entirely satisfied stomach. All for less than $5!

11. Lahme Karaz from Abdel Wahab, Achrafieh

Lahme Karaz are beautiful little gems of wonder sold mostly in the Levant. Hailing from the confines of Aleppo, this dish won my heart before I even had a chance to taste it. Because cherries, meat, and phyllo dough. Mouthgasms galore.

12. Anything from Barbar, All Locations

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Barbar is to Lebanon what McDonalds is to America. We love our Barbar dearly, and no trip to the country is completely without a sandwich wrapped in its trademark paper. It will no doubt be dripping in grease, cheese, or whatever condiment your order comes with, but you'll never regret it. Scouts honor.