Lebanese cuisine, known for its rich flavors and diverse ingredients, has once again gained global recognition.
Six Lebanese dips made it on the list of over 124, best in the world by TasteAtlas, a leading online food guide. Five of which were ranked among the top 15.
Mttabal (Rank 1)
This creamy eggplant dip takes the top spot. Mttabal is made by grilling eggplants until charred, then blending them with tahini, garlic, and lemon juice. It’s often garnished with olive oil and pomegranate seeds, offering a delightful balance of smoky, tangy, and sweet flavors.
Toum (Rank 2)
Coming in second is Toum, a fluffy, garlic dip that’s a staple in Lebanese kitchens. Made with just garlic, salt, oil, and lemon juice, this potent condiment is often paired with grilled meats or used as a spread in sandwiches.
Hummus Beiruti (Rank 3)
This variant of the classic hummus adds a Beirut twist. Hummus Beiruti includes the traditional ingredients of chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, but also incorporates fresh parsley and hot peppers, giving it a distinctive, vibrant flavor.
Hummus (Rank 12)
The classic hummus, a blend of chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice, is a beloved staple not just in Lebanon but worldwide. Its smooth, creamy texture, versatile flavor profile, and health benefits make it a favorite in many cuisines.
Baba Ghanoush (Rank 15)
Another eggplant-based dip, Baba Ghanoush is similar to Mutabal but includes diced tomatoes, onions, and other vegetables. Its smoky, tangy taste pairs well with warm pita bread.
In addition, Hummus Kawarma, a hummus variant topped with chopped lamb, also made the list at the 70th spot.
TasteAtlas’s rankings are based on visitor votes. The platform developed a system that differentiates genuine from invalid votes by tracking visitor behavior and ratings. Votes are recognized or ignored depending on whether the system identifies the visitor as a real user or a bot.
The platform aims to promote local and traditional foods and celebrate restaurants that offer quality, authentic food.
These rankings highlight the global appeal of Lebanese cuisine and its ability to tantalize taste buds with its diverse range of dips.
So, whether you’re a fan of the smoky Mutabal or the spicy Hummus Beiruti, there’s a Lebanese dip that’s sure to delight your palate – just don’t appropriate and destroy our dishes.