Everyone knows Lebanon for its delicious mezze, hummus, tabbouleh, fattoush, etc. But there are some special Lebanese dishes that will only give locals a hit of instant nostalgia and our expats a pang of longing for home.
These are dishes that have been made throughout the generations. And they’re definitely meals that any Lebanese person has enjoyed at their grandmother’s house.
#1 Koussa Bel-Laban
Koussa bel Laban is a warm homey meal made of zucchini stuffed with a mix of rice and meat and cooked in plain yogurt with a hint of garlic.
#2 Mloukhiyeh
A traditional dish using chopped mallow leaves cooked with chicken and sometimes meat, and sided with vermicelli rice; the Lebanese way.
#3 Wara2 3enab
The elite Lebanese dish of every grandma’s kitchen has to be the Wara2 Enab. The stuffed grape leave rolls take a certain skill and a lot of time to make and are simply a culinary delight, whether in its rich version or its simpler one.
They’re made at almost every holiday/special occasion, sometimes even when welcoming people who come from abroad. There’s a vegan version too.
#4 Fasouliya bel Lahme
A cozy bean stew that’s best enjoyed on those cold winter days.
#5 Sbenegh w riz
Probably every parent or grandparent brought up Popeye the Sailor Man when trying to get kids to eat this traditional spinach and rice dish!
#6 Yakhnet Bazela
A pea stew that just exudes all those authentic home kitchen vibes.
#7 Shish Barak
The ultimate Lebanese comfort food! Meat dumplings cooked in plain yogurt and served warm, and sometimes sided by mujadara (lentil rice pilaf) or vermicelli rice.
#8 Malfouf
Stuffed cabbage rolls in a tangy sauce with pomegranate molasses.
#9 Loubieh
Different Lebanese grandmas have their own special way of making this green bean stew. There is also a vegan version.
#10 Vegan Kibbeh
A baked vegan Kibbeh made of burghul and pumpkin or potatoes and stuffed with chickpeas, spinach, and caramelized onions; a prideful dish of our tetas!
#11 Bemieh Bel Lahme
The Okra stew is probably the ultimate grandma’s dish that could drag a Lebanese to ride the miles to visit. Usually cooked with meat, there is also a vegan version of this recipe.
Our team works tirelessly to ensure Lebanese people have a reliable alternative to the politically-backed media outlets with their heavily-funded and dangerous propaganda machines. We've been detained, faced nonstop cyber attacks, censorship, attempted kidnapping, physical intimidation, and frivolous lawsuits draining our resources. Financial support from our readers keeps us fighting on your behalf. If you are financially able, please consider supporting The961's work. Support The961. Make a contribution now.