If you’ve ever wandered the aisles of a grocery store abroad, you’ve likely experienced the bitter realization that some of your favorite Lebanese essentials are nowhere to be found.
From the tantalizing aroma of Zaatar to the comforting embrace of a bottle of Arak, Lebanese expats around the globe are on a quest to uncover the treasures of their homeland that are impossible to find in far-flung corners of the world.
We asked Lebanese expats “What are some ‘must-haves’ you can easily grab in Lebanon, but are impossible to find abroad?” Here’s what people on Instagram had to say:
1. Sumac
Imagine making Fattoush without the sour and lemony taste of Sumac. Exactly, you can’t.
—salwabey
2. Keshek
Our Keshek soup is the culinary equivalent of a cozy blanket on a cold winter’s day.
—crocheri
3. Debs El Remmen
Sticky and sweet, no salad or meat dish is complete without a drizzle of this liquid gold.
Just be prepared to explain to airport security why your carry-on bag is suspiciously heavy.
—salwabey
4. Saj Bread or Markouk
As kids, we carried a sense of shame as we unwrapped our Saj bread sandwiches at school in contrast to the more celebrated pita bread.
Yet, as adults, we realized that this thin, soft bread with humble origins evokes a sense of nostalgia like no other.
5. 7 Spices Blend
This mixture includes a precise combination of black pepper, cumin, paprika, coriander, nutmeg, cinnamon, and cardamom also known as ‘Bharat‘.
—nicky.kwd
6. Knefe
A deeply missed delicacy that offers a sweet taste and stretchy texture that is rarely replicated with the same authenticity outside of Lebanon.
—karim.tab12
7. Awarma
Preserved meat made from lamb cooked in its fat is often added to our favorite breakfast dishes like fried eggs or Keshek soup.
—mirahobeika
8. Rakwet Ahwe
Lebanese expats are still on the hunt for an authentic metal Rakwe to brew their morning coffee.
—alice_el_sibai
9. Bzourat
Once we start munching on our beloved mixed nuts, it’s hard to stop.
No late-night talks are complete without Krikri or crispy corn. As for those white pumpkin seeds, well, we’re perfectly fine letting them stay in the bag, thank you very much!
10. Arak
The spirit of Lebanon is best savored with family and friends over a leisurely Sunday lunch.
11. Quality Hummus
Lebanese expats find it challenging to find the same perfectly balanced version of Hummus that they enjoyed back home. The balanced flavors of tahini, lemon, and garlic are something that store-bought versions abroad fail to match.
—ryansamaha
12. Baklava
Trying to find baklava abroad is like chasing a rainbow – you might catch a glimpse, but it’s never quite as magical as the real thing. They tend to drown it in syrup, forgetting the delicate balance of sweetness and lightness that makes it truly divine.
13. Zucchini Corer
We got multiple answers where this unique kitchen tool was called “Man2aret Koussa“, “Ne2arit Koussa“, and “that thing to empty Koussa”. The point is, that all three versions are nowhere to be found abroad.
—tannouspaola
14. Makdous
Those adorable baby eggplants are the only food that’s acceptable to eat straight from the jar with your fingers.
15. Coffee Cups
It’s hard to find those delicate, handleless cups adorned with intricate designs that hold not just coffee but a world of memories.
—elias_coconi
16. Akkawi Cheese
A white brine cheese native to Lebanon, another staple that is hard to come by in foreign countries.
—monakhatib
17. Mloukhiye Leaves
Those fresh leaves are difficult to source abroad, only frozen or dried versions can be bought.
—maria_nahra
18. Labneh Baladiyeh
In a world where everything is labeled as yogurts, Lebanese expats yearn for the traditional Lebanese labneh.
—joya.sayegh
19. Reb El Banadoura
Are we even Lebanese if we don’t use Rob El Banadoura as the base sauce for every Tabkha?
20. Mda2et Toum
Can be either made of wood or stone; it’s a traditional method to crush garlic and achieve the perfect consistency of our heavenly Toum paste.
—charbeleid2
21. Zaatar and good quality Lebanese Olive Oil
No wonder every Lebanese leaving their homeland stocks up on Ziploc bags filled to the brim with Zaatar and sesame mix. It’s like carrying a piece of home wherever they go, not to mention the five bottles of traditional olive oil that never get left behind.
—salwabey
22. Raha and Ghandour Biscuits
The mere mention of this Lebanese snack conjures memories of after-school treats.
Lebanese expats miss the combination of Ghandour‘s 555 crunchy biscuits paired with the sweet Turkish raha.
23. Nakhla Maasal Tobacco
Whether in the cozy ambiance of a restaurant or the comfort of home, savoring Nakhla’s Double Apple Tobacco is a cherished Lebanese tradition, synonymous with enjoying a relaxing smoke session.
—braheem.jd
24. Sawda Nayeh
Sawda Nayeh or Asbe Nayeh, a traditional dish featuring raw liver with chunks of fat, can’t be found anywhere but in Lebanon.
—petoura95
As Lebanese expats journey far from their homeland, they try hard to find comfort and familiarity amidst the unfamiliar.
Among the challenges they face is longing for products and ingredients that define the essence of Lebanese cuisine and culture. After all, some things are simply too precious to leave behind.
