Lebanese Cuisine & Must-Try Dishes
Lebanese Hospitality
Lebanese people are renowned for their generous, welcoming spirit, where inviting strangers to share a meze spread or coffee is a daily ritual that builds lasting bonds in vibrant souks and family homes, making visitors feel like part of the community.
Essential Lebanese Foods
Kibbeh
Try bulgur-wrapped ground meat, fried or baked, a national dish in Beirut eateries for $5-8, often served with yogurt.
Essential during family gatherings, showcasing Lebanon's ancient culinary heritage.
Tabouleh
Enjoy fresh parsley salad with bulgur, tomatoes, and lemon, found at street vendors in Tripoli for $3-5.
Best in summer for its refreshing, herb-forward flavors and vibrant colors.
Hummus
Savor creamy chickpea dip with tahini and garlic, paired with pita in Saida cafes for $4-6.
A versatile mezze starter, perfect for sharing in Lebanon's social dining culture.
Shawarma
Indulge in spiced meat wraps with garlic sauce, available from roadside spots in Hamra for $5-7.
Iconic street food, reflecting Ottoman influences in Lebanon's fast-paced urban life.
Manakish
Sample flatbread topped with za'atar or cheese, baked fresh in Byblos bakeries for $2-4.
A breakfast staple, ideal for casual meals with aromatic herbs and olive oil.
Shish Taouk
Grilled chicken skewers marinated in yogurt and garlic, served in Baalbek restaurants for $6-9.
Popular barbecue dish, great for outdoor feasts during warm evenings.
Vegetarian & Special Diets
- Vegetarian Options: Abundant mezze like fattoush salad or baba ghanoush in Beirut's veggie spots for under $8, highlighting Lebanon's plant-based Mediterranean traditions.
- Vegan Choices: Many dishes are naturally vegan, with options in cities like Tyre adapting classics without dairy.
- Gluten-Free: Focus on rice-based dishes or fresh salads, widely available in coastal areas.
- Halal/Kosher: Predominantly halal due to Muslim majority, kosher options in Beirut's Jewish quarter.
Cultural Etiquette & Customs
Greetings & Introductions
Offer three cheek kisses (right to left) for friends and family, handshakes for formal meetings.
Use "sahib" or "madam" initially, switch to first names to show warmth and familiarity.
Dress Codes
Casual chic in Beirut, but modest attire for religious sites like mosques in Tripoli.
Cover shoulders, knees, and head for women in conservative areas or holy places.
Language Considerations
Arabic is primary, French and English common in cities. Levantine dialect varies by region.
Learn basics like "shukran" (thank you) to build rapport in rural villages.
Dining Etiquette
Share mezze family-style, eat with right hand or utensils, host insists on seconds.
No tipping needed in homes, 10% in restaurants for good service.
Religious Respect
Lebanon blends Christian, Muslim, and Druze faiths; remove shoes in mosques, modest dress everywhere.
Avoid eating publicly during Ramadan, photography okay but ask permission in sensitive sites.
Punctuality
Lebanese time is flexible; arrive 15-30 minutes late to social events, on time for business.
Traffic unpredictable, plan extra time for appointments in bustling Beirut.
Safety & Health Guidelines
Safety Overview
Lebanon offers vibrant experiences with improving security in tourist areas, efficient emergency responses, and accessible healthcare, ideal for cautious travelers who stay informed via local news and avoid border zones.
Essential Safety Tips
Emergency Services
Dial 112 or 1705 for police/ambulance, with multilingual support in major cities.
Tourist police in Beirut assist foreigners, quick responses in urban hubs.
Common Scams
Beware of overpriced taxis in airports or fake guides in souks like Bourj Hammoud.
Use apps like Bolt for rides, negotiate fares upfront to prevent disputes.
Healthcare
Hepatitis A/B vaccines recommended; private clinics in Beirut offer world-class care.
Pharmacies everywhere, bottled water advised, hospitals equipped for emergencies.
Night Safety
Beirut's Hamra safe after dark, but stick to lit areas in other cities.
Travel in groups, use registered taxis for evenings out in lively districts.
Outdoor Safety
For hikes in Cedars of God, check weather and hire local guides for trails.
Avoid southern borders, inform hotels of plans for remote excursions.
Personal Security
Secure valuables in hotel safes, carry passport copies not originals.
Stay alert in crowded markets, monitor travel advisories for updates.
Insider Travel Tips
Strategic Timing
Visit spring for blooming valleys or fall to dodge summer heat in Baalbek.
Avoid peak holidays like Eid, book coastal spots early for milder weather.
Budget Optimization
Use cash in LBP for markets, shared taxis (service) save on transport.
Free entry to many ruins, eat street food for authentic meals under $5.
Digital Essentials
Download translation apps and offline maps for spotty rural signal.
Free WiFi in cafes, get a local SIM for affordable data nationwide.
Photography Tips
Shoot sunsets over Pigeon Rocks for dramatic coastal views and golden light.
Wide lenses for Bekaa Valley vineyards, respect privacy in villages.
Cultural Connection
Join mezze dinners to bond with hosts, learn Arabic greetings for warmth.
Attend local hammams for authentic interactions and relaxation rituals.
Local Secrets
Explore hidden beaches near Batroun or secret wineries in Zahle.
Ask taxi drivers for off-grid eateries serving forgotten family recipes.
Hidden Gems & Off-the-Beaten-Path
- Jeita Grotto: Stunning limestone caves near Beirut with underground river boat rides, a natural wonder away from crowds.
- Anjar Ruins: UNESCO Umayyad city in Bekaa Valley with well-preserved palaces and baths, ideal for history lovers.
- Qadisha Valley: Sacred Christian hermitages carved into cliffs, perfect for serene hikes and monastic exploration.
- Chouf Cedar Reserves: Ancient cedar forests with wildlife trails and Druze villages for peaceful nature escapes.
- Tyre Hippodrome: Ancient Roman site by the sea with aqueducts, less visited than Baalbek for quiet reflection.
- Ehden Forest: Mountain retreat with Ottoman houses and butterfly reserves, great for birdwatching.
- Ras Baalbek: Remote Roman temple outpost in the north, offering dramatic desert-like views.
- Maqam Al-Nabi Haroun: Hilltop shrine near Tyre with panoramic Mediterranean vistas and local folklore.
Seasonal Events & Festivals
- Baalbek International Festival (July-August, Baalbek): World-class music and theater in ancient Roman ruins, featuring global stars.
- Beirut International Film Festival (October, Beirut): Showcasing Arab and international cinema with screenings and panels.
- Byblos Festival (Summer, Byblos): Outdoor concerts in a seaside castle, blending history with modern performances.
- Feast of St. Maron (February, Multiple Sites): Christian celebrations with processions and traditional dances in mountain villages.
- Beiteddine Festival (June-September, Beiteddine Palace): Classical music and arts in a historic palace, attracting cultural enthusiasts.
- Ashura Processions (July, Southern Lebanon): Shiite commemorations with dramatic reenactments and community gatherings.
- Lebanon Mountain Marathon (May, Various Trails): Scenic runs through cedars and valleys, promoting outdoor heritage.
- Tyre Festival (August, Tyre): Beachside cultural event with folklore, crafts, and seafood feasts.
Shopping & Souvenirs
- Sweets & Baklava: Purchase from Beirut patisseries like Hallab for pistachio-filled treats, fresh batches under $10.
- Nargileh Pipes: Handcrafted hookahs from souks in Tripoli, quality pieces start at $20-50.
- Embroidered Textiles: Traditional Palestinian-style keffiyehs or tablecloths from women's cooperatives in the south.
- Arak: Local anise spirit from distilleries in Zahle, buy sealed bottles for export.
- Jewelry: Gold souks in Bourj Hammoud offer Phoenician-inspired designs, haggle for deals.
- Books & Maps: Antique maps or Arabic literature from Beirut's street booksellers at bargain prices.
Sustainable & Responsible Travel
Eco-Friendly Transport
Opt for shared taxis or buses to reduce emissions in traffic-heavy Beirut.
Rent bikes for coastal paths in Batroun, supporting green urban mobility.
Local & Organic
Shop farmers' markets in Souk el Akabeer for seasonal produce and zero-waste buys.
Choose organic arak or olive oil from Bekaa family farms to aid rural economies.
Reduce Waste
Carry reusable bottles; tap water unsafe, but refill stations growing in hotels.
Use cloth bags at souks, support recycling initiatives in coastal cleanup drives.
Support Local
Stay in eco-lodges in the mountains rather than large chains.
Dine at community kitchens or buy crafts from refugee artisan programs.
Respect Nature
Stick to trails in Qadisha, avoid littering in sensitive cedar reserves.
Participate in guided eco-tours to minimize impact on archaeological sites.
Cultural Respect
Learn about sectarian diversity, avoid political discussions with strangers.
Support heritage preservation by visiting lesser-known sites responsibly.
Useful Phrases
Arabic (Levantine)
Hello: Marhaba / Ahlan
Thank you: Shukran
Please: Min fadlak
Excuse me: 'Afwan / Samihan
Do you speak English?: Bit-hki ingilizi?
French (Common in Cities)
Hello: Bonjour
Thank you: Merci
Please: S'il vous plaît
Excuse me: Excusez-moi
Do you speak English?: Parlez-vous anglais?
English (Tourist Areas)
Hello: Hello
Thank you: Thank you
Please: Please
Excuse me: Excuse me
Do you speak English?: Do you speak English?