Lebanon
What to eat and drink in Lebanon: dishes, etiquette and dietary tips
Try mezze (hummus, tabbouleh, baba ghanoush), grilled kebabs, manakish and baklava; skip if you avoid pork or have a tight budget, otherwise enjoy all. Most meals are shared, so order 2–3 mezze per person plus a main.
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GuideLebanon
Key facts
- Core meal style
- Shared mezze plates (hummus, tabbouleh, baba ghanoush) followed by grilled meat or fish
- Street food pricecheck
- 2–5 USD per item (2026 estimate)
- Casual restaurant pricecheck
- 8–15 USD per person for a full meal (2026 estimate)
- Pork availabilitycheck
- Rare; most meat is lamb, beef or chicken
- Tap water drinkablecheck
- Not recommended; bottled water is standard
- Vegetarian options
- Wide choice: hummus, mutabbal, tabbouleh, fattoush, falafel
Typical dishes
Lebanese meals centre on shared mezze plates: hummus, mutabbal, tabbouleh, fattoush and olives. Main courses include grilled kafta kebabs, shawarma, and baked manakish topped with za'atar or cheese. Sweet finishes feature baklava, knefeh and ma'amoul.
- Hummus – chickpea dip, often with olive oil and pine nuts.
- Tabbouleh – parsley salad with bulgur, tomatoes, lemon.
- Manakish – flatbread with za'atar, cheese or minced meat.
- Kafta – spiced ground lamb or beef on skewers.
- Baklava – layered pastry with nuts and honey.
Meal cost
Prices vary by venue. Street‑food stalls charge 2–5 USD for a mezze plate, while mid‑range restaurants charge 8–15 USD per person for a full meal. High‑end hotels may charge 25 USD+.
| Venue | Typical price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Street stall | 2–5 | Simple mezze or kebab |
| Casual restaurant | 8–15 | Multiple mezze + main |
| Hotel/ upscale | 25+ | Full service, wine |
Street food safety
Most vendors cook food to order on hot grills, reducing bacterial risk. Choose stalls with visible turnover and clean cooking surfaces. Avoid pre‑cooked salads left out for long periods.
- Look for a steady line of customers.
- Check that meat is grilled on high heat.
- Prefer fresh‑made mezze over pre‑packed salads.
Questions people ask
What are the must‑try dishes in Lebanon?
Hummus, tabbouleh, manakish, grilled kafta kebabs and baklava are the core dishes most visitors enjoy.
How much does a meal cost in Lebanon?
Street food costs about 2–5 USD, casual restaurants 8–15 USD per person, and upscale hotels start at roughly 25 USD.
Is street food safe in Lebanon?
Generally yes if the stall cooks to order on a hot grill, has a visible queue and keeps food hot; avoid cold salads left out.
Can I find vegetarian food easily?
Yes. Lebanese mezze is naturally vegetarian: hummus, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, fattoush and falafel are widely available.
What is the drinking etiquette in Lebanon?
Alcohol is widely available in bars and restaurants. Arak (anise spirit) is the national drink; wine from the Bekaa Valley is also popular. Tap water is not recommended – stick to bottled.
Check live
Prices, schedules, rules and availability change. Open these to confirm today's details before you book.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- secondaryVoykit – Lebanon guide
Ask about Lebanon
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