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Lebanese cuisine is a rich and diverse culinary tradition that has been influenced by many cultures. It is characterized by the use of fresh ingredients and spices, cooked in a variety of ways, from grilled meat and vegetables to slow-cooked stews. Whether you're a foodie or just looking for something new to try, Lebanese cuisine is sure to satisfy.
Introduction to Lebanese Cuisine
Lebanese cuisine is a fusion of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Western flavors. It has been influenced by cultures such as Turkish, Armenian, Greek, and French. The foundation of the cuisine is fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices. Common ingredients include garlic, cumin, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice. Olive oil is used liberally in many dishes, and flatbread is a staple.
Lebanese food is also known for its variety of grilled meats, including lamb, beef, and chicken. Vegetarian dishes are also popular, such as falafel and hummus. Desserts are typically light and fruity, with baklava, a flaky pastry filled with nuts and honey, being the most popular.
India is home to some of the best Lebanese restaurants in the world. From fine-dining experiences to more casual eateries, these restaurants offer delicious dishes that are sure to please.
Sette Mara, Mumbai
Chef Reuben of Sette Mara has crafted a menu of Greek, Turkish, Egyptian, Moroccan, Lebanese, Persian, and Georgian cuisines. Signature dishes at this chic restobar include falafel-crusted halibut, black quinoa tabbouleh salad, chickpea maqluba, and root vegetable harra. The Oak Barrel Aged Negroni, the Luxury Boulevardier, and the Crystal Truffle Negroni are some of their tempting cocktails.
Address: Floor 9M, 462, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai
Timings: 12 p.m.–3 p.m.; 7 p.m.–12 a.m.
Best Dishes: Roasted Corn and Jalapeno Hummus; Sette Mara Aromatic Spritz
How to reach: Continue on Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Rd to Sette Mara in Lower Parel.
Price for two: INR 4000
Bonum Cibum Express, Bangalore
Bonum Cibum is a highly regarded cafe in Bangalore with a calming and stylish interior that is sure to boost your Instagram likes. The menu includes selections from the Lebanese, Turkish, European, and Mediterranean regions. The Lebanese platters they serve are enormous and well worth it. In addition to the mezze platter, pita with hummus, meze, and the Sunday brunch buffet are essential.
Address: 777/K 13th Main Road, HAL 2nd Stage, Indiranagar, Bangalore
Timings: 11 a.m.–11 p.m.
Best Dishes: chicken skewers, shrimp harissa, umali, and kunafa.
How to reach: Take a metro to Indiranagar station and an auto or cab from there.
Price for two: INR 1600
Bayroute, Mumbai
Bayroute is a widely recognized restaurant with various locations in the city and a menu filled with dishes from Lebanon, Morocco, Turkey, Greece, and Egypt. Their chefs make use of ingredients from Middle Eastern vendors and nearby vendors to make the meals. We suggest trying their Edamame Hummus, Falafel Shawarma, Baklava, and Bayroute Coffee!
Address: Minoo Manor Building, 7, Captain Prakash Pethe Marg, Cuffe Parade, Mumbai
Timings: 12 p.m.–1:30 a.m.
Best Dishes: Classic Hummus, Zaatar Chicken, Grilled Halloumi, Batata Harra
How to reach: Located close to Badhwar Park, Apollo Bandar.
Price for two: INR 3500
Lebanese Point, New Delhi
Located in Saket's PVR Anupam complex, not far from the McDonald's Outlet, is the tiny but excellent Lebanese Point, known for its fantastic chicken shawarmas. The shawarmas here are the real deal, unlike those at the other restaurants in town. If you're craving Lebanese food but don't want to spend a fortune, Lebanese Point is your best bet. Easy to read and comprehend, the menu gets right to the point. They don't have a huge menu, but that's okay because most customers only want the basics.
Address: PVR Anupam Shopping Complex, 7, Ground Floor, Saket, New Delhi
Timings: 12 p.m.–11:30 p.m.
Best dishes: chicken shawarma and the chicken platter.
How to get there: Bistro 57, Saket.
Price for two: INR 600
Rue du Liban, Mumbai
Located in Kala Ghoda's backstreets, the chic eatery Rue du Liban serves an exquisite selection of Levantine cuisine. Cyprus, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, and Turkey are all part of the region, and all of them contribute to its culinary fame. Visitors should definitely try out the fattoush, beetroot salad, tabbouleh, lamb chops, and halawa fondant; you won't regret it.
Address: 43, Sassoon Building, Forbes St., Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai
Timings: 12 p.m.–3 p.m.; 7 p.m.–11:30 p.m.
Best dishes: charcoal-grilled marinated chicken wings, Lebanese spicy lamb sausage, and turkey shawarma.
How to reach: Take Mahatma Gandhi Road to Forbes St. in Kala Ghoda.
Price for two: INR 4000
Zouq, Hyderabad
An upscale, casual spot serving traditional Hyderabadi fare alongside dishes from Turkey and Lebanon. At Zouq, which can be found on Banjara Hills Road 2, you can indulge in a gastronomic extravaganza. The chefs are true treasures, and their years of experience shine through in the delicious dishes they create. The decor is aesthetically pleasing, transporting you to the heart of Persia or the Middle East, and the stewards even dress the part.
Address: Imran Plaza Road #2, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad
Timings: 12 p.m.–11:30 p.m.
Best Dishes: Fish Kabsa (grilled fish with Mandi Rice); Mahi Fish (fish baked in a blended gravy served with salad).
How to reach: Pass by L V Prasad Digital Film Lab (on the left) to find Zouq.
Price for two: INR 1000
Souk, Mumbai
This exclusive restaurant, situated on the roof, provides guests with a stunning view of the Gateway of India and the Arabian Sea. The service here is impeccable, and the dishes are made with the most local and fresh ingredients. We think the Lebanese pizza, pink salmon, chicken shawarma, and rose petal ice cream are some of the best things on Souk's long menu.
Address: The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Apollo Bunder, Colaba, Mumbai
Timings: 12:30 p.m.–11:45 p.m.
Best dishes: feta and melon salad; baked hummus with cheese; labneh with avocado; garlic harissa dip.
How to reach: At SP Mukherjee Chowk, take the 2nd exit onto Colaba Causeway.
Price for two: INR 7500
Whether you're looking for classic dishes like shawarma and kibbeh or something more unusual like moussaka and fattoush, there's something for everyone.
