Crave
Christina Naim

10 Lebanese Street Foods We Can’t Live Without

We’ve come up with a list of 10 Lebanese street foods that we really can’t live without. Can you?

Let’s start:



1. Manakish


Image via travelingwiththyme.com

Manakish are one of Lebanon’s most beloved breakfast street foods. All kinds of manakisg: zaatar, cheese, keshek, “cocktail” (which is means half cheese, half zaatar), “pizza”, chocolate… anything your heart desires, if it’s in their kitchen, they’ll make it! Anything you add “extra” to means you get it filled with veggies. Yum! Now, that’s what I want to wake up to every morning!



2. Saj


Image via nogarlicnoonions.com

Saj is a “thinner” type of Manakish, but is it really the same thing? Nope. You don’t find as many bakeries offering Saj as frequently as you find the standard manakish. It requires a special kind of oven, skill, and dedication to make this delectable breakfast sandwich!



3. Knefe


Image via travelingwiththyme.com

So I did say I want to wake up to Manakish every morning, but how about Knefe? Knefe can be a thing you eat every morning, right?



4. Lahm Baajine


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No one can resist this epic Lebanese meat pie. Don’t forget the extra chili pepper and lemon juice!



5. Kaak


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We’re almost done with breakfast, I promise! But can you live without this Lebanese street food? The typical kaak is filled with picon spreadable cheese (a personal favourite) or plain with thyme and sumac spices. Either way, this stuff’s delicious and not to mention, irreplaceable.



6. Mouajanet


Image via biscuitsarl on Facebook

Mouajanet can be enjoyed as a snack, breakfast, appetizer, lunch, brunch… you get the drill. From the classic spinach fatayer to mini pizzas and other baked savouries, these Lebanese pastries are a hit for any event at any time of the day.



7. Shawarma


Image via travelingwiththyme.com

The mother of all sandwiches, the infamous Lebanese shawarma. Beef or chicken? Both for me please. Extra toum with the chicken. My favourite is at Joseph Restaurant in Sin el Fil; bring a snack though, it’s going to be a long wait!



8. Boiled Fresh Corn


Image via travelingwiththyme.com

Boiled fresh corn sounds simple really. But once it’s topped with salt, pepper, and (a lot of) cumin, it’s a snack from the gods themselves.



9. Falafel


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You thought I forgot this one, didn’t you? How could I omit the renowned Falafel sandwich; a Lebanese staple for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Maybe even a snack. These deep fried crunchy golden patties can be eaten as is or in a decadent falafel sandwich with all the yummy add-ins!



10. Ashta Ice Cream


Image via nogarlicnoonions.com

The aromatic Ashta ice cream is a favourite in Lebanon, especially in the summer season. It’s the perfect post-beach snack to indulge in on the way home from a long day by the sea.