When you tell people you are going to Lebanon, those that are from there or have had a chance to visit on holiday will tell you the food is fantastic.
I am no stranger to Lebanese food. I’ve been eating Lebanese food made by Lebanese cooks and chefs for eighteen years. So I wanted to see if my taste buds would know the difference and if what I was hearing was the truth. Lebanon food tastes better in Lebanon!
Traveling Tip– If you want to eat Great Lebanese food, you have to know where to eat or know someone that knows where to eat.
Fortunately for me, the travel company that took me on the daily tours included lunch in the package. I expected average food and somewhat decent restaurants. I have had experiences like this on previous tours while on holiday abroad.
But, these guys were smart. Since there are so many tour companies in Lebanon. Service and customer reviews mean everything; this includes giving their customers a great food experience. My opinion of the tour company changed after Day 1 with them. I admired their hospitality and service they were giving me. The company made me see Lebanon through their eyes.
My thoughts and opinions about Lebanese people were definatley influenced by my interaction with the travel guides.
The atmosphere they created for the group while on tour was fantastic.
It’s not easy to manage a group of people on a day out. Everyone wants to stop and take pictures or linger on their path. The company was patient and allowed everyone to enjoy the tour at their own pace.
When I got back from my holiday with my ten-year-old son, many asked me if I felt safe. Yes, I felt safe and enjoyed my trip. I made a good choice when deciding on a tour company and opted to stay in a hotel situated in the Hamra area, which was accessible to everything.
Lebanon Food
Before getting into the sights and tours. Let me start with the food. Lebanese food has become one of my favorite foods over the years. Why not? Living in the UAE for so many years it’s very unlikely expats do not fall involve with numerous selection of Lebanese restaurants in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Believe me when I say the food in Lebanon tastes much better and has more flavor. Perhaps it’s the fact that the vegetables and ingredients are locally produced. Maybe it’s the passion and heart that goes into the cooking. Food is part of the tourist experience. The Lebanese are not shy to expose their culinary skills and share their love for food with tourists.
Day 1 Beirut City – Barbar Restaurant
I went on the recommendation of the taxi service that picked us up from the airport. The location was fantastic — walking distance from the Rouache Rocks – (Pigeon rocks) and right next to a desert café. I hate to write this, but I was very disappointed. I ordered fish and a Falafel sandwich which was dry and tasteless.The service was average. I think the prices on the menu are high. I began to doubt everyone that told me the food would be amazing. I will recommend the smoothies. The avocado smoothie was very thick and layered with honey and fruits. I suppose just having that would have been satisfying.
Day 2 Baalbek – Al-Shams Restaurant
After a beautiful morning visiting Baalbek temple. Our tour company took us to lunch. If I was traveling without a booked tour, I might have missed this delicious gem of a place. The amount of food served was huge. I chose to eat grilled fish and vegetables. The fish was perfectly cooked and accompanied by a wide selection of Mezze (selection of small dishes). The amount of food served to our group was a lot. I struggled to eat it all. After decorating our table with an endless amount of Mezze, hot bread and mains, we were then lead to another table to finish our meal with a warm dessert and fresh local fruits.
Traveling Tip– The restaurant is big and well known among the locals. Expect the place to get busy around lunchtime. I highly recommend this restaurant while you are visiting Anjar. Make sure to bring your appetite with you.
The place is family-friendly and offers excellent photo opportunities for Instagramers! There was an onsite magician who entertained us while we were enjoying our dessert. It was the highlight for my son as the cool magic tricks wowed him.
Day 3 Beirut City – Ka3Kaya Restaurant – https://www.ka3kaya.com
I booked a private tour to visit Sidon, Tyre, and Maghdouche. There wasn’t much time to eat in Sidon or Tyre, and I am glad we didn’t. Our driver recommended Ka3Kaya located in the Hamra area, around the corner from our hotel. We spend the rest of the day enjoying food and smoking Shisha. I am not a smoker, but I do enjoy relaxing with a shisha pipe once in a while (Smoking is harmful, so be mindful when you decide to indulge in this activity).
Lebanese enjoy the casual feeling of having a coffee and smoking and make it look very relaxing. The decor and theme of the restaurant is very inspiring and welcoming. The quotes of the wall and the color choice gives the restaurant a real authentic feeling. It’s difficult to stop taking pictures as it’s just so vibrant and fun.
Traveling Tip– Ask for a table inside instead of the street. There were a lot of beggars walking past, especially young kids asking for money. I didn’t mind being charitable, but I began to feel bad and uncomfortable. In the Hamra area, many small kids will beg for some change.
Day 4 Lebanon – Malena Restaurant – Port of Byblos, jbeil, Byblos 00961, Lebanon+961 3 383 661
Our reliable and friendly guide, Ziyad, took us to Malena after our tour in Byblos. I will be honest. I was expecting average food. I was so surprised by the quality of service, size of food portions, and selections. This place made my trip more memorable. I kept thinking of the food a day later; my mouth would not stop salivating. The views of the harbor and the location of the restaurant are perfect for families and couples.
Day 5 Tripoli – Hallab 1881 Restaurant
Day 6 Bcharre – Cedars Restaurant
Spending the day at the Cedars walking among the beautiful trees and trying to breathe as much air as possible. I felt lost among the layers and layers of trees. After exiting the cedar forest, our group walked up the steep hill lined with small vendors selling souvenirs, cedar wood made in all and different shapes. Our tour guide led us up to a restaurant overlooking the fascinating and historic trees for a delicious lunch.
The serving portions were excellent, and the Mezze served was delicious and packed with flavor. Since being so high up in the mountain, serving an excellent meal to the tourists is a must for the local restaurant.
I loved the view of where our group was sitting. While eating and enjoying the meal aid in front of us, it was impossible not to get lost once again in the Cedars. The trees waved at us as we kept expressing how beautiful they looked. The air felt colder and crisper than any other place in Lebanon. The natural beauty of the trees and atmosphere of the mountain was a big breath of much needed fresh air for me.
Traveling Tip-When you are planning your itinerary for Lebanon, make sure to include a trip to the Cedars, so you can walk along the trees and admire their beauty.
Hamra Area – Beirut
If you not sure where to eat, shop or stay in Beirut. Consider the Hamra area. You will not be disappointed. Everything is in walking distance, and you can find a wide assortment of restaurants.
Traveling Tip– Use the Google map to help you find a place to eat. Check out the reviews as they usually will help you make a decision. From there, follow the map and in no time you will praising yourself for being street smart!
Eat like a Lebanese and Enjoy!
Superlady!
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