It’s no secret that at Zaitoune, we love our Lebanese food! But there is more to Lebanese food than just a tasty meal. In fact, Lebanese cuisine has a long, rich history with plenty of twists and turns that made it what it is today. Here are some facts about Lebanese food you might not know.
- Lebanese Food Has Had Different Influences Throughout History
Throughout history, there has been many influences on Lebanon and its food. Some are ancient, like the Ottoman, Levantine, Persian and Roman empires.
Beirut was known as the Paris of the Middle East, and many travellers would come through Beirut. Their visits would bring new ingredients, customs and inspiration that helped to create the delicious cuisine that is Lebanese food today.
- Lebanese Food Is Often Served As Many Small Dishes To Share
Unlike modern Australian customs, Lebanese food is rarely served as one large meal. Instead, it is served as mezze – many small dishes that allow you to share and taste each option.
At Zaitoune, our guests love our mezze boards for sharing and enjoying. There are options for vegetarian mezze and boards of different sizes, so you get to try all of the best dishes available. Got a hungry tribe to feed? We’ll happily replenish your dips, salads and breads for the 1 metre Feast Boards.
Food always tastes best when you can share it with family and friends!
- In Lebanese Food, Spices & Seasonings Are A Focus
A lot of people might wonder why Lebanese food tastes so fresh, delicious and packed full of flavour. The answer is in the seasonings.
Lebanese dishes will use a lot of fresh herbs, spices and other condiments to infuse flavours into the dish. Many of our dishes at Zaitoune use seasonings such as garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, tahini and mint.
Another traditional Lebanese condiment is pomegranate molasses. This sweet drizzle is a perfect accompaniment to our flavour-packed salads.
- Pita Bread Is Traditionally Served With Lebanese Meals
In Australia, bread can be a bit of a hotly debated food. But to a Lebanese host, bread truly is life. In some Arabic dialects, the word for bread means ‘life’.
This is why you will find pita or flat bread served with almost every meal. In fact, you will likely consume more bread, fresh produce and rice than meat in the average Lebanese dish. This is one of the reasons why it is such a healthy cuisine!
The good news is, pita bread is perfect for scooping up dips or spooning salad and meat into. Every mouthful is a delight when you’re eating Lebanese food!
- Lebanese Food Is Vegetarian-Friendly, Thanks To The Use Of Legumes
Do you struggle to find an option for eating out as a vegetarian? A Lebanese restaurant is a great choice! Many dishes are focused on legumes as a protein source, and some use yoghurt or cheese instead. This means you have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to Lebanese food.
Lebanese people pride themselves on the ability to make fresh produce, herbs and spices taste amazing. So everyone can enjoy the vegetarian options!
At Zaitoune, we have plenty of vegetarian dishes for you to try. Want to know our top picks? Check out this article.
- A Lebanese Host Will Always Encourage You To Eat A Little More!
Anyone with a Lebanese friend will know this one. If you are a guest of a Lebanese host, they will never believe you if you say you don’t have room for a little bit more! They have prepared delicious dishes with love, and they want to share as much as possible with you.
In a Lebanese household, food is life. Sharing it with people they care about is one of the essential, joyful parts of life. Who wouldn’t be grateful to bring delight to friends and family?
This is the same approach we take at Zaitoune – we love sharing the food that we create with our guests! We’d love to welcome you into our home so you can savour the same dishes that we have loved all our lives.
If you want to enjoy some beautiful Lebanese food – with a side of that famous Lebanese hospitality – book your table today.
