Rahala

No matter which part of the world you find yourself in, you can expect to find Lebanese food in every Mediterranean restaurant you visit. While Lebanese food has been referred to Middle Eastern fare, there are a few very distinct differences. Lebanese food makes use of a wide variety of herbs and spices. While there are s few dishes in both cultures that carry the same name, they are prepared quite differently. Lebanon is known as a virtual melting pot of cultures with so many different nationalities having added their own contribution to the traditional foods of Lebanon. Over the years, the best of each culture has been blended together to make up the wonderful meals available today. In Lebanon, there are a variety of restaurant styles to choose from. You may choose to dine at a traditional restaurant or choose something a little laid back. In Lebanon, the coffee houses serve food as well as coffee. They also offer fantastic pastries famous in Lebanese culture.

Sampling Lebanese Fare in a Mediterranean Restaurant

A traditional Mediterranean restaurant will offer Lebanese food in two different styles. A Mezza style meal can offer as many as thirty dishes or as few as three. When a Mediterranean restaurant offers Mezza, most people think of this as a huge feast of salads, soups, meats, and breads. However, a Mezza may also be just one of each for the individual diner. Mezza is a combination of colors, smells, and flavors that will stimulate any taste bud. A Mediterranean restaurant can be identified by the unique smell when passing by. Lebanese food is known to be cooked with olive oil and lots of spices. This will make for a very fragrant aroma when passing by. Each Mediterranean restaurant offers the same types of dishes, such as the Tabboule and Fattouch. One favorite of the locals is stuffed grapes.

Lebanese Drinks

When enjoying Lebanese food, you may also find that the local Mediterranean restaurant serves Arak as well. This is a local liquor and considered the drink of choice. Lebanese food establishments also now offer a local wine that is growing in popularity throughout the world. Mediterranean restaurants that serve Lebanese food always offer deserts and coffee at the end of each meal. Coffee is considered a must with any Lebanese food. Coffee is served very sweet as the sugar is mixed in before the brewing process. One popular desert served in Lebanon is Baklava; it is very similar to the traditional desert, but has just a few twists. Most Mediterranean restaurants also offer Lebanese ice cream. This ice cream comes in many different flavors that many would find oriental in nature.

When it comes to Mediterranean restaurants, Lebanese food is the choice to make. Everything is so tasty; you will come back many times just for the food. Don't worry though; even though the recipes can seem so complex and intriguing, most can be made at home with little effort.