Food History of Byblos, Lebanon
Byblos, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, has a rich and varied food history that is deeply intertwined with its cultural heritage. Lebanese cuisine, known for its diverse flavors and use of fresh ingredients, has been influenced by various civilizations throughout history, including the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Ottomans, and French. Byblos, as a historic port city, has had access to a wide variety of ingredients, which has contributed to the development of a unique culinary landscape. Local dishes often include fresh seafood, a variety of grains, vegetables, and an abundance of olive oil, garlic, and lemon.
Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Byblos
- Tabbouleh (Veg): A refreshing parsley salad mixed with bulgur wheat, tomatoes, mint, lemon juice, and olive oil.
- Hummus (Veg): A creamy blend of chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice, often served with pita bread.
- Fattoush (Veg): A Levantine bread salad made with mixed greens, radishes, cucumber, and crispy pieces of pita.
- Falafel (Veg): Deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas and fava beans, seasoned with herbs and spices.
- Manakish (Veg): A flatbread typically topped with za'atar spice mix, or cheese, and sometimes vegetables before baking.
- Kibbeh (Non-Veg): Lebanon’s national dish, a mixture of bulgur and minced onions, and finely ground lean meat, typically lamb or fish.
- Grilled Fish (Non-Veg): Fresh local seafood simply grilled and flavored with a blend of herbs and lemon juice.
- Mezze (Veg/Non-Veg): An assortment of small dishes such as stuffed grape leaves, moussaka (without beef), labneh, and more.
- Sambousek (Non-Veg): Pastry filled with cheese, spinach, or minced meat (lamb/chicken), fried or baked.
- Baklava (Veg): A sweet dessert pastry made of layers of phyllo dough filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey.
Top Famous Restaurants in Byblos Old Town
- Lokanda - Byblos Old Souk, Byblos, Lebanon
- Famous for its authentic Lebanese cuisine, try their vegetarian Mezze platter (Veg).
- Pépé Abed - Byblos Fishing Port, Byblos, Lebanon
- A historic seafood restaurant by the port known for its Grilled Fish and Seafood Platter (Non-Veg).
- Efen Dine & Wine - Cardahi Center, Byblos, Lebanon
- Enjoy a fine dining experience with a twist on Lebanese dishes; their Kibbeh (fish for non-veg) is notable.
- Madame Colonelle - Old Souk, Jbeil, Byblos, Lebanon
- An eatery with a cozy atmosphere, serving a variety of Hummus dishes (Veg) with distinct flavors.
- Feniqia - Near the Citadel, Byblos, Lebanon
- A restaurant that offers traditional Lebanese cuisine with a picturesque view, famous for its Fattoush salad (Veg).
When visiting Byblos Old Town, these culinary experiences are integral to understanding and enjoying the local culture, where food is celebrated and enjoyed with passion. Keep in mind that while Byblos Wax Museum itself is a display of the region's rich history through life-size figures, the surrounding old town is where you'll find these delectable offerings.