Must-Try Foods In Deir Qannoubin Monastery (Cedars Of God) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Deir Qannoubin Monastery, Cedars of God, Lebanon

The Deir Qannoubin Monastery, nestled in the Qadisha Valley - a UNESCO World Heritage site - has a rich historical tapestry that extends to its food traditions. As one of the oldest monasteries in the valley, Deir Qannoubin was an important spiritual and cultural hub where monks cultivated the land and produced their food. This included growing vegetables, olives for oil, and grapes for wine. The diet in monastic life was predominantly vegetarian, adhering to the fasting and abstinence rules of the religious order.

Top 10 Food Dishes in Deir Qannoubin Monastery, Cedars of God, Lebanon

1. Tabbouleh (Veg) - A refreshing parsley salad mixed with bulgur, tomatoes, mint, lemon juice, and olive oil.
2. Hummus (Veg) - A creamy dip made from mashed chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.
3. Falafel (Veg) - Deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, herbs, and spices.
4. Manakish (Veg) - Also known as Lebanese pizza, topped with za'atar and olive oil, cheese, or minced vegetables.
5. Stuffed Grape Leaves (Veg/Non-Veg) - Grape leaves stuffed with a mixture of rice, tomatoes, and various herbs. Can also include meat but ask for the vegetarian version.
6. Mujadara (Veg) - A lentil and rice dish garnished with caramelized onions.
7. Fattoush (Veg) - A Levantine bread salad made from mixed greens and toasted or fried pieces of pita bread.
8. Batata Harra (Veg) - Spicy potatoes, typically fried or roasted with coriander, chili, and garlic.
9. Moussaka (Veg) - Not to be confused with the Greek version, the Lebanese moussaka is a cold eggplant chickpea stew.
10. Loubieh bi Zeit (Veg) - Green beans cooked in olive oil with tomatoes, onions, and garlic.

Top Famous Restaurants in Deir Qannoubin Monastery, Cedars of God, Lebanon

While there might not be an abundance of restaurants within the immediate vicinity of the Deir Qannoubin Monastery due to its remote location, visitors can find authentic Lebanese cuisine in nearby villages and towns. Here are a few notable establishments:

• Al Ferdaws
  Address: Bcharre, Lebanon
  Famous Food: Kibbeh (Non-Veg) - A classic Lebanese dish made of bulgur, minced onions, and finely ground lean meat, shaped into balls or patties.
• Le Cedrus
  Address: Cedars Main Road, Al Arz, Lebanon
  Famous Food: Shish Tawook (Non-Veg) - Skewered and grilled chicken cubes, usually marinated in a blend of spices and yogurt.
• La Mangeoire
  Address: Main Road, Kadisha Valley, Lebanon
  Famous Food: Tabbouleh (Veg) and Moujadara (Veg) - Famous for offering a wide array of traditional meze dishes, including vegetarian options.

Please note that while dishes such as kibbeh and shish tawook contain meat, vegetarian options are readily available and form a significant part of Lebanese cuisine. Many restaurants will happily cater to vegetarian dietary requirements with their range of mezze and vegetable dishes.