Food History at Hammam (Bathhouse), Beiteddine Palace, Lebanon

The traditional Hammam, or Bathhouse, at the Beiteddine Palace in Lebanon is steeped in cultural history, acting as a place of social gathering where people not only came to bathe but also to talk, relax, and enjoy each other's company. Although not directly associated with food, the social and community aspects of the hammam naturally extended to include the sharing of meals, reflecting the rich culinary traditions of Lebanon. The Beiteddine area itself, being a historical and cultural hub, is surrounded by Lebanese restaurants that offer an extensive variety of local dishes that tourists can enjoy.

Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes Near Hammam (Bathhouse), Beiteddine Palace

1. Tabbouleh (Veg): A refreshing parsley salad mixed with tomatoes, onions, bulgur wheat, lemon juice, and olive oil.
2. Hummus (Veg): A creamy blend of chickpeas, tahini (sesame paste), lemon, and garlic, typically served with pita bread.
3. Baba Ghanoush (Veg): A smoky eggplant dip made with roasted eggplant, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice.
4. Falafel (Veg): Deep-fried balls or patties made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, often served in pita with salads and tahini sauce.
5. Manakish (Veg): A popular breakfast food resembling pizza, topped with za'atar, cheese, or ground meat, but without cow meat.
6. Stuffed Grape Leaves (Veg/Non-Veg Options): Grape leaves filled with rice, vegetables, and sometimes lamb or goat meat, cooked with lemon juice and olive oil.
7. Lebanese Lentil Soup (Veg): A hearty soup made with lentils, vegetables, and spices, sometimes accompanied by lemon wedges or bread.
8. Kibbeh (Non-Veg): Lebanon's national dish made from a mixture of bulgur wheat, onions, and finely ground lamb or goat meat, shaped into balls or patties and cooked in various ways.
9. Fatteh (Non-Veg): A layered dish consisting of toasted pita bread, chickpeas, yogurt, and pine nuts, sometimes topped with chicken or other meats excluding cow.
10. Moussaka (Veg): Not to be confused with the Greek version, Lebanese moussaka is a cold eggplant and chickpea dish cooked in a tomato sauce.

Top Famous Restaurants Near Hammam (Bathhouse), Beiteddine Palace

Mir Amin Palace Restaurant

Address: Mir Amin Palace Hotel, Beiteddine, Lebanon

Famous Food: Fatteh (Non-Veg)

Al Mukhtar Restaurant

Address: Downtown Beiteddine, Near Beiteddine Palace, Lebanon

Famous Food: Manakish (Veg)

Palace Restaurant Beiteddine

Address: Beiteddine Palace area, Beiteddine, Lebanon

Famous Food: Kibbeh (Non-Veg)

Shatila Cafe & Restaurant

Address: Main Road, Beiteddine, Lebanon

Famous Food: Tabbouleh (Veg)

El Nassim Restaurant

Address: Jabal El Cheikh, Beiteddine, Lebanon

Famous Food: Hummus (Veg)