Food History of Roman Column Collection, Sidon Sea Castle, Lebanon

The Roman Column Collection and Sidon Sea Castle are testament to the rich history of Sidon, a city that has been inhabited for over 6,000 years. Lebanese cuisine, enjoyed by visitors to these historic sites, has evolved through centuries of cultural exchange and agricultural practice. Influences from the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Ottomans, and Arabs have woven a rich tapestry of flavors and techniques. Ancient Sidon, being a coastal city, was known for its abundance of fresh seafood, regional staples like olive oil, and a variety of fruits and vegetables endemic to the Mediterranean basin. The columns that remain near the Sea Castle might have once witnessed marketplaces spilling with the ancient predecessors of today's Lebanese dishes.

Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes in Sidon

1. Tabbouleh - A refreshing vegetarian salad made from finely chopped parsley, mint, bulgur wheat, tomatoes, onions, and dressed with lemon juice and olive oil.
2. Hummus - A vegetarian creamy dip made from mashed chickpeas blended with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and garlic.
3. Falafel - These vegetarian deep-fried balls or patties are made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, herbs, and spices, typically served in pita bread with salad, pickles, and tahini sauce.
4. Fattoush - A vegetarian bread salad made with mixed greens, fresh vegetables, and crispy pieces of toasted or fried pita bread.
5. Mujaddara - A vegetarian dish combining lentils and rice, topped with caramelized onions, and usually served with a side of yogurt or salad.
6. Manakish - A type of vegetarian flatbread, often topped with za'atar and olive oil, cheese, or ground meat - the vegetarian options being the former two.
7. Warak Enab - Vegetarian grape leaves stuffed with a mixture of rice, tomatoes, parsley, and mint, flavored with lemon juice and olive oil.
8. Samke Harra - A non-veg, spicy fish dish typically made with fresh local fish, seasoned with a spicy tahini-based sauce, cilantro, and pine nuts.
9. Kibbeh - One of Lebanon's national dishes, kibbeh consists of bulgur, minced onions, and finely ground lean meat (lamb or fish for non-beef options) - made into balls or patties and cooked in various ways (fried, baked, or raw).
10. Baba Ghanoush - A vegetarian dip similar to hummus, made from roasted eggplants blended with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and various seasonings.

Top Famous Restaurants in Sidon Near Roman Column Collection & Sidon Sea Castle

1. Al Baba Sweets
   Address: Riad El Solh St, Sidon
   Famous Dish: Baklava (Vegetarian)
2. Tyros Restaurant
   Address: Sea Side Road, Sidon
   Famous Dish: Samke Harra (Non-Veg)
3. Sidon Rest House
   Address: Sea Castle Street, Sidon
   Famous Dish: Tabbouleh (Vegetarian)
4. Akra Restaurant
   Address: Corniche, Sidon
   Famous Dish: Falafel Sandwich (Vegetarian)
5. Al Sidon Restaurant
   Address: Al Freres Street, Sidon
   Famous Dish: Kibbeh (Non-Veg)