The Wadi Qadisha, also known as the Holy Valley, is a site of great historical and spiritual significance. It is home to ancient monasteries, hermitages, and sanctuaries that have been carved out of its rocky cliffs for centuries. The culinary tradition in Wadi Qadisha is deeply intertwined with the monastic life, where the monks cultivated terraced gardens, producing an array of fruits, vegetables, and herbs that are central to the Lebanese cuisine. The regional dishes often demonstrate the integration of locally sourced ingredients with the influence of Mediterranean, Ottoman, and Arab culinary practices. The famous Cedars of God forest, also in the area, provides a serene backdrop against which these rich flavors and dishes developed amidst the dramatic landscape.
A refreshing parsley and bulgur wheat salad mixed with tomatoes, onions, mint, olive oil, and lemon juice.
An iconic Lebanese salad featuring mixed greens, a variety of vegetables, and pieces of toasted or fried pita bread, dressed with a tangy sumac and pomegranate molasses dressing.
A creamy dip or spread made from cooked, mashed chickpeas blended with tahini, lemon juice, and garlic.
A smoky eggplant dip mixed with tahini, garlic, and lemon juice, often garnished with pomegranate seeds.
Thick and creamy strained yogurt often served drizzled with olive oil and herbs or spices.
Lebanese flatbreads that can be topped with a variety of ingredients, including zaatar and cheese.
Deep-fried balls or patties made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, typically served in pita bread with salad and tahini sauce.
A traditional dish of minced raw meat mixed with bulgur wheat, spices, and herbs.
A spicy fish dish native to the coastal regions of Lebanon, typically made with fresh white fish, flavored with a tahini-based sauce.
A type of open-faced meat pie made with minced lamb or beef and a variety of spices on a thin, crispy pastry.
Address: Qadisha Valley
Famous Dish: Tabouleh (Veg), a perfect dish to enjoy in the natural ambiance of the valley.
Address: Arz, Bcharre, Lebanon
Famous Dish: Kibbeh Nayeh (Non-veg) which is a local delicacy, uniquely prepared in the Lebanese mountains.
Address: Ouyoun El Simane, Kfardebian
Famous Dish: Manakish (Veg), freshly baked with a variety of toppings to choose from.
As these establishments are situated in a mountainous region graced with natural beauty, dining in Wadi Qadisha, near the Cedars of God, is not only about the food itself but also the immersive experience combining gastronomy with stunning vistas of one of Lebanon’s most cherished locations.
Beaches (4)
Religious Places (29)
Historical Places (125)
Museums (36)
National Parks (2)
Villages (2)
Zoos (1)
Mountains (1)
Gardens (1)
Waterfalls (1)
Lakes (1)
