10 Lebanese Street Food Favorites

When I think of Lebanon, I can easily imagine it as a grand cauldron filled with the aroma of fresh, savory foods and the sounds of families, friends and travelers enjoying it together. While Lebanese cuisine has evolved considerably over the past few decades, the following can all be considered genuine Lebanese street food classics, and my personal favorites!

Taouk (Grilled Chicken Sandwich) from Snack Abou Joe - Mansourieh

I have to admit, every time I travel back home, the moment the plane lands, I call Abou Joe and ask him to prepare for me two Taouk's and deliver them home to me even before I even call the taxi.

Everybody loves the combination of grilled chicken and garlic, but the succulent marinade which is Abou Joe's specialty adds that extra oomph to your every bite!

Phone Number: 04/ 534 423

Tip: Ask him to do your Taouk sandwiches A La Christine (extra garlic, and adding onions, parsley, and sumac); and yes, that is my own specialty.

Shawarma from Abou Joseph - Sin el Fil

Winner of the World's Tastiest Sandwich Award 2015 by FoodieHub in London, Lebanon’s shawarma, represented by Abou Joseph, won first place as the number one tastiest sandwich around the world, competing against cities like Edinburgh, Caracas, and New York City, to name a few.

I was never able to choose just one shawarma, so I end up buying at least two chicken and one meat shawarmas (I know...gluttony, but I simply can't help it). Trust me, if you are craving for these heavenly sandwiches, then head straight to Abou Joseph.

Phone Number: 03/ 440 480

Lahm bi Ajeen (Minced Meat Patties) from Moubayed - Zouk Mosbeh

This place brings back old memories. While studying at NDU, I used to eat there at least three times a week. Hands down, this quaint family-run bakery has the best Lahm bi Ajeen you will ever taste!

Don't let the old and run-down looking facade fool you; the lovely mother-son duo will make you feel right at home. Every bite of their Lahm bi Ajeen will give you a sense of warmth and you will definitely be asking for more!

Phone Number: 03/ 536 369

Tip: Ask for a splash of lemon juice and some spice on top of you Lahm bi Ajeen, and make sure you drink Ayran along with it. You won't regret it!

Ful bil Kammun (Fava Beans in Cumin) from Abou Abdo - Mansourieh

If you're driving towards the mountains from the road of Mansourieh and felt a bit hungry; snacking on fava beans will cure your hunger and cravings! Boiled to perfection and served with salt, cumin and lemon triangles, this healthy snack will take your taste buds onto another level of heaven.

Phone Number: 03/ 912 316

Falafel from Freiha - Ashrafieh

What's not to love about these crispy balls of chickpeas? You can easily find falafel on every street in Lebanon, but I personally prefer Freiha's falafel sandwiches. It is a small family-run establishment that has been around since 1945. Throughout its long history, it has consistently enjoyed an excellent reputation for the freshness of their signature product, not to mention high standards of cleanliness and quality of service.

Phone Number: 01/ 321 608

French Fries Sandwich from Malek el Batata (King of Potato) - Hamra

As I'm writing this, a little giggle escaped from me as I'm thinking about my mother's reaction in regards to potato sandwiches. A lot of Lebanese people tend to avoid this food because of how unhealthy it is. Imagine this, french fries with coleslaw, and the famous Lebanese garlic paste, wrapped in white bread. Yes, it may heavily lack vitamins and nutrients, but oh my goodness how yummy that combination is!

Phone Number: 01/ 347 722

Wild Zaatar (Thyme) Mankoushe from Zaatar w Zeit, Several Branches

Zaatar w Zeit is a known Lebanese franchise and has several branches opened all over Lebanon. One of my absolute favorite "street" food from their menu is the wild thyme mankoushe which they blend with onions and tomato sauce, spread on a freshly baked multigrain flatbread.

Phone Number: 1523

Tip: Order a side of Labne and dip that wild zaatar in it!

Lahm Meshwe (Grilled Veal Sandwich) from Kababji Grill, Several Branches

As a Lebanese expat, I literally day-dream of Kababji's veal sandwiches. These marinated grilled veal tenderloin cubes with grilled onions and a hummus spread are to die for! With over 30 restaurants worldwide, Kababji offers responsibly sourced, ethically farmed and traditionally cooked signature dishes, cooked in right in front of you, and fresh to order! Now I know that Kababji is not really considered as street food material, but I couldn't keep it out of this list.

Phone Number: 1590

Tip: Make sure you order a side of Warak Enab (stuffed grape leaves) as an appetizer.

Kebbet Laqtin (Pumpkin Kebbe) from Ghattas, Ashrafieh

"Oh, happy day! Oh, happy day! When the Lebanese invented, the Pumpkin Kebbe". Lebanese kebbe comes in many forms (depending on the region), and in many flavors. One of my absolute favorites would be the pumpkin kebbe, which is stuffed with pomegranate molasses, spinach, onions, and chickpeas, wrapped in a pumpkin and burghul shell, then fried to perfection. These little balls of pure food heaven will definitely put a smile on your face and deliver joy to your belly!

Phone Number: 03/ 733 253

Cauliflower Sandwich from Karim Sahyoun, Several Branches

Yes, fried cauliflower, fried bits of bread, and fresh mint drenched in tahini sauce! This sandwich is actually perfect for vegetarians; well it is wonderful for all of us, but because most of the Lebanese foods have meats in them, this succulent snack is a go-to for vegetarians and vegans alike.

Phone Number: 01/ 282 599