Lebanese cuisine is a unique, flavoursome and a healthy choice that is favoured by many.
Incorporating a large number of spices, herbs and fresh vegetables, your taste buds will be in for a shock. When visiting a Lebanese restaurant, there are many choices on the menu that may confuse you. Exhibit A: raw meat!
Although we must say, everything is divine. However, there are certain specialities that must be tried when you visit top Lebanese restaurants in Sydney’s CBD. We reveal our favourites that you need to try the next time you visit a Lebanese restaurant!
Enjoy …
Dishes served in some of the top Lebanese restaurants in Sydney CBD
- Baba Ghanoush
Baba ghanoush is a must have when visiting a Lebanese Restaurant. This beautifully spiced dip consists of cooked eggplant mashed and mixed in with tahini, olive oil and various seasonings. Before making Baba Ghanoush, the eggplant is prepared either baked or broiled over a fire, ready to be peeled. This is done in order for the inside pulp to have a smoky taste and soft consistency.
This is usually served during mezza and eaten as a dip with fresh pita bread. Modern Lebanese restaurants also top this delicious dip off with pomegranate seeds, adding a beautiful tangy element.
2. Shish Taouk
Shish Taouk is basically a chicken kebab, made the Lebanese way. What makes this chicken unique, is the marination and spices. Marination doesn’t just occur hours before serving, rather is prepared the night before, marinated in lemon juice, paprika, garlic, yoghurt and other herbs/spices.
This dish is usually served as a main meal on a platter or can also be enjoyed more casually wrapped in pita bread with garlic sauce on the side. Fresh and succulent, there is something special about Shish Taouk.
3. Kibbeh Nayeh
Kibbeh Nayeh, also known as Lebanese sushi is a dish requiring an open mind. This is because it is made up of minced raw lamb or beef combined with bulgur, pureed onion and a mix of spices. It may not sound amazing, but I can assure you it tastes awesome!
Preparing Kibbeh Nayeh is a gift, not everyone can serve a delicious Kibbeh Nayeh. The secret is the right amount of seasoning, how it is kneaded, type of bulgur and the quality of meat. Next time you visit a Lebanese restaurant, make sure to try this speciality.
4. Falafel
Crispy, captivating creations. Falafel is loved by many all around the world, served in many Lebanese restaurants today as well as casual food trucks. Made from crushed chickpeas, spices, herbs and onions.
These mini delights are also referred to as vegetarian fritters and are commonly served along with hummus and tahini sauce. Falafel can be enjoyed on its own or even better wrapped in a pita sandwich with tahini sauce and vegetables. Divine.
5. Tabbouli
A fresh, zesty, scrumptious salad. A traditional Lebanese dish typically made up of parsley, mint, tomatoes, onion, bulgur and seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice and salt. Simple yet effective.
This dish is usually served along with mezza at a Lebanese restaurant with a host of other appetisers and dips.
6. Knafeh
Cheesy, silky, hot and crunchy on top. How can you say no? A Lebanese delicacy made of a cheesy pastry topped with pistachios and served with sugar syrup. This dessert has been translated in many different ways, some with cream and others with cheese. Each country has its own variation of fillings and flavours. This is definitely a beautiful way to end a Lebanese feast.
7. Arak
Arak is a distilled alcoholic drink which is favoured in the Middle East. It is usually enjoyed in social settings with a strong aniseed flavour. This drink turns into a white milky colour as soon as the water is added to the spirit. Arak has a unique freshness that refreshes the palate and can also aid with digestion. Many enjoy Arak with their mezza, being the perfect accompaniment to cheese, meats and olives. Now is the time to clear your schedule and visit some of the top Lebanese restaurants in Sydney CBD so we can say “I told you so.”
Make sure to try some unique items from the menu as well as some specialty dishes.
Mark it in your calendar. To-do: visit top Lebanese restaurant in Sydney CBD.
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