Lebanese meals are healthy, fresh, and colourful

Lebanese fare is the most popular of all Middle Eastern cuisines. It draws heavily from Levant cuisines, especially when it comes to the use of spices like za'atar (a combination of herbs like thyme, oregano, sesame seeds, etc.). But, it is the influence of Ottoman Turks and French that define the cuisine. Courtesy of the former, who controlled Lebanon from 1516 to 1918, many of the dishes are prepared with olive oil. Followed by the Ottomans, the French controlled the country, which explains their love for all things sweets - from pastries to custard flan and croissants to baklava. No wonder, they eat sweets for breakfast too. Having said that, they do enjoy fresh fruits like melons, apples, oranges, figs, and grapes as desserts.
Other staples of the cuisine include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, starches, nuts, lamb, fresh fish, and seafood. If you wish to switch to a healthy diet, then you should give Lebanese food a try. Just their very range of salads suggests their love for greens. Parsley and bulgur wheat are the key ingredients of the salads. Also, they steer away from the use of sauces. They love cheese, especially the salty Halloumi prepared with goat's and sheep's milk.
We recommend a stopover at Zaroob (800927662), Trade Centre Area, for a taste of authentic Lebanese cuisine. Sample the Lebanese Foul Moddamas, Falafel, Fateer, Shawarma, and Manakish here. The lovely, colourful décor of the restaurant and the tasty bites will ensure you return. At Al Falamanki (04 4535271), Jumeirah, try the Mini Mezze - hommos, carrot tahini, beetroot tahini, and eggplant with pomegranate molasses.
purva@khaleejtimes.com