Table of Contents

Syrian Cuisine

Kibbeh

Often considered the national dish of Syria, kibbeh is made from bulgur wheat, minced onions, and finely ground lean beef, lamb, or goat. It's typically stuffed with spiced ground meat and nuts and can be fried, baked, or served raw (kibbeh nayyeh). 1)

Fatteh

A layered dish consisting of pieces of pita bread soaked in broth, topped with ingredients such as chickpeas, yogurt, tahini, olive oil, and pine nuts. It’s often garnished with spices and parsley. 2)

Mahshi

Vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers stuffed with a mixture of rice, ground meat, and spices, then cooked in a tomato-based sauce. 3)

Shakriya

A comforting stew made with chunks of lamb cooked in a yogurt sauce, flavored with garlic and mint. It’s typically served with rice. 4)

Mujadara

A vegetarian dish made from lentils and rice, topped with caramelized onions. It’s simple yet hearty and is often accompanied by a side salad or yogurt. 5)

Yabrak

Grape leaves stuffed with a mixture of rice, minced meat, and spices, then cooked in a lemony broth. These are similar to Greek dolmas. 6)

Baba Ghanoush

A smoky eggplant dip made from roasted eggplants, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. It’s usually served with pita bread. 7)

Tabbouleh

A fresh and vibrant salad made from finely chopped parsley, tomatoes, onions, bulgur wheat, and flavored with olive oil, lemon juice, and mint. 8)

Shawarma

Marinated meat (usually chicken, beef, or lamb) cooked on a vertical rotisserie and thinly sliced. It's typically served in pita bread with garlic sauce, tahini, pickles, and fresh vegetables. 9)

Kibbeh Labanieh

Fried kibbeh balls served in a warm yogurt sauce, garnished with pine nuts and sometimes mint. It’s a flavorful and comforting dish. 10)

Fasolia

A hearty bean stew made with white beans, tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil. It’s often enjoyed with rice or bread. 11)

Baklava

A sweet pastry made of layers of filo dough filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey. It’s a popular dessert throughout the Middle East. 12)

Halawat al-Jibn

A sweet cheese dessert made from semolina dough filled with a sweet cheese mixture and often topped with syrup and pistachios. 13)

Makdous

Pickled baby eggplants stuffed with walnuts, red pepper, garlic, and preserved in olive oil. It's a popular appetizer or side dish. 14)

Sfiha

Also known as Lahm bi Ajeen, these are small, open-faced meat pies topped with spiced ground lamb or beef, pine nuts, and sometimes pomegranate molasses. 15)