From Fattoush to Falafel: Popular Dishes in Lebanese Catering

From Fattoush to Falafel: Popular Dishes in Lebanese Catering

Lebanese cuisine is celebrated for its vibrant flavours, fresh ingredients, and generous approach to hospitality. A Lebanese restaurant menu often features an extensive variety of dishes that reflect the region’s rich culinary traditions, from colourful salads to hearty grilled meats and comforting vegetarian options. For events, Lebanese catering brings these diverse offerings together, allowing guests to enjoy a shared dining experience that blends authenticity with abundance.

The Fresh Start: Salads and Cold Mezze

A Lebanese dining experience often begins with fresh and zesty salads, paired with cold mezze plates. Fattoush is a standout choice — a salad made with crisp vegetables, herbs, and crunchy toasted bread, dressed with pomegranate molasses for a sweet-tart finish. Tabbouleh, another favourite, features finely chopped parsley, mint, tomato, and bulgur, creating a refreshing bite that complements richer dishes.

Cold mezze options typically include hummus and baba ghanouj. Hummus offers a creamy blend of chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, while baba ghanouj delivers a smoky eggplant dip with a hint of tang. These appetisers set the tone for the rest of the meal, inviting diners to share and savour.

Warm Comfort: Hot Mezze and Finger Foods

Hot mezze brings warmth and depth to the table, offering small plates packed with flavour. Falafel, made from ground chickpeas and herbs, is a crunchy and satisfying plant-based option, often served with tahini sauce. Sambousik, a pastry filled with spiced lamb and pine nuts, provides a rich and savoury contrast.

Other popular hot mezze dishes include fried cauliflower served with tahini dressing, ladies finger pastries filled with cheese and herbs, and araais — Lebanese bread filled with seasoned minced meat, grilled to perfection. These small plates work beautifully in a catering spread, allowing guests to enjoy a variety of textures and tastes.

The Heart of the Feast: Grilled Meats and Mains

Lebanese catering is renowned for its grilled meats, cooked over open flames to achieve smoky tenderness. Kafta, made from minced lamb or beef mixed with herbs and spices, is a traditional favourite. Shish tawouk — skewers of marinated chicken — deliver a balance of tangy, garlicky flavour with a juicy texture. For lamb lovers, lamb skewers and lamb shawarma offer aromatic seasoning and succulent bites.

Seafood also plays a role in Lebanese menus, with dishes like grilled baby octopus, samakeh harrah (spiced barramundi), and mixed seafood platters providing lighter yet flavourful alternatives.

Vegetarian and Vegan Highlights

Lebanese cuisine offers a wealth of plant-based choices, making it suitable for diverse dietary needs. Aside from falafel and salads, dishes such as pumpkin kibbeh, okra with rice, and spinach triangles stand out. These vegetarian options are often so hearty and well-seasoned that even meat-eaters gravitate towards them. The use of herbs, spices, and fresh produce ensures that every plate delivers satisfaction.

Sweet Finishes and Traditional Drinks

No Lebanese meal is complete without dessert and a warm drink. Catering menus often feature baklava, semolina-based cakes, and seasonal fruit platters. Lebanese coffee, brewed strong and aromatic, or mint tea, provides a comforting close to the dining experience.

For significant events, these sweet and aromatic touches leave a lasting impression, ensuring guests finish their meal on a high note.

Bringing It All Together

From crisp fattoush and creamy hummus to perfectly grilled kafta and indulgent baklava, Lebanese catering offers a balance of freshness, richness, and variety. The emphasis on shared plates encourages connection, while the diverse selection ensures that every guest finds something they enjoy. For those planning a gathering, exploring the variety within a Lebanese restaurant menu can inspire a catering selection that celebrates flavour, tradition, and hospitality in every bite.