Dive Into the Vibrant World of Syrian Food
Syrian food is a captivating journey through flavors and traditions that reflect the rich cultural tapestry of Syria. Known for its vibrant and diverse palate, Syrian cuisine is not only a feast for the senses but also a celebration of its history and geography. One of the standout features of Syrian food is its emphasis on vegetarian meals, making it a paradise for those who love plant-based dishes.
Here are five fascinating facts about Syrian cuisine:
- Flavorful Diversity: Syrian food features a range of flavors from tangy sumac to aromatic spices like cumin and coriander, offering a complex and delicious taste experience. For more insights into the diverse and rich flavors, explore our blog.
- Vegetarian Richness: Many traditional dishes, such as falafel and mujadara, are plant-based and highlight the abundance of vegetables and legumes in Syrian cooking. Discover how these plant-based dishes fit into our Syria Ramadan 8-Day Group Tour.
- Historical Influences: Syrian cuisine has been influenced by ancient civilizations and neighboring cultures, including Greek, Roman, and Persian, creating a rich culinary heritage. Visit our page on Syria Historical Sites and Landmarks to see how these influences are reflected in our tours.
- Mezze Tradition: The Syrian dining experience often includes mezze—a selection of small, flavorful dishes served as appetizers or a main meal, perfect for sharing and exploring a variety of tastes. Experience this tradition firsthand in our Walks of Damascus Two-Day Tour.
- Fresh Ingredients: Syrian food relies heavily on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients like olive oil, herbs, and spices, ensuring each dish bursts with authentic flavor and aroma.
Delving into Syrian food offers more than just a meal—it’s an invitation to experience the heart and soul of Syria through its vibrant, flavorful dishes. To truly immerse yourself in this culinary adventure, check out our Syria Food Tour with Mark Wiens, where you can explore Syria’s rich food culture in depth.
Syrian Traditional Dishes
Hummus
A creamy blend of chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice. Served with warm pita bread for dipping. For a deeper dive into the local food scene, consider exploring our Syria Private Tours: Syria Mark Wiens 8-Day Food Tour.
Kebabs
Juicy lamb or chicken kebabs marinated in spices and grilled to perfection. A must-try for any meat lover. If you are keen on food experiences, you might enjoy our Syria September 10-Day Tour which includes various culinary delights.
Shawarma
Marinated meat cooked on a rotisserie, wrapped in pita with veggies and tangy sauce. A flavorful street food experience. For a quick culinary adventure, consider our Damascus One-Day Tour.
Fattoush
A refreshing salad with crispy pita, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a zesty pomegranate vinaigrette.
Tabouleh
A vibrant salad made with parsley, tomatoes, mint, and bulgur, dressed with lemon and olive oil. Explore the vibrant flavors of Syria on our Syria Panoramic 10-Day Tour.
Kibbeh
Ground meat mixed with bulgur and spices, served in various styles such as fried, baked, or raw. Discover more about traditional Syrian dishes like Kibbeh on our Blog.
Shakriyeh
A creamy, yogurt-based dish with tender lamb simmered in a rich, spiced sauce. Perfect with rice or bread. Experience authentic local meals on our Walks of Damascus Two-Day Tour.
Makloubeh
An impressive upside-down rice dish layered with meat and vegetables. A delightful blend of flavors and textures. Don’t miss out on tasting this during the Syria Marmarita Carnival 10-Day Tour.
Fattet Makdous
Layers of tender eggplant, crispy pita, and a tangy yogurt sauce, topped with pine nuts. A comforting dish. For those interested in more traditional Syrian dishes, our Road to Palmyra 3-Day Tour offers unique culinary experiences.
Mujaddara
A hearty mix of lentils, rice, and caramelized onions. A comforting and nutritious meal that embodies simplicity. For a deeper cultural experience, consider attending one of the Local Festivals and Events where such dishes are often served.
Mujarmasheh
Cracked wheat cooked with meat and vegetables, seasoned with spices and herbs. A savory and filling dish.
Muhammara
A spicy, smoky dip made from roasted red peppers, walnuts, and garlic. Perfect for spreading on bread. This dish is a staple at local resturants; find out where to try it on our Glimpses of Aleppo 4-Day Tour.
Cherry Kebab (Kabbab Karaz)
Grilled meat kebabs served with a tangy cherry sauce, combining sweet and savory flavors in a unique way. Discover more about Aleppo’s specialties in Top Things You Must Do and See in Aleppo.
Raw Kibbeh
A traditional Syrian dish of raw spiced meat and bulgur, often served with fresh herbs and vegetables. Rich and flavorful. For the best culinary experiences, join our Syria Ancient Marvels 8-Day Adventure.
Horaa Osbao
This Syrian pasta with lentils is the ultimate Middle-Eastern comfort food, flavored with pomegranate, sumac, and caramelized onions, and topped with crispy homemade pita chips.
Basturma
Cured beef with a spicy, aromatic crust. Thinly sliced and served as an appetizer or part of a larger meal.
Waraa Enab (Yabrak)
Grape leaves stuffed with a flavorful mix of rice, meat, and spices, cooked slowly to tender perfection. Experience this dish on our Syria Ramadan 9-Day Group Tour.
Yalanji
Vegetarian grape leaves stuffed with a savory mixture of rice, tomatoes, and herbs. Light yet flavorful.
Mlukhiyeh
A unique stew made from jute leaves, flavored with garlic and coriander. Traditionally served with rice and chicken. Discover the flavors of Mlukhiyeh and more on our Walks of Aleppo 5-Day Tour.
Mutabal
A smoky eggplant dip with tahini, garlic, and lemon juice. Served with pita or as a side dish. For a chance to taste authentic Mutabal, join our Syria October 8-Day Group Tour.
Baba Ganouj
A creamy, roasted eggplant dip mixed with tahini, garlic, and lemon. Perfect for spreading on bread or as a dip. To explore more, check out our Syria Tours.
Kibbeh Labaniyeh
Kibbeh in a creamy yogurt sauce, slow-cooked with spices. A rich and comforting dish perfect with rice. For an unforgettable experience, try this dish on our Syria Ancient Wonders 7-Day Tour.
Bulgur Bil Dfin
Bulgur and chickpea pilaf served with a stewed lamp shank. This can be enjoyed during the Syria April-May 8-Day Tour.
Shenklish
A unique, aged cheese made from fermented yogurt, often served with olive oil and spices. A specialty not to miss on our Syria June-July 10-Day Tour.
Syrian Local Bread
Known for its soft, fluffy texture and distinctive taste., it’s a type of flatbread, often resembling pita, but with a unique character that sets it apart.
Makdous
Eggplants stuffed with walnuts, garlic, and spices, pickled to create a tangy and flavorful appetizer.
Basturma
A cured beef delicacy seasoned with fenugreek and other spices, usually enjoyed thinly sliced as a savory treat.
Hamah Batersh
A delicious eggplant dish from Hama, prepared with minced meat, tomatoes, and tahini sauce. A rich, flavorful treat. Experience the best of Hama on our Syria 8-Day Christmas Tour.
Lahmeh bil Saniyeh
Syrian lamb baked in a tray with onions, tomatoes, and spices. A hearty and flavorful main course. Join our Syria November 10-Day Tour for a taste of this traditional meal.
Freekeh
A roasted green wheat dish with a smoky flavor, often cooked with chicken or lamb and garnished with nuts.
Syrian Grilled Chicken
Juicy grilled chicken served with a zesty sauce of garlic, lemon, and olive oil. A fresh and flavorful dish. You can try this and other local favorites on our Syria February 8-Day Budget Tour.
Monk's Eggplant
A vegetarian delight with eggplant, tomatoes, and onions cooked in olive oil. Light, flavorful, and wholesome. Discover vegetarian-friendly dishes on our All UNESCO Sites & The Coast 9-Day Tour.
Falafel
Crispy deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas and spices. A popular street food, often served in pita with tahini. For a full street food experience, join our Syria September 7-Day Tour.
Local Grilled Cheese
Cheese deliciously grilled to perfection. A simple yet satisfying treat for cheese lovers. You can savor local cheeses on our Syria Ancient Walks 6-Day Tour.
Syrian Chicken Shawarma
Slices of marinated chicken roasted on a spit, served in pita bread with garlic sauce, pickles, and veggies. This popular dish is a must-try on our Syria Private Tours.
Syrian Bread at Naranj Restaurant
Naranj Restaurant in Damascus offers fresh, soft Syrian bread, a perfect complement to their local dishes. For more dining experiences, check out our Syria Tours.
Popular Restaurants in Syria
Naranj Restaurant (Damascus)
Naranj is one of the best restaurants located in the old city of Damascus on the straight street. It serves local meals and cooking. They serve chicken and lamb. They also have a variety for vegan/vegetarians. Naranj also serves alcoholic drinks. A meal for one person is around 10-15 USD. If you’re planning a visit to Damascus, consider checking out our Walks of Damascus Two-Day Tour for a more immersive experience in the city.
Dar Misk Restaurant (Damascus)
Also, one of the best restaurants located in the old city of Damascus, but nearer to the Muslim quarter. Because of this, the restaurant does not serve alcoholic drinks, but they do serve local meals with both lamb and chicken. They also serve meals for vegan/vegetarians. The price per meal is approximately 10 – 15 USD. For those interested in exploring more of Damascus, our Damascus One-Day Tour is a great way to experience the city’s rich history and culture.
Cordoba Restaurant (Aleppo)
Cordoba is an Armenian elegant restaurant. Located in a Christian neighborhood, the restaurant overlooks the main river in Aleppo (Quake river) and mostly Armenian people from Aleppo go there. They serve local meals special to Aleppo. They also serve Armenian meals. They have lamb, chicken, vegan, or vegetarian varieties. They do serve alcoholic drinks. A meal there costs around 10 – 15 USD. If you’re visiting Aleppo, don’t miss our guide to the Top Things You Must Do and See in Aleppo.
Wanes Restaurant (Aleppo)
Wanes is another Armenian restaurant located near Cordoba restaurant. The restaurant has its own unique personality, whether in their meals or their decorations. They also serve lamb, chicken, and vegan/vegetarian varieties. They also serve alcoholic drinks. A meal also falls within the same price range. Explore more about Aleppo’s unique culinary scene and culture on our Glimpses of Aleppo 4-Day Tour.
Le Mond Restaurant (Almishtaya)
Le Mond is a good restaurant located in Almishtaya, a Christian village in the Valley of Christians. The restaurant location is very convenient as it is just 2 minutes away from Villa Rosa hotel. Usually, we organize a concert there and people can drink and stay there enjoying the magical vibes till midnight as they can return to the hotel at their preferred time. The restaurant serves lamb, chicken, vegan, and vegetarian varieties and they do serve alcoholic drinks. This charming spot is a favorite stop on our Syria Marmarita Carnival 10-Day Tour.