1. Falafel
These deep-fried balls or patties, made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, are a universal favourite. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, falafel is served in pita bread with tahini sauce, tomatoes, lettuce, and often a dash of hot sauce. It’s a convenient and satisfying choice for a quick, on-the-go meal.
2. Shawarma
Shawarma, with its tantalizing aromas and savoury goodness, is a hit on the UK’s streets. This Lebanese creation involves marinating and roasting thinly sliced meat, typically beef, chicken, or lamb, on a vertical rotisserie. The succulent meat is then shaved off and stuffed into pita bread with creamy tahini, fresh veggies, and pickles, creating a flavour explosion in every bite.
3. Manousheh
Lebanese pizza, or manousheh, is a delightful breakfast or snack option. A thin dough is topped with za’atar (a blend of thyme, sesame seeds, and sumac), cheese, or a combination of both. Baked to perfection, it’s a savoury and fragrant treat that is both comforting and satisfying.
4. Kebabs
Lebanese kebabs have made their mark in the UK’s street food scene. Skewers of marinated meat, often lamb or chicken, are grilled or roasted to juicy perfection. Seasoned with a medley of spices and herbs, they are served with pita, rice, and a variety of accompaniments, making for a hearty and flavourful meal.
5. Saj Wraps
Saj wraps are a portable delight, and they have become increasingly popular in the UK. These wraps feature thin flatbreads filled with a choice of grilled meats, fresh vegetables, and flavorful sauces. Saj wraps offer a wholesome and satisfying option for those on the move.
6. Mankousheh
Another delightful Lebanese pastry, mankousheh, is a simple yet tasty street food. It consists of a flatbread topped with a generous layer of olive oil and a sprinkle of za’atar. It’s baked to perfection, resulting in a crispy, aromatic snack that’s perfect for a quick bite.
7. Kafta Rolls
Kafta rolls are a mouthwatering combination of ground meat, typically lamb or beef, mixed with herbs and spices, then rolled into cigar-like shapes and grilled. Served in pita with tahini and veggies, these rolls offer a taste of Lebanese comfort on the go.
8. Stuffed Vine Leaves (Warak Enab)
Stuffed vine leaves, or warak enab, are a true Lebanese classic. Grape leaves are filled with a flavourful mixture of rice, ground meat, and spices, then gently cooked to perfection. These bite-sized delights make for a delightful and nutritious street food option.
9. Lebanese Ice Cream
Lebanese ice cream, known as “booza,” is renowned for its unique chewy texture. Flavoured with ingredients like rosewater, pistachios, and sahlab, it offers a cool and refreshing dessert option for those looking to satisfy their sweet cravings.
10. Fresh Fruit Juice
On the streets of the UK, you’ll often find fresh fruit juice stalls serving a variety of delightful concoctions. Lebanese flavours like pomegranate, orange blossom, and rosewater are frequently incorporated, offering a refreshing and healthy beverage option.
