Vegetarian and vegan food in Lebanon: 5 best cities
Lebanon might be famous worldwide for its shawarma and grilled meats, but here is what most travelers do not know: this Mediterranean gem is actually one of the world’s best destinations for vegetarian and vegan food in Lebanon.
Thanks to centuries-old fasting traditions, a cuisine built on rich olive oil and legumes, and a diverse landscape that produces incredible vegetables year-round, the plant-based offerings here go way beyond sad side salads. Whether you are exploring Beirut‘s trendy vegan cafés or ordering “Siyami” food in a remote mountain village, you will quickly discover that local cuisine was perfecting plant-based dining long before it became a global trend. This guide will help you navigate the rich culinary landscape and find the best vegetarian and vegan food in Lebanon.
Understanding Lebanon’s accidentally vegan heritage
The secret to the abundance of vegetarian and vegan food in Lebanon is not a modern hipster movement; it is a culinary tradition that dates back centuries. The cuisine naturally divides into two distinct categories: “Bi Lahme” (with meat) and “Bi Zeit” (with oil). That second category is your golden ticket to enjoying vegetarian and vegan food in Lebanon, featuring dishes slowly stewed in olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes, designed to be eaten at room temperature. The Siyami tradition is your secret weapon when hunting for vegetarian and vegan food in Lebanon. “Ana Siyami” (I am fasting) is the most valuable phrase for traveling here because the Siyami tradition refers to the diet observed by Lebanese Christians during Lent and other fasting periods, which strictly prohibits meat, dairy, and animal products for up to 50 days, meaning every bakery, restaurant, and grandmother has a full repertoire of delicious recipes that qualify as vegetarian and vegan food in Lebanon.
In rural villages where the word “veganism” might sound foreign, asking for Siyami food bridges the cultural gap instantly. Another pillar of vegetarian and vegan food in Lebanon is the Mouneh.
This is Lebanon’s traditional preservation system, born from mountain winters when fresh food was scarce. This created an entire category of vegan staples that define Lebanese traditional food. Makdous (baby eggplants stuffed with walnuts and cured in olive oil) becomes a breakfast powerhouse.
Za’atar, the iconic blend of wild thyme, sumac, sesame, and salt, seasons everything from bread to salads. Just watch out for Kishk, a fermented bulgur and yogurt powder that is vegetarian but not vegan, and Awarma, a preserved lamb confit sometimes hidden in otherwise vegan dishes.
1. Beirut: Where tradition meets modern vegan innovation
Beirut offers the full spectrum of vegetarian and vegan food in Lebanon, from street-side falafel stands operating since your grandparents were born to Instagram-worthy vegan cafés serving scrambled tofu.
The city’s neighborhoods each have their own vibe, so you can experience everything from chaotic authentic breakfast joints to peaceful plant-based sanctuaries.
Mar Mikhael and Gemmayze: The hipster vegan belt
Orenda has become the go-to spot for digital nomads and conscious travelers searching for vegetarian and vegan food in Lebanon within Mar Mikhael. This 100% plant-based café serves fusion dishes like bolognese pasta and smoothie bowls in a quaint, artistic setting.
What sets it apart is the “Grain de Sable” initiative where proceeds support animal welfare, which is perfect for ethical travelers who want their dollars to make a difference.
If you are craving comfort food, Meet The Veganz delivers fast-food style indulgences that highlight the modern side of vegetarian and vegan food in Lebanon. Think vegan burgers, “tawook” sandwiches made with soy or seitan, and cheese sticks, all fried to crispy perfection. Reviews warn it is heavy, making it ideal for late-night cravings.
Hamra: The bohemian student hub
Luna’s Kitchen operates 24/7 and is a cornerstone for vegetarian and vegan food in Lebanon for students and travelers. This bohemian establishment near AUB draws a mix of people with its massive menu spanning Lebanese, Italian, and American cuisines.
The vegan mezze platter stands out, and the affordability makes it perfect for budget travelers. For the most authentic breakfast in Beirut regarding vegetarian and vegan food in Lebanon, Abu Abdallah in Dawra serves what many expats and locals call the best foul (fava beans) and hummus in the city.
This is pure chaos and flavor in a small shop, but you will understand why it is a must-visit after your first bite.
Ashrafieh: The legendary falafel
Falafel Sahyoun is the stuff of legend when discussing vegetarian and vegan food in Lebanon. No seating, just a counter serving what many consider the city’s lightest, crispiest falafel with a distinctively sharp tarator sauce.
Ask for “Sahyoun Blue” or “Sahyoun Red” and prepare for a masterclass in texture. The Badaro Farmers Market runs every Sunday and offers a chance to buy vegan Mouneh directly from producers. This is the best place to find souvenirs and pantry staples that define vegetarian and vegan food in Lebanon to take home.
2. Batroun: Coastal wellness meets traditional charm
This coastal town north of Beirut has become a wellness and tourism hotspot, blending ancient Phoenician history with modern health-conscious dining, making it a prime location for vegetarian and vegan food in Lebanon.
Batroun‘s compact Old Souks and waterfront location make it perfect for a relaxed day trip or weekend escape.
The Barn: Organic wellness
The Barn brings organic, wellness-focused dining to the Old Souks, offering a modern twist on vegetarian and vegan food in Lebanon. Chia bowls, avocado toast, and almond cheese provide a refreshing break from heavy olive oil dishes.
Travelers rate it highly for fresh ingredients and aesthetic settings.
Maguy’s: Seaside authenticity
Maguy’s might be known as a seafood shack literally built on the water, but owner Maguy prepares exceptional vegan sides: fattoush, batata harra, and hummus.
This spot proves that finding vegetarian and vegan food in Lebanon is easy even in seafood restaurants. You are paying for the experience of eating at a local’s home by the sea.
3. Byblos: Ancient history with modern vegan surprises
Byblos, also called Jbeil, is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Beyond the ruins, Byblos has developed a surprisingly robust scene for vegetarian and vegan food in Lebanon.
Dice & Bites is a board game café that takes its food seriously. It offers a robust menu including plant-based shawarma, tawook, and pizza. It showcases how versatile vegetarian and vegan food in Lebanon has become. It is a community hub where travelers can socialize over games while eating.
Feniqia occupies prime real estate in the old souk with atmospheric surroundings. The high-end traditional mezze here shines, particularly the raheb salad which reviewers describe as exceptionally smoky and fresh. It represents the fine-dining aspect of vegetarian and vegan food in Lebanon.
Just north of Byblos in Amchit, Furn El Sabaya is run entirely by women and serves innovative manakish using wild greens. The “Amchit style” dough is thinner and crisper, making it a unique destination for lovers of vegetarian and vegan food in Lebanon.
4. Chouf Mountains: The crown jewel of Lebanese vegan dining
The Shouf Biosphere Reserve in the mountains southeast of Beirut is where Lebanon’s Siyami and Mouneh traditions remain strongest. This is where you will find the most authentic vegetarian and vegan food in Lebanon, rooted in centuries of mountain agriculture.
Coara in Kfar Qatra is the destination that justifies the mountain drive. This family-run, farm-to-table restaurant is 100% vegan and creates plant-based versions of traditionally heavy meat dishes.
They make kibbeh using quinoa and turmeric, and even knefe using proprietary plant-based cheese. This is the pinnacle of vegetarian and vegan food in Lebanon. Owners Walid and Maysoun run a set menu that is an all-you-can-eat feast of whatever has been harvested that day.
5. Tyre: Southern coastal authenticity
Tyre, or Sour, in southern Lebanon offers a different pace. This ancient Phoenician city combines archaeological sites with authentic southern cuisine, providing a rustic take on vegetarian and vegan food in Lebanon.
Baroud is famous for its foul and msabbaha, warm, creamy chickpea dishes that define the Lebanese breakfast. The southern style here is distinct from Beirut’s preparations.
Al Malak Al Fakhira specializes in southern-style manakish with regional variations you will not find in the north. Exploring Tyre rewards travelers with a deeper understanding of the regional diversity within vegetarian and vegan food in Lebanon.
The essential dish guide for vegan travelers
Understanding what is on the menu transforms your dining experience from guesswork to confident ordering. Here is what you need to know about the naturally vegetarian and vegan food in Lebanon.
The mezze staples you will eat daily
Hummus bi tahini is your baseline for vegetarian and vegan food in Lebanon. It consists of chickpeas, tahini, lemon, and garlic blended creamy. Always ask “bala awarma” (without meat) since some restaurants add lamb confit.
Moutabal features roasted eggplant with tahini and garlic. Some places add yogurt, so stick with “baba ghanoush” if you want the guaranteed vegan version.
Muhammara brings the heat with red peppers, walnuts, and pomegranate molasses. Tabbouleh is primarily parsley, not bulgur, and is the freshest example of vegetarian and vegan food in Lebanon.
The morning manousheh ritual
The manousheh is Lebanon’s breakfast bread. Za’atar is your default option for vegetarian and vegan food in Lebanon. Ask for “za’atar w khodra” and they will roll it with fresh mint, tomato, cucumber, and olives.
Spinach fatayer are triangular pies filled with spinach, onions, sumac, and lemon. Avoid kishk manakish, as kishk contains fermented yogurt.
The stews that sustain
Loubieh bi zeit features green beans braised with tomato, onion, and garlic. Bamieh bi zeit does the same with okra. These “Bi Zeit” dishes are the heart of home-cooked vegetarian and vegan food in Lebanon.
Moussaka batinjan is a chickpea and eggplant stew served cold. Mujaddara is lentils and rice cooked together and topped with caramelized onions, a protein-packed staple of vegetarian and vegan food in Lebanon.
The kibbeh revelation
Traditional kibbeh is meat, but Siyami tradition created versions that are highlights of vegetarian and vegan food in Lebanon. Kibbet laktin features a shell of pumpkin and bulgur stuffed with spinach and chickpeas.
Kibbet batata uses mashed potato and bulgur. Frakeh is a southern raw vegan kibbeh made from fine bulgur and herbs, a true revelation for anyone exploring vegetarian and vegan food in Lebanon.
Practical survival guide for US travelers
Lebanon’s reality requires some preparation, but do not let practical concerns overshadow the incredible vegetarian and vegan food in Lebanon waiting for you.
The water and food safety question
Lebanon’s tap water is not potable. Raw vegetables washed in tap water can cause issues. However, high-end restaurants use sterilized water, making tabbouleh safe.
When seeking vegetarian and vegan food in Lebanon at street stalls, stick to cooked bi zeit dishes or peelable fruits.
Language that works
“Ana nabati” means “I am vegetarian,” but “Ana Siyami” works better for finding vegetarian and vegan food in Lebanon because it is a familiar cultural concept.
“Bala lahme” means without meat. When checking if something qualifies as vegetarian and vegan food in Lebanon, ask “bi zeit?” to confirm it is cooked in oil, not butter or meat fat.
Money matters
Bring fresh US dollars. Street vegetarian and vegan food in Lebanon like falafel costs very little, while fine dining runs higher.
Credit cards work sporadically, so cash is essential for enjoying the best vegetarian and vegan food in Lebanon.
Ingredients to watch
To ensure your vegetarian and vegan food in Lebanon is purely plant-based, watch for Kishk (yogurt), Samneh (ghee), Awarma (meat confit), and Honey. The good news is that Lebanese food culture is transparent.
Lebanon’s plant-based dining scene combines ancient tradition with modern innovation in ways that make Western vegan food seem bland by comparison.
The Siyami tradition means every cook knows how to create satisfying, complete meals without animal products. From Beirut’s creative vegan cafés to mountain villages where grandmothers have been making bi zeit dishes since before “vegan” entered our vocabulary, you will discover that vegetarian and vegan food in Lebanon is not just a diet, but a celebration of the land.
