Levant cuisine is becoming increasingly popular, with its diverse culinary traditions from the Eastern Mediterranean. Let’s explore what you might find on a typical Levant menu.
What’s on the menu?
If you’re wondering what to expect when you look at a Levantine menu, here are some of the most common dishes:
Entrees and plates
Popular entrees include shawarma and falafel, which might come in variations such as chicken shawarma or a “Levant shawarma” that’s specific to the restaurant. Many menus include a vegetarian falafel option.
You may also see “plate” options on the menu that combine hummus with other dips and sides. For example, a restaurant might offer a Levant Shawarma Hummus Plate.
Bowls and stuffed pita
Many restaurants allow you to customize your bowl by choosing from protein options like chicken, gyro meat, falafel, beef, or shish tawook. Some menus may also offer stuffed pita sandwiches filled with shawarma, falafel, or kofta.
Sides, salads, and specialties
Many Levantine meals are built around shareable plates of hummus, baba ghanoush, and tabbouleh, which are naturally vegetarian. You’ll also find refreshing salads, such as fattoush and Lebanese salad, on many menus.
Unique dishes, like kibbeh (meat and bulgur wheat croquettes) and yalanji (stuffed grape leaves), are also popular. Depending on the region, you may find Alsham kibbeh or Lebanese yalanji. Don’t forget to try the mhammara bread (toasted breadcrumbs, peppers, pomegranate molasses, and walnuts) or zaatar bread (sesame seeds, sumac, and other spices).
In Conclusion
A Levant menu provides a wide range of flavorful, healthy, and often vegetarian and vegan-friendly options. With so much to discover, why not explore the tastes and textures of Levant cuisine today?