Traditional Food and Dishes in Habboûch, Lebanon

A Culinary Journey Through Habboûch's Delights

Nestled in the heart of Mount Lebanon, the village of Habboûch offers a delightful culinary journey through its traditional dishes. From hearty stews to refreshing drinks, each dish reflects the rich history and warm hospitality of this charming locale.

Hablabiyeh (Habbouche Stuffed Grape Leaves)

A staple in Lebanese cuisine, Hablabiyeh is a traditional preparation of grape leaves stuffed with rice, ground meat, and pine nuts. The unique twist lies in their smaller size and the addition of minced herbs, creating a dish that's both flavorful and visually appealing.

Halawet el Jann (Jasmine Syrup)

This sweet syrup is made by boiling sugar with water and then adding fresh jasmine flowers to create a fragrant and aromatic confection. It’s often drizzled over desserts or enjoyed on its own, offering a delightful taste of the region's natural beauty.

Shamiyeh (Lebanese Meatballs)

Slightly larger than those found elsewhere in Lebanon, Shamiyeh are made with ground beef and seasoned with a blend of spices. Often served grilled or fried, these meatballs are perfect for dipping in tahini sauce or lemon juice.

Makloube (Layered Rice Dish)

A hearty one-pot meal, Makloube features layers of chicken, rice, potatoes, and vegetables cooked until tender. The key to a successful Makloube lies in the careful layering and balance of flavors.

Tabbouleh

While widely known throughout Lebanon, Tabbouleh from Habboûch offers a unique twist with its fresh parsley, tomatoes, and mint, combined with finely chopped bulgur wheat. This refreshing salad is often garnished with diced onions and lemon juice.

Joz el Hadid (Iron Chest)

This savory pastry combines the flavors of beef and pine nuts, wrapped in phyllo dough to create a crust that's both flaky and delicate. The name comes from its rich, dense filling that can be likened to an iron chest.

Ma'amoul

A traditional sweet treat, Ma'amoul consists of shortbread cookies filled with dates or nuts. These small, round pastries are often prepared during special occasions and offer a taste of the region's cultural heritage.

Baklawa

Another classic Middle Eastern dessert, Baklawa from Habboûch features layers of phyllo dough stuffed with ground nuts and drenched in sweet syrup. The result is a rich, indulgent treat that’s perfect for sharing during celebrations.

Ghoriba

A crispy cookie made with semolina flour and sugar, Ghoriba has a distinct nutty flavor that makes it a favorite among locals. It's often enjoyed as a snack or given as a gift during special occasions.

Qatayef (Fried Sweets)

These small pancakes are filled with sweet cheese or nuts before being fried until golden brown. They’re then drizzled with honey syrup, creating a delightful combination of textures and flavors.

Khubz Warak Enab (Wraps Stuffed with Grape Leaves)

Similar to Hablabiyeh but in the form of bread wraps, Khubz Warak Enab is another specialty from Habboûch. The grape leaves are stuffed with rice, meat, and pine nuts before being wrapped around a piece of flatbread.

Manakeesh (Flatbreads)

Simple yet delicious, Manakeesh are thin crusts topped with various ingredients such as za'atar, feta cheese, or minced beef. These flatbreads can be found throughout Lebanon but have their unique flavors in Habboûch.

Sujr el Tareen (Fried Pies)

These savory pies are filled with a mixture of ground meat and vegetables before being wrapped in dough and fried until crispy. They’re often served as a quick snack or meal on the go.

Halawa Shumaimi (Sugar Candy)

This traditional confection is made by boiling sugar syrup over an open flame, allowing it to crystallize into a hard, chewy candy. It’s often enjoyed during special occasions and holidays.

Mahshi (Stuffed Vegetables)

Mahshi in Habboûch includes not only grape leaves but also other vegetables such as peppers, tomatoes, and zucchini, filled with a mix of rice, herbs, and spices before being roasted or stewed until tender.

Shakshuka

A simple yet satisfying dish, Shakshuka features eggs poached in a spicy tomato sauce. It’s often served alongside bread for dipping, making it a beloved breakfast or brunch item in Habboûch.

Umm Ali (Layered Dessert)

This creamy dessert is made by layering puff pastry, almonds, and sugar, then baking until golden brown. The result is a rich, comforting treat that’s perfect for cooling down after a hot day.

Zu’atar Bread

Zu’atar bread from Habboûch features a blend of za’atar spices sprinkled on top before being baked to perfection. It’s not only delicious but also visually appealing with its golden crust and fragrant herbs.

Top 20 Places to Try Traditional Habboûch Dishes:

1. Al Maamoul Restaurant - Known for its authentic desserts like Ma'amoul.
2. Hablabiyeh Corner - Specializing in grape leaves stuffed with meat and rice.
3. Jasmine Café - Offers the famous Halawet el Jann along with other traditional drinks.
4. Makloube Kitchen - A favorite for its layer rice dishes.
5. Shamiyeh Grill House - Perfect for those craving meatball sandwiches.
6. Tabbouleh Delicacies - Fresh and flavorful tabbouleh salads.
7. Iron Chest Bistro - Serves a variety of Joz el Hadid pastries.
8. Baklawa Emporium - Drizzled with honey, offering the best Baklawa in town.
9. Ghoriba Corner - Crispy and sweet, these cookies are a must-try.
10. Qatayef House - Traditional stuffed pancakes for dessert.
11. Khubz Warak Enab Bistro - Wraps filled with grape leaves and meats.
12. Manakeesh Market - A variety of savory flatbreads to choose from.
13. Sujr el Tareen Kitchen - Savory pies for a quick snack or meal.
14. Halawa Shumaimi Emporium - Traditional sugar candies.
15. Mahshi Corner - Stuffed vegetables with unique Habboûch twists.
16. Shakshuka Hut - Perfect eggs poached in tomato sauce.
17. Umm Ali Bakeshop - Layered desserts for a sweet treat.
18. Zu’atar Bread House - Crusty breads infused with za’atar spices.
19. Habbouche Specialties Cafe - A local favorite for various traditional dishes.
20. Bistro Habboûch - An all-in-one spot to sample a variety of traditional flavors.