The Lebanese cuisine represents all aspects of the Mediterranean diet. It includes an abundance of starches, fruits, vegetables, fresh fish and seafood.

Poultry is eaten more often than red meat, and when red meat is eaten, it's usually lamb. The cuisine also includes good amounts of garlic and olive oil, as it is very rare that a Lebanese meal doesn't include these two ingredients.

Most often foods are either grilled, baked or sautéed in olive oil. Butter and cream are rarely used, other than in desserts. Vegetables are often eaten raw or pickled as well as cooked. While the Lebanese cuisine doesn't boast an entire repertoire of sauces, it focuses on herbs, spices and the freshness of ingredients.

There isn't a meal eaten in Lebanon that does not include bread. It is also very rare that drinks are served without food. One of the more healthy and entertaining aspects of Lebanese cuisine is the manner or custom in which food is often served,... it's referred to as maza. The assortment of dishes and combinations are almost limitless. It's an array of small dishes (appetizers) placed before the guests, creating an inspiring array of colors, flavors, textures and aromas. Maza may be as simple as pickled vegetables, hummus and bread, or it may become an entire meal consisting of grilled marinated seafood, skewered meats,... etc.

Although simple fresh fruits are often served towards the end of a Lebanese meal, there is also desserts and coffee.

Coffee has its importance in Lebanon, as it is served throughout the day. Lebanese coffee is strong, thick and often flavored with cardamom (7ab haal). When guests arrive at one's home, they are invariably persuaded to stay for coffee, no matter how short their visit.

The genius of Lebanese food is its simplicity,... it's the natural bond that all the Lebanese share.