Despite its relatively small size, Lebanon is a melting pot of different cultures that include Mediterranean, Arabic, and even Western influences. The country is situated in the middle of an area called the Levant, which is a region that includes countries such as Syria, Israel and Jordan.
If you were to ask any Israelite about the national food of Israel, they would most likely say it is falafel. Believed to have originated in Egypt, falafel is a savory dish that is a staple on every table in Israel.
Lebanon, like many countries in the Levant, is a hot spot of cultural influence, whether it be Mediterranean, Arab, Turkish, or Asian influences. Lebanon has been a crossroads for Mediterranean and Arab cultures for centuries; its cuisine is comparable to that of Israeli and Greek cuisine (Saleh). All these influences…
The Mediterranean Region consists of more than 20 countries from Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. While these countries may differ in terms of culture and religion, they share common dietary elements. Likewise, traditional dishes are unique to each country. Different nations have different variations on a plant-centered diet and…
Turkish coffee carries with it centuries of history and rich social tradition, so much so that it was designated an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2013 (UNESCO).
Shawarma is one of the quintessential dishes of Israel, a mixture of lean meats and salad greens wrapped in pita bread and topped according to the tastes of the chef. They’re sold by street vendors and at restaurants all over Jerusalem and combine the health benefits of Mediterranean cuisine with…
Lebanon currently faces numerous challenges, from a poor economy, to war spilling over from nearby Syria, and to a corrupt government. Lebanon has grown more in debt in recent years, so much so that its “debt now stands at roughly 152 percent” of its Gross Domestic Product (Bulos, 2019). This…
When discussing the effects of war, the most obvious and commonly discussed include the number of causalities and the destruction of cities’ infrastructure and economies. However, the effects of war are not usually discussed in rural areas and the lives of people living there. In Syria, the Syrian Civil War…
Coffee is an integral part of Turkish food history and current food culture.
The cuisine of Israel is a melting pot of influences from far-flung nations, whether the dishes have origins in neighboring Middle Eastern countries or in Europe, the native land for many Israelis’ ancestors. The Sephardic Jews came from Spain and Portugal and brought with them some classically Mediterranean dishes and…
