Should you’ve ever wandered the aisles of a grocery retailer overseas, you’ve doubtless skilled the bitter realization that a few of your favourite Lebanese necessities are nowhere to be discovered.
From the tantalizing aroma of Zaatar to the comforting embrace of a bottle of Arak, Lebanese expats across the globe are on a quest to uncover the treasures of their homeland which can be unimaginable to seek out in far-flung corners of the world.
We requested Lebanese expats “What are some ‘must-haves’ you’ll be able to simply seize in Lebanon, however are unimaginable to seek out overseas?” Right here’s what individuals on Instagram needed to say:
1. Sumac
Think about making Fattoush with out the bitter and lemony style of Sumac. Precisely, you’ll be able to’t.
—salwabey
2. Keshek
Our Keshek soup is the culinary equal of a comfy blanket on a chilly winter’s day.
—crocheri
3. Debs El Remmen
Sticky and candy, no salad or meat dish is full with out a drizzle of this liquid gold.
Simply be ready to elucidate to airport safety why your carry-on bag is suspiciously heavy.
—salwabey
4. Saj Bread or Markouk
As youngsters, we carried a way of disgrace as we unwrapped our Saj bread sandwiches in school in distinction to the extra celebrated pita bread.
But, as adults, we realized that this skinny, comfortable bread with humble origins evokes a way of nostalgia like no different.
5. 7 Spices Mix
This combination features a exact mixture of black pepper, cumin, paprika, coriander, nutmeg, cinnamon, and cardamom also called ‘Bharat‘.
—nicky.kwd
6. Knefe
A deeply missed delicacy that provides a candy style and stretchy texture that’s hardly ever replicated with the identical authenticity exterior of Lebanon.
—karim.tab12
7. Awarma
Preserved meat constructed from lamb cooked in its fats is commonly added to our favourite breakfast dishes like fried eggs or Keshek soup.
—mirahobeika
8. Rakwet Ahwe
Lebanese expats are nonetheless on the hunt for an genuine metallic Rakwe to brew their morning espresso.
—alice_el_sibai
9. Bzourat
As soon as we begin munching on our beloved combined nuts, it’s exhausting to cease.
No late-night talks are full with out Krikri or crispy corn. As for these white pumpkin seeds, nicely, we’re completely advantageous letting them keep within the bag, thanks very a lot!
10. Arak
The spirit of Lebanon is finest savored with household and pals over a leisurely Sunday lunch.
11. High quality Hummus
Lebanese expats discover it difficult to seek out the identical completely balanced model of Hummus that they loved again dwelling. The balanced flavors of tahini, lemon, and garlic are one thing that store-bought variations overseas fail to match.
—ryansamaha
12. Baklava
Looking for baklava overseas is like chasing a rainbow – you would possibly catch a glimpse, but it surely’s by no means fairly as magical as the actual factor. They have an inclination to drown it in syrup, forgetting the fragile stability of sweetness and lightness that makes it actually divine.
13. Zucchini Corer
We received a number of solutions the place this distinctive kitchen instrument was referred to as “Man2aret Koussa“, “Ne2arit Koussa“, and “that factor to empty Koussa”. The purpose is, that each one three variations are nowhere to be discovered overseas.
—tannouspaola
14. Makdous
These lovely child eggplants are the one meals that’s acceptable to eat straight from the jar together with your fingers.
15. Espresso Cups
It’s exhausting to seek out these delicate, handleless cups adorned with intricate designs that maintain not simply espresso however a world of reminiscences.
—elias_coconi
16. Akkawi Cheese
A white brine cheese native to Lebanon, one other staple that’s exhausting to return by in overseas nations.
—monakhatib
17. Mloukhiye Leaves
These contemporary leaves are tough to supply overseas, solely frozen or dried variations will be purchased.
—maria_nahra
18. Labneh Baladiyeh
In a world the place all the things is labeled as yogurts, Lebanese expats yearn for the normal Lebanese labneh.
—joya.sayegh
19. Reb El Banadoura
Are we even Lebanese if we don’t use Rob El Banadoura as the bottom sauce for each Tabkha?
20. Mda2et Toum
Could be both manufactured from wooden or stone; it’s a standard methodology to crush garlic and obtain the right consistency of our heavenly Toum paste.
—charbeleid2
21. Zaatar and good high quality Lebanese Olive Oil
No marvel each Lebanese leaving their homeland shares up on Ziploc luggage crammed to the brim with Zaatar and sesame combine. It’s like carrying a bit of dwelling wherever they go, to not point out the 5 bottles of conventional olive oil that by no means get left behind.
—salwabey
22. Raha and Ghandour Biscuits
The mere point out of this Lebanese snack conjures reminiscences of after-school treats.
Lebanese expats miss the mix of Ghandour‘s 555 crunchy biscuits paired with the candy Turkish raha.
23. Nakhla Maasal Tobacco
Whether or not within the cozy ambiance of a restaurant or the consolation of dwelling, savoring Nakhla’s Double Apple Tobacco is a cherished Lebanese custom, synonymous with having fun with a calming smoke session.
—braheem.jd
24. Sawda Nayeh
Sawda Nayeh or Asbe Nayeh, a standard dish that includes uncooked liver with chunks of fats, can’t be discovered wherever however in Lebanon.
—petoura95
As Lebanese expats journey removed from their homeland, they fight exhausting to seek out consolation and familiarity amidst the unfamiliar.
Among the many challenges they face is eager for merchandise and elements that outline the essence of Lebanese delicacies and tradition. In spite of everything, some issues are just too valuable to depart behind.
