Lebanese Dishes Explained for First-Time Party Hosts

Why it helps to know the dishes

Many hosts choose Lebanese and Mediterranean food because it is fresh, colorful, and easy to share. But if you have never planned a menu around it, the names can be confusing. Knowing what each dish is will help you explain the menu to guests, answer questions about ingredients, and pick combinations that suit your crowd. A few minutes of reading now makes the event easier later.

The main proteins and wraps

Shawarma is seasoned meat cooked on a rotisserie and then shaved off in thin slices. At our kitchen, the chicken is hand-stacked each morning and is halal per our menu. Guests can enjoy it in a pita wrap, over Lebanese rice, or in a bowl with vegetables. Falafel is a fried patty made from chickpeas and herbs. Ours is made from scratch from soaked raw chickpeas, and the gluten-free vegan version is a good choice for guests with dietary needs. Many hosts like to serve falafel with a sesame sauce called tarator.

The dips and spreads

Hummus is a smooth dip made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon, and garlic. Baba ganoush is a smoky dip made from roasted eggplant. Both are naturally vegetarian and are easy to serve with pita, vegetables, or both. Toum is a garlic sauce with a light, fluffy texture that pairs well with chicken and fries. Lebanese salad is a fresh, herbed mix of vegetables that brightens a plate and balances richer dishes. Our hummus and baba ganoush are house-made, which many guests notice right away.

• Shawarma: seasoned meat, shaved and served in a wrap or bowl
• Falafel: crispy chickpea patties, a vegan and gluten-free option
• Hummus and baba ganoush: dips to share with pita and vegetables
• Toum and tarator: garlic and sesame sauces for dipping
• Halloumi cheese fries and zaatar fries: crispy sides with bold flavor
• Baklava: a sweet, layered pastry for dessert

Building a menu that works for everyone

A balanced menu usually includes one or two proteins, two or three dips, a fresh vegetable or salad, and a rice or bread option. You can add a sweet item at the end. Think about guests who avoid gluten, eat vegetarian, or follow halal requirements, and make sure they have clear choices. Pita contains gluten, so offer rice bowls or lettuce-based options alongside wraps. If you want to see how these dishes fit together, our full menu lists every item with its ingredients.

Tell your guests what to expect

A short printed card with a sentence about each dish helps guests who are new to the food. It also gives them a quick way to ask questions. If you are unsure whether a dish fits your event, or you want to know what a guest with a specific allergy can eat, call (412) 251-1279 and we will walk you through the options.