Tired of Italian, Mexican, Japanese, and American Restaurants? Try Lebanese!

Next time you are sitting around with your friends, trying to figure out what kind of restaurant to go to for dinner, consider Lebanese as a healthy alternative. You may be worried that you will not like Lebanese cuisine, but if you like the taste of olive oil, herbs, garlic, or lemon, then you are sure to find dishes in the Lebanese diet that suit you. Middle eastern food in toronto is top notch and gaining in popularity as people look to find healthier alternatives when they choose to eat out.

So what is it that makes Lebanese cuisine so healthy? Part of the health benefits come from the fact that very little red meat and animal fats are used. Poultry is more popular than red meat in their dishes, and overall there are more fruits, vegetables, sea food, and whole grains as integral ingredients.

Most people are first introduced to Lebanese food through the falafel. It was first made in Egypt, but has become popular throughout the Middle East and can be found for sale by street vendors and shops in most major cities. Falafel fans will be interested to know that in 2012 the largest falafel in the world was made in Jordan. It weighed almost 175 pounds and was consumed as part of a meal by nearly 600 people. Although falafel is arguably the most popular Lebanese food, there is way more to their cuisine than this street food staple.

Many Lebanese restaurants will offer a Mezze. This is an array of dishes which you usually get in accompaniment to drinks. The Mezze dishes showcase the colors, flavors, textures, and aromas of Middle Eastern food culture and are sure to be an exciting introduction to Lebanese food. Mezze dishes are generally vegetarian, and therefore on the healthier side of popular Middle Eastern food. Other popular dishes you might find in the Mezze course include the hummus and baba ghanoush dips, as well as stuffed grape leaves also known as dolmades, kebbe and tabbouleh.

So whether you are just bored of the same old restaurants, or interested in expanding your Middle Eastern palate beyond the falafel Toronto offers, a Lebanese restaurant is sure to do the trick. An entire meal can be made out of Mezze and drinks, or you can make a meal out of Douma, Ferzol, Sidon, Tyre, or Jbeil! What are in those dishes? You will just have to check out a restaurant and find out for yourself. Get more here.