Syrian cuisine

Syrian Cuisine

Syrian cuisine, a subcategory of Levantine cuisine, is a rich and diverse array of dishes that have been shared and perfected over centuries. It is characterized by a variety of ingredients and dishes such as meze, kebab, and kibbeh, and is influenced by the cuisines of the many civilizations that have inhabited the region, including the Ottoman Empire, Persia, and France.

History

The history of Syrian cuisine dates back thousands of years, influenced by the various civilizations that have inhabited the region. The cuisine has evolved over time, incorporating elements from the Assyrians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, and Ottomans.

Ingredients

Syrian cuisine is known for its diverse use of ingredients. Common staples include lamb, chicken, beef, goat, fish, rice, bulgur, lentils, chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, garlic, onions, olive oil, lemons, parsley, mint, cinnamon, allspice, and sumac.

Dishes

Meze

Meze is a selection of small dishes served as appetizers. Typical Syrian meze includes hummus, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, fattoush, labneh, and kibbeh.

Main Courses

Main courses in Syrian cuisine often involve grilled meats such as kebab, shawarma, and kibbeh. Other popular dishes include stuffed vegetables, falafel, and mujaddara.

Desserts

Syrian desserts are often sweet and rich, featuring ingredients like honey, dates, pistachios, and rose water. Popular desserts include baklava, maamoul, and halva.

Beverages

Traditional Syrian beverages include Arabic coffee, tea, arak, and tamarind juice.

See Also

• Levantine cuisine
• Middle Eastern cuisine
• Turkish cuisine
• Mediterranean cuisine