Syrian Cuisine: 

The Syrian food is characterized by its tasty flavors, smells of eastern spices such as sour sumac, appetizing coriander and delicious meat meals cooked with fresh mint.

There are also the Syrian famous dishes such as Taboulah and Fattoush, which contain several kinds of useful vegetables (It is highly advised for vegetarians). Sweets, on the other hand; are mixed with orange-flower water, rose water, coconut, and pistachio, in addition to appricots and dates. Besides, there are several western cuisine Italian- Chinese- American and French, which can be served in the luxurious Hotels and the five star restaurants.

It is often a pleasure for Syrian to taste dishes perfumed with saffron, cumin and other perfumed herbs which are one of the delights of the cuisine of this country. You will enjoy in particular The Mezze: an assortment that may be endless of small hors d'oeuvres similar to the tapas of Spain and antipasto of Italy, mezze is an array of small dishes placed before the guests creating an awe-inspiring array of colors, flavors, textures and aromas. Hommos:chickpeas finely ground, to which is added Tehineh (sesame oil mixture) with garlic, lemon juice and covered with oil and parsley. Tabbouleh: is also popular: it is a kind of salad made with Burghul (boiled, then dried and coarsely ground wheat), finely chopped parsley, onions, and tomatoes, with olive oil and lemon juice. 

THe Mezze also includes eggplant crush, cucumber salad with yoghourt, white cheese puff-paste, rissoles with meat, etc... Kibbeh: an emulsified paste of the freshest lamb and burgul wheat and can take on many forms: the most famous being kibbeh nayee (raw kibbeh) which is somewhat like steak tartar, Fried kibbeh is shaped into miniature hollowed out footballs and then stuffed before being fried, kibbeh labaniyy the normal kibbeh are cooked in yoghurt sauce. Tahini: a thick paste of ground raw white sesame seeds, is a popular Lebanese-Syrian condiment. Falafel: a deep-fried chickpea balls. 

Salads are an important part of the Syrian cuisine and no meal is complete without a platter of crisp salad vegetables or a tossed salad. The king of Lebanese salads is the famous Tabbouleh: made with burghul, chopped tomato, parsley, mint, and olive oil. The traditional dressing is a simple combination of lemon juice and olive oil, with garlic, salt and black pepper. Another very popular salad is Fattoush: which includes chickweed (baquli), parsley, mint, tomatoes, spring onions, cucumber and toasted cubes of bread, all seasoned with sumac, salt and olive oil.

Although simple fresh fruits are often served towards the end of a Syrian meal, there is also dessert and coffee. Baklava: which contains pistachio nuts and is drizzled with a rose-water syrup.

Coffee: is a big deal in Syria. It is served throughout the day, at home and in the public cafés. Syrian coffee is strong, thick and often flavored with cardamom. It is also usually heavily sweetened. When guests arrive at one's home, they are invariably persuaded to stay for a coffee, no matter how short their visit.

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