TasteAtlas 2025–2026: Lebanon Among the World’s Best

Everyday Food, Global Recognition

In a culinary world that often rewards flash and reinvention, Lebanon’s strength lies in something more timeless: tradition, daily practice, and a food culture woven into everyday life. According to TasteAtlas 2025–2026, Lebanese cuisine ranks 20th worldwide among the Top 100 national cuisines, with an impressive score of 4.34 out of 5. This achievement reflects consistent appreciation across a wide range of dishes, rather than reliance on a single star recipe.

TasteAtlas bases its rankings solely on verified global audience ratings. For Lebanon, the data confirms a strong international standing built on continuity and authenticity.

The Foods That Shape Lebanon’s Ranking

Lebanon’s reputation is carried by the foods people enjoy every day, prepared in homes, bakeries, and street stalls, and celebrated for their flavor and cultural depth.

Toum: the bold garlic sauce, rated among the highest spreads on TasteAtlas.

Shishbarak: traditional dumplings in yogurt sauce, consistently ranked as one of Lebanon’s most beloved dishes.

Shawarma:  a street food classic, scoring around 4.4–4.5, and recognized globally for its enduring popularity.

Kunāfah:  a rich dessert that stands out among Lebanon’s top-rated sweets.

Sfiha: the iconic meat pastry, a staple of Lebanese food culture, highly rated in both baked and street food categories.

TasteAtlas assigns ratings only; it does not crown “world’s best dish” or issue category awards. Lebanon’s strength lies in the collective recognition of its everyday foods.

Street Food: The Heart of Lebanese Cuisine

Street food plays a central role in Lebanon’s culinary identity, and TasteAtlas highlights this through its dedicated listings.

Shawarma leads the way as Lebanon’s highest-rated street food, consistently topping the charts.

Kaak, the traditional street bread found in cities and towns across the country, also earns strong ratings and reinforces the importance of simple, daily foods.

While TasteAtlas may reference venues for context, it does not publish restaurant awards or global rankings as its focus remains on the food itself.

Why Lebanon Stands Out

Lebanon’s culinary identity is defined by depth and continuity. Sauces, flatbreads, dumplings, street sandwiches, and traditional desserts form a daily food system that remains intact and cherished. This consistency is what secures Lebanon’s place among the world’s top cuisines.