Tripoli’s Street Food: 7 Of The Most Delicious Traditional Meals In The Northern Capital

This article was originally published on our Arabic platform by Adiba Kassab and was translated to English.


We’re heading North today to the second largest and one of the oldest cities in Lebanon, to bring to you the staples of the street food scene in Tripoli. Some of these meals date back a hundred years, and have still maintained street cred in our present day. Next time you’re driving up north, be sure to try the following dishes:


Halawat el jeben:



One of the best known sweets in Lebanon, in the city that specializes in it. Although it’s made from simple ingredients; polenta and cheese, it requires a high degree of precision in its making.


Moghrabieh:



Easy to make and absolutely mouth-watering, this Tripoli dish can be served in a sandwich or as a plate, with pickles of course!


Lahme b3ajeen trabolsiyye:



Served with pomegranate molasses, nothing will taste better than the delicate dough with the meat and pine nut stuffing.


Pistachio Mafrouke:



You have to try this Arabian sweet when you get to Tripoli. The dough of this pastry is kneaded with butter and pistachios, until it gains texture and consistency, and it’s then layered with ashta cream.


Ma3jouka:



One of the most delicious hot breakfasts, cooked on a low simmer and served inside the Tripoli kaake.


Halawet el riz:



This sweet dish consists of rice, cheese, rose water and locally distilled blossoms. Delicious and hits that sweet tooth perfectly.


Kaake trabolsiyye:



You’ll be able to find these kaake vendors all over the streets of Tripoli, affordable and abolsutely delicious. These kaakes are stuffed with cheese and butter, and you can add spices for that extra burst of flavor.