Authentic Lebanese Cuisine in Frankfurt: Exploring Du Liban

Lebanon has always been on our travel list, for its fascinating destinations in archaeology, architecture, and ancient civilizations. We’ve heard countless tales of its friendly, warm-hearted people, their joie de vivre (joy of living), making people feel welcome and at home. And the food—its vibrant culinary scene—is said to be absolutely incredible for its freshness, flavor, and variety, with dishes like hummus, falafel and kebabs. We’re absolutely thrilled when we discovered Du Liban, a restaurant offering authentic Lebanese food right here in Frankfurt. Many fans of Lebanese cuisine swear by it as the absolute go-to spot. So, naturally, we had to check it out for ourselves!

Billahmeh Sambus is a delicious Lebanese dumpling, topped with fresh scallions and cilantro, and served alongside crisp cucumber, juicy tomato, and shredded lettuce. The pastries are generously filled with a savory mixture of minced meat, onions, pine nuts, and a blend of Lebanese spices. It’s hearty, aromatic and incredibly flavorful.

Let’s start the main courses right away with our highlight – Schakkaleh Maschawi, a beautifully presented Lebanese mixed grill dish that showcases rich flavors and textures.

Arranged in a triangular shape, you’ll find succulent lamb meat, ground lamb kebabs, and juicy chicken breast fillet, accompanied by colorful grilled vegetables like sweet, smoky long bell pepper, tender zucchini, creamy eggplant, and the slightly charred tomato.

The tender lamb, seasoned with herbs and spices like cumin, coriander, and parsley, reveals its robust and hearty flavors in full folds. The chicken, marinated in garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil, tastes both savory and refreshing. The slightly charred, smoky vegetables add a burst of freshness – I especially enjoy the juicy sourness of the tomato and the occasional kick of the paprika that cut through the richness of the meat.

Accompanying this is Basmati rice mixed with crunchy almonds and peanuts, providing a nutty flavor, and a thin, flatbread-like pancake topped with fresh coriander that gives a herbal note to the dish.

Lebanese grilled food wouldn’t be complete without its array of traditional sauces. Du Liban offers two classic sauces that totally win our hearts – the creamy, garlicky white sauce (probably Toum) and the nutty, peppery, spicy sauce (probably Muhammara). Both have a thick and paste-like consistency, perfect for scooping up and spreading on grills, adding a delightful rich and smooth tang to the smoky, charred meats and veggies.

Their grilled dishes are exceptional. Two others we highly recommend are the Kaftet Mischwieh Ghanam (lamb kofta kebab) and the Riasch Ghanem (lamb chops).

Kaftet Mischwieh Ghanam is a traditional Lebanese dish of ground lamb expertly mixed with parsley, onions, and a blend of aromatic Lebanese spices. Formed into three generous pieces, the lamb has a hearty and substantial appearance. The outside has a beautiful, crunchy char, while the inside is still slightly pink, indicating a skillful grilling that locks in moisture without overcooking. The meat is incredibly tender, almost springy when pressed with a knife, testifying to its excellent texture and quality.

Each bite begins with the satisfying crunch of the charred exterior, followed by the succulent lamb meat. It tastes savory and aromatic, with the spices enhancing the natural richness of the lamb, while the parsley, onions, and a side salad add fresh, herbaceous notes that balance the dish perfectly.

Riasch Ghanem features four tender lamp chops, carefully selected for their quality and marinated in a blend of traditional Lebanese spices. The marinade tenderizes the meat and imbues it with a robust, complex flavor – savory, herbal, with lamb’s natural deep earthiness and a bright, citrusy note.

The meat is firm with a satisfying texture. But that doesn’t make it any less juicy, thanks to the excellent marbling of premium lamb. The intramuscular fat melts during cooking and bastes the meat from within, intensifying its luscious flavor.

Like the Schakkaleh Maschawi grill platter, this dish also comes with grilled veggies and sauces that complement the lamb wonderfully.

Bamih bil Lahme (okra with meat in Arabic) is a popular traditional dish in Middle Eastern cuisine. It combines tender veal and okra, slow cooked in a rich tomato sauce with onions, garlic, and coriander.

The tomato sauce adds a subtle tanginess, balancing the dish with a refreshing sour note, while the okra lends a smooth, almost velvety texture that complements the meaty flavor of the veal. The veal itself is exceptionally tender, known for its delicate texture and mild flavor. This allows it to absorb the rich, savory notes of the sauce, resulting in a robust and deeply satisfying flavor.

The sauce is not overly salty, so that you can taste more of the flavor of the quality ingredients. Drizzle it over the fragrant rice, adorned with almonds and peanuts, and enjoy the heartiness and comfort of this classic Middle Eastern stew!

Today’s glimpse into Lebanese cuisine barely scratches the surface of its full charm. From hearty stews to succulent grilled dishes, each one evidently emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients, expertly spiced and put together, to create enticing fusions of flavor and texture.

Lebanon, with its modest size of 10,000 square kilometers, boasts abundant cedar trees and breathtaking natural landscapes—rolling mountains, deep valleys, sprawling plains, and hills. Its unique blend of diversity, where Islam and Christianity coexist, fuels a vibrant artistic and cultural scene.

Despite facing challenges, the resilience, optimism, and pride of the Lebanese people shine through. A visit to a Lebanese restaurant like Du Liban is a great start to experiencing their culture, one that celebrates food as a form of art, nourishment and connection, with the intricate presentation of the dishes mirroring the artistry of their flavors and the warmth, positivity, and hospitality characteristic of their Mediterranean spirit.