If you’re exploring Middle Eastern flavours for the first time, Lebanese mezze is the perfect entry point. It’s a vibrant collection of small plates, designed for sharing, that showcases the variety, freshness, and balance Lebanese cuisine is known for. Whether you’re dining at the best Lebanese restaurant Sydney has to offer or recreating it at home, mezze brings people together through simple, flavourful food.
What Is Mezze?
Mezze refers to a selection of appetisers traditionally served before the main course. But in many cases, mezze is the main event. These small dishes, both cold and hot, are served in generous assortments, allowing diners to enjoy a bit of everything — from creamy dips to crisp pastries and grilled morsels.
Cold Mezze: Fresh, Creamy and Tangy
Cold mezze plates are often the first to arrive on the table. Staples include:
- Hummus – A smooth blend of chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice. Rich and filling, it’s a favourite on nearly every mezze spread.
- Garlic Labneh – A tangy strained yoghurt dip enhanced with garlic and olive oil. Its creamy texture pairs beautifully with warm flatbread.
- Baba Ghanouj – Roasted eggplant mixed with tahini, lemon, and garlic, offering a smoky and silky alternative to hummus.
- Stuffed Vine Leaves – These delicate rolls are filled with rice, herbs and spices, and served cold with a drizzle of lemon juice.
Cold mezze brings freshness and lightness to the table, preparing the palate for the richer dishes to follow.
Hot Mezze: Crisp, Warm and Full of Flavour
Hot mezze introduces heartier textures and deeper flavours. Some favourites to look out for include:
- Spinach Triangles – Crisp pastry parcels filled with seasoned spinach and onion. Their tangy flavour comes from a touch of lemon.
- Cheese Rolls – Rolled pastry filled with soft, salty cheese and deep-fried until golden. A delightfully simple yet moreish option.
- Sambousik (Meat or Cheese) – These half-moon pastries are either stuffed with spiced minced meat or cheese, then fried to perfection.
- Falafel – Crunchy on the outside, soft within. These chickpea patties are a popular plant-based choice, often served with tahini.
Hot mezze adds depth to the mezze table, combining warmth with texture and spice.
Mezze and the Lebanese Table
The spirit of mezze is communal. It’s not just about eating; it’s about conversation, laughter, and taking time over food. Each bite offers a new experience, especially when combined with fresh tabbouleh, warm Lebanese bread, and a drizzle of garlic or tahini sauce.
If you’re seeking the best Lebanese restaurant Sydney offers, look for one that serves a wide variety of both cold and hot mezze. A good mezze experience should feel both familiar and exciting — something comforting yet full of discovery.
Where to Begin as a First-Timer
If you’re new to Lebanese cuisine, start with a balanced spread. A plate of hummus, a few spinach triangles, some falafel, and garlic labneh makes for a flavourful, approachable introduction. From there, branch out to sambousik, stuffed vine leaves, and grilled options like makanek or sujuk as part of a wider meal.
In summary, lebanese mezze is more than a starter — it’s a cultural tradition rooted in hospitality, variety, and generosity. Whether you’re enjoying a quick lunch or a full banquet, starting with mezze is always a good idea. It’s a delicious, sociable way to experience the heart of Lebanese food culture.
