Lebanese cuisine is widely acknowledged to be the finest in the Middle East. The country’s gastronomic tradition is characterised by the use of an extremely wide variety of locally-produced, and therefore extremely fresh, vegetables served in all forms and shapes with an abundance of fresh herbs (mostly coriander, parsley and mint). A meal is always concluded with a wide range of fresh fruit, including melon, apples, oranges, persimmon, tangerines, cactus fruit, grapes and figs, which are all grown locally. Excellent Lebanese food is available everywhere. Beirut also offers a large choice of international restaurants which offer dishes from all over the world. Bars have table and/or counter service.

Things to know: Alcohol is not prohibited.

National specialities:
• Kebbeh, made of lamb pounded to a fine paste, with burghul or cracked wheat, and served raw or baked in flat trays or rolled into balls and fried.
• Mezza, a range of up to 40 small dishes served as hors d’oeuvres with arak.
• Lahm mishwi (pieces of mutton with onions, peppers and tomato) is popular.
• Tabbouli.
• Mtabbal.

National drinks:
• Arak, a wine traditionally produced and aged for five to 10 years before being redistilled with anis seeds.

Tipping: In hotels and restaurants, a tip of between 5 and 10% of the bill is expected.

Nightclubs spice up the evenings in Beirut and mountain resorts. Entertainment ranges from solo guitarists to orchestras and floor shows. Some British-style pubs can be found in Beirut. There are many cinemas presenting the latest films from all over the world. The internationally-renowned Casino du Liban in Maameltain is equipped with lavish gambling halls, luxurious restaurants and a cabaret.

Lebanon’s traditional souks (markets) are found all over the country offering decorative and precious handmade items at very low prices. Special purchases include traditional pottery and glassware, as well as cutlery made of tempered steel or copper with ram or buffalo bone handles shaped in the form of beautiful and colourful birds’ heads. Brass and copper goods include braziers, bowls, fluted jugs, ashtrays, swords and doorstops, all attractively designed and hand engraved. Cloth, silk and wool kaftans, abayas (embroidered nightwear) and table linen are popular, as are handworked gold and silver. Shops sell the latest Western goods including clothes, cosmetics, furniture and electrical appliances.

Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0800-1800.