There are numerous restaurants in Aleppo and Damascus serving a variety of Oriental and European dishes.

Things to know: Table service is the norm and a meal is paid for afterwards. There are bars serving a wide range of alcoholic drinks. Alcohol is permitted but restrictions are imposed during Ramadan when it is illegal to drink in public from dawn to dusk, even for non-Muslims.

National specialities:
• Kubbeh (minced semolina and meat formed in balls and stuffed with minced meat, onion and nuts).
• Yabrak (vine leaves stuffed with rice and minced meat), ouzi (pastry stuffed with rice and minced meat) and a variety of vegetables cooked with meat and tomato sauce, usually presented on separate plates and eaten by mixing it with cooked rice.
• Mensaf (pieces of lamb on rice and pine nuts).
• Main vegetables are okra, French beans and malukhiyya.
• Baklava is a favourite dessert made from flaky pastry filled with honey and nuts.

National drinks:
• Tea and coffee.
• Local beers include Al-Sharq, brewed in Aleppo, and Barada, from Damascus.

Tipping: Often expected, especially in more expensive establishments; 10% is generally acceptable.

Souks (markets) are the best places for shopping, notably those in Aleppo. Local handicrafts in the Syrian Arab Republic are numerous and precious, including mother-of-pearl items (such as backgammon boards), olive-wood carvings, weaving and embroidery, leather goods and gold and silver jewellery.

Shopping hours: Sat-Thurs 0930-1400 and 1630-2200 (summer); Sat-Thurs 0930-1400 and 1600-2000 (winter).