Lebanese Food Ways explores the captivating world of Lebanese cuisine, revealing how it embodies cultural values and traditions. It emphasizes that Lebanese food goes beyond just ingredients and recipes, highlighting the importance of sharing and hospitality. The book argues that understanding Lebanese culinary traditions offers a deeper appreciation for the Lebanese people and their identity.
One intriguing aspect is how Lebanese cuisine reflects a blend of historical influences, from Phoenician times to French colonialism. The central role of mezze, a selection of small dishes, in communal dining underscores the social aspect of Lebanese food culture. The book examines the historical context, the communal dining experience, and the cultural significance of hospitality to reveal Lebanese identity and connection.
Lebanese Food Ways progresses by first introducing key concepts and then developing them through focused explorations of mezze and hospitality. It concludes by showing how these traditions are preserved and adapted in the modern world, both in Lebanon and within the Lebanese diaspora.