Lebanese keto guide
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151 dishes71 keto as served129 with a photo
Keto friendliness
Lebanese cuisine is quite adaptable to keto, particularly by focusing on grilled meats, specific dips, and modified salads.
Top ingredients
Grilled lamb, beef, and chicken, olive oil, eggplant, fresh herbs, feta, halloumi cheese, and plain yogurt (labneh) are excellent traditional keto ingredients.
Danger zones
Pita bread, rice, bulgur (in tabbouleh, kibbeh), hummus, foul medames, potatoes, and sugary desserts are pervasive carb traps that must be rigorously avoided.
Best for
This cuisine works best for high-protein and clean keto dieters who are meticulous about avoiding hidden carbs and willing to modify dishes.
What to drink
Drinks you will see at Lebanese restaurants, cafés and stalls, rated the same way as the food.
Order these
- KetoWhite Coffee ahweh bayda (قهوة بيضا) · 0g net carbs as usually served
- KetoYogurt Drink laban ayran (لبن عيران) · 5g net carbs as usually served
- Ask firstLebanese Coffee ahweh (قهوة) · 4g net carbs as usually servedOrder it 'sada' (plain). 'Wasat' is medium-sweet.
- Ask firstMint Lemonade limonada bi naana · 30g net carbs as usually servedAsk for it 'bala sukkar' (without sugar).
Skip these
- SkipTamarind Drink tamer hindi (تمر هندي) · 35g net carbs as usually servedSkip this, order laban ayran instead.
- SkipJallab jallab (جلاب) · 40g net carbs as usually servedSkip this, order laban ayran instead.
- SkipApricot Drink qamar el-din (قمر الدين) · 40g net carbs as usually servedSkip this, order laban ayran instead.
151 dishes · page 1 of 3
Liyyeh Mechwi
Grilled Lamb Tail Fat
Slices of rich lamb tail fat (liyyeh), grilled until crispy and deeply flavored. Often served as a side to gri…
0 net0 total0 fibre5 protein85 fat800 kcal
Awarma
Confit Lamb/Beef
Slow-cooked, preserved lamb or beef, rendered in its own fat. This rich, fatty meat is intensely flavorful and…
1 net1 total0 fibre35 protein65 fat750 kcal
Mokhazat (Keto Modified)
Roasted Bone Marrow with Lemon and Herbs
Rich and buttery bone marrow, roasted until gelatinous and served simply with lemon wedges and fresh herbs lik…
1 net1 total0 fibre25 protein100 fat1000 kcal
Batrakh
Cured Fish Roe with Olive Oil and Lemon
A delicacy consisting of cured mullet roe (bottarga), thinly sliced and drizzled generously with high-quality …
2 net2 total0 fibre25 protein30 fat380 kcal
Fatayel Mechwi
Grilled Beef Fillet
Tender cuts of beef fillet (tenderloin) expertly grilled, seasoned with simple salt and pepper, highlighting t…
2 net2 total0 fibre70 protein60 fat850 kcal
Kastaletta 3ijel Mechwi
Grilled Veal Chops
Succulent veal chops, seasoned simply and grilled to perfection. Veal is leaner than lamb but still offers a r…
2 net3 total1 fibre85 protein65 fat950 kcal
Kraydat Mechwi
Grilled Lamb Testicles
A delicacy in Lebanese cuisine, lamb testicles are cleaned, thinly sliced, seasoned, and then grilled or pan-f…
2 net2 total0 fibre45 protein55 fat700 kcal
Kraydes Makli (Keto Modified)
Pan-Fried Shrimp (No Breading)
Succulent shrimp pan-fried with garlic, lemon, and a blend of spices, delivering a flavorful and juicy texture…
2 net2 total0 fibre42 protein44 fat560 kcal
Lift Makbous
Pickled Turnips
Crisp and tangy pink pickled turnips, a staple Lebanese mezze item. These vibrant pickles are made with turnip…
2 net4 total2 fibre1 protein0 fat20 kcal
Riyash Ghanam
Grilled Lamb Chops
Tender and flavorful lamb chops, typically marinated simply with olive oil, garlic, and aromatic spices, then …
2 net3 total1 fibre65 protein60 fat800 kcal
Samak Makli (Keto Modified)
Pan-Fried Fish (No Breading)
Fresh fish (often a whole fish or fillet) pan-fried until golden and crispy, seasoned simply with lemon, salt,…
2 net3 total1 fibre60 protein45 fat650 kcal
Samak Mechwi
Grilled Whole Fish (Lemon, Garlic, Olive Oil)
A whole fresh fish (e.g., sea bass, snapper) marinated simply with lemon, garlic, and olive oil, then grilled …
2 net3 total1 fibre70 protein40 fat680 kcal
Sardeen Mechwi
Grilled Sardines
Fresh whole sardines, marinated simply with lemon, garlic, and olive oil, then grilled until the skin is crisp…
2 net2 total0 fibre40 protein40 fat550 kcal
Tihall Mechwi
Grilled Lamb Spleen
Lamb spleen, a nutritious organ meat, is cleaned, seasoned, and grilled until tender. It has a unique texture …
2 net2 total0 fibre40 protein55 fat680 kcal
Bayd Ma' Awarma
Eggs with Preserved Lamb/Beef
A hearty and traditional Lebanese breakfast or brunch dish consisting of eggs (scrambled or fried) cooked dire…
3 net3 total0 fibre55 protein58 fat750 kcal
Calamari Mechwi
Grilled Calamari
Tender calamari rings and tentacles, marinated simply with lemon, garlic, and olive oil, then grilled to perfe…
3 net4 total1 fibre55 protein25 fat450 kcal
Halloumi Mechwi
Grilled Halloumi Cheese
Slices of savory, firm Halloumi cheese, known for its high melting point, grilled until golden brown with a sl…
3 net3 total0 fibre25 protein32 fat400 kcal
Jibneh Maklieh
Fried Akkawi Cheese
Pan-fried slices of savory Akkawi cheese until golden brown and slightly crispy, a popular mezze item. Akkawi …
3 net3 total0 fibre30 protein64 fat690 kcal
Kalaweh Ghanam Mechwi
Grilled Lamb Kidneys with Herbs
Tender lamb kidneys, marinated in simple spices like garlic, lemon, and olive oil, then grilled. A rich and fl…
3 net3 total0 fibre45 protein36 fat520 kcal
Keto Fried Spiced Lamb & Beef Meatballs (Bulgur-Free)
Fried Spiced Lamb & Beef Meatballs
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these flavorful meatballs are made from a savory blend of grou…
3 net5 total2 fibre45 protein65 fat780 kcal
Kharouf Mechwi
Slow-Roasted Lamb Shoulder with Keto Sides
A succulent, slow-roasted lamb shoulder, seasoned and cooked until incredibly tender and falling off the bone.…
3 net6 total3 fibre44 protein102 fat1100 kcal
Khassiyet Ghanam
Sautéed Lamb Testicles with Garlic and Lemon
A specialty dish featuring lamb testicles, often pan-fried or sautéed with fresh garlic, lemon juice, and oliv…
3 net3 total0 fibre60 protein65 fat850 kcal
Kibdeh Nayyeh
Raw Lamb/Beef Liver with Garlic and Lemon
A traditional Lebanese mezze featuring very thin slices of fresh raw lamb or beef liver, dressed simply with f…
3 net4 total1 fibre55 protein45 fat650 kcal
Lahme Nayyeh
Raw Spiced Minced Lamb/Beef Tartare
A classic Lebanese delicacy of very finely minced raw lamb or beef, seasoned with a blend of spices (often inc…
3 net5 total2 fibre80 protein50 fat780 kcal
Nkhakh (Keto Modified)
Sautéed Lamb Brains with Garlic and Lemon
Delicately prepared lamb brains, typically par-boiled and then pan-fried or sautéed with generous amounts of g…
3 net4 total1 fibre45 protein65 fat780 kcal
Qalb Ghanam Mechwi
Grilled Lamb Heart Skewers
Skewers of marinated lamb heart, grilled until tender and slightly charred. A lean yet flavorful organ meat, n…
3 net3 total0 fibre48 protein32 fat500 kcal
Rosto
Roast Beef Platter with Keto Sides
Slices of tender, slow-roasted beef, seasoned with Lebanese spices. This hearty dish is presented as a platter…
3 net6 total3 fibre54 protein52 fat700 kcal
Samman Meshwi
Grilled Quail
Whole quails marinated in garlic, lemon, olive oil, and Lebanese spices, then grilled to perfection. Naturally…
3 net4 total1 fibre60 protein45 fat650 kcal
Basturma
Cured Beef Basturma
Thinly sliced, air-dried, and heavily spiced beef fillet, coated with a distinctive fenugreek and garlic paste…
4 net6 total2 fibre30 protein28 fat380 kcal
Dajaj Meshwi
Grilled Whole Chicken (Keto Sides)
A whole or half chicken, marinated in a vibrant blend of lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and various spices, t…
4 net5 total1 fibre80 protein62 fat900 kcal
Fakhud Ghanam Mishwi
Roasted Lamb Leg/Shoulder (No Rice/Potatoes)
A whole lamb leg or shoulder, slow-roasted until exceptionally tender and flavorful, seasoned with garlic, lem…
4 net5 total1 fibre100 protein85 fat1200 kcal
Jwaneh Mechwiyeh
Grilled Chicken Wings with Garlic Sauce
Marinated chicken wings grilled to crispy perfection, often served with a creamy garlic paste (toum) and a squ…
4 net5 total1 fibre60 protein55 fat750 kcal
Kawareh
Slow-Cooked Cow's Trotters (No Rice/Bread)
A traditional, rich, and gelatinous dish made from slow-cooked cow's trotters, usually braised with garlic, le…
4 net5 total1 fibre60 protein45 fat650 kcal
Kersh
Slow-Cooked Tripe Stew (No Rice/Potatoes)
A robust and earthy stew made from beef or lamb tripe, slow-cooked until very tender with garlic, lemon, and o…
4 net6 total2 fibre55 protein38 fat580 kcal
Keto Jibneh Manakish Topping
Spiced Cheese Topping (Keto Manakish Style)
A delicious, gooey blend of traditional Lebanese cheeses like Akkawi, often mixed with mozzarella, seasoned wi…
4 net5 total1 fibre45 protein65 fat800 kcal
Keto Shorbat Dajaj
Keto Chicken Soup (No Pasta/Rice/Potatoes)
A rich and comforting chicken broth, generously filled with tender chicken pieces and aromatic herbs and spice…
4 net6 total2 fibre35 protein35 fat480 kcal
Kibdeh 3ijel Mechwi
Grilled Marinated Calf Liver
Tender slices of fresh calf liver marinated in a zesty mixture of lemon juice, crushed garlic, and olive oil, …
4 net5 total1 fibre40 protein30 fat450 kcal
Kibdeh Ghanam bil Hamod w Toum
Pan-Fried Lamb Liver with Garlic and Lemon
Fresh lamb liver quickly pan-fried to a delicate tenderness, then sautéed with copious garlic, fresh lemon jui…
4 net5 total1 fibre45 protein60 fat750 kcal
Kibdeh Meshwi
Grilled Lamb Liver
Skewers of marinated lamb liver, simply seasoned with classic Lebanese spices and grilled. A popular, nutrient…
4 net5 total1 fibre65 protein40 fat620 kcal
Kraydes Mechwi
Grilled Shrimp with Lemon and Garlic
Succulent shrimp marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic, then grilled to perfection. A naturally low-…
4 net5 total1 fibre45 protein32 fat480 kcal
Lsenat
Lamb Tongue with Lemon-Garlic Sauce
Tender, slow-cooked lamb tongue, thinly sliced and dressed with a zesty lemon-garlic sauce, typically served c…
4 net5 total1 fibre50 protein55 fat700 kcal
Polpo Meshwi
Grilled Octopus
Tender octopus tentacles, typically pre-boiled for tenderness, then marinated in olive oil, lemon, garlic, and…
4 net5 total1 fibre65 protein35 fat580 kcal
Ras Kharoof
Slow-Cooked Lamb's Head Platter (No Bread)
A traditional and hearty dish featuring a slow-cooked lamb's head, typically boiled until tender. The meat is …
4 net5 total1 fibre70 protein100 fat1200 kcal
Samak Nayyeh
Raw Fish Tartare
Finely diced fresh raw fish (often snapper or sea bass) mixed with finely chopped fresh herbs (like mint, pars…
4 net5 total1 fibre40 protein28 fat420 kcal
Zaytoun Marinated
Marinated Olives
A selection of mixed olives (green and black) marinated in extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic,…
4 net8 total4 fibre1 protein28 fat250 kcal
Ardeeshawki Bi Zeit
Artichoke Hearts in Oil and Lemon
Tender artichoke hearts, typically preserved in olive oil and lemon juice, sometimes with herbs like dill. Ser…
5 net12 total7 fibre4 protein25 fat280 kcal
Bayd bi Sabanekh
Eggs with Sautéed Spinach
A nutritious Lebanese dish of eggs gently cooked with sautéed fresh spinach, garlic, and olive oil. Often seas…
5 net8 total3 fibre20 protein35 fat420 kcal
Ejjeh (Keto Lebanese Omelette)
Lebanese Omelette (Flour-Free)
A thick, savory omelette made with beaten eggs, fresh herbs like parsley and mint, and green onions, seasoned …
5 net7 total2 fibre30 protein35 fat480 kcal
Jibneh Mechwieh
Grilled Feta Cheese
Slices of salty feta cheese, lightly grilled until warm and slightly softened, creating a rich and tangy appet…
5 net5 total0 fibre25 protein44 fat520 kcal
Kashkawan Mechwi
Grilled Kashkawan Cheese
Slices of semi-hard Kashkawan cheese, grilled until it's slightly melted and has a smoky char. It offers a dis…
5 net5 total0 fibre40 protein55 fat650 kcal
Keto Kibbeh Nayyeh (Bulgur-Free)
Raw Spiced Lamb & Beef Tartare (Bulgur-Free)
A traditional Lebanese delicacy, this keto-modified version features finely minced raw lean lamb or beef, knea…
5 net8 total3 fibre55 protein35 fat550 kcal
Sabanekh Bi Zeit
Spinach with Garlic and Olive Oil
A simple and healthy mezze dish made from fresh spinach sautéed in abundant olive oil with garlic and a hint o…
5 net10 total5 fibre5 protein35 fat350 kcal
Salatat Jarjir
Arugula Salad
A refreshing and peppery salad featuring fresh arugula leaves, thinly sliced red onion, and typically dressed …
5 net8 total3 fibre3 protein20 fat200 kcal
Soujok
Spicy Lebanese Sausage
Flavorful, spicy beef or lamb sausages, often pan-fried with a touch of tomato and onion. A rich and aromatic …
5 net7 total2 fibre32 protein55 fat650 kcal
Spiced Minced Meat & Pine Nut Medley (Keto Riz bi Lahme Style)
Spiced Minced Meat & Pine Nut Medley
A rich and aromatic medley of ground lamb or beef, sautéed with toasted pine nuts, and traditional Lebanese sp…
5 net8 total3 fibre40 protein65 fat800 kcal
Tonno Mechwi
Grilled Tuna Steak with Keto Sides
A thick, flavorful tuna steak, expertly grilled to perfection, seasoned with lemon, garlic, and Mediterranean …
5 net8 total3 fibre62 protein58 fat840 kcal
Arayes (Keto Modified)
Grilled Meat Patties with Herbs (Arayes Filling)
Seasoned ground meat (lamb or beef) mixed with finely chopped onions, parsley, and spices, grilled to perfecti…
6 net8 total2 fibre50 protein55 fat700 kcal
Bayd bil Lahme
Eggs with Minced Lamb
A robust and satisfying dish made with scrambled or pan-fried eggs cooked directly with seasoned minced lamb, …
6 net8 total2 fibre55 protein50 fat700 kcal
Betenjan Makli (No Breading)
Fried Eggplant with Garlic & Herbs (No Breading)
Slices of eggplant pan-fried until golden and tender, seasoned generously with garlic, lemon juice, and fresh …
6 net12 total6 fibre5 protein40 fat400 kcal
Futer bi Zeit
Mushrooms Sautéed in Olive Oil
Fresh mushrooms sautéed until tender in generous amounts of olive oil with garlic and a hint of lemon, creatin…
6 net8 total2 fibre4 protein42 fat400 kcal
Questions people ask
What can I eat at a Lebanese restaurant on keto?
Good orders that are keto as served include Liyyeh Mechwi (0g net carbs), Awarma (1g net carbs), Mokhazat (1g net carbs), Batrakh (2g net carbs), Fatayel Mechwi (2g net carbs) and Kastaletta 3ijel Mechwi (2g net carbs). Of the 151 Lebanese dishes in this guide, 71 are keto as served.
Is Lebanese food keto-friendly?
Keto Atlas rates Lebanese food "Navigable" for keto. Lebanese cuisine is quite adaptable to keto, particularly by focusing on grilled meats, specific dips, and modified salads.
What Lebanese dishes should I avoid on keto?
Pita bread, rice, bulgur (in tabbouleh, kibbeh), hummus, foul medames, potatoes, and sugary desserts are pervasive carb traps that must be rigorously avoided. Dishes to skip include Kousa w Lahme (19g), Lahme bil Karaz (16g), Lahme bi Fruita Mujaffafa (16g) and Sawda Ghanam Mekli bi Debs Remman (16g).
How do I order Lebanese food keto-style?
Many dishes become keto with one small request. For Kraydes Makli: say "For the Kraydes Makli, please pan-fry the shrimp in olive oil and spices. Absolutely no flour, breading, or cornstarch." For Samak Makli: say "No flour, breadcrumbs, or breading for frying. Please use olive oil or butter. No carb-heavy sauces or sides."
What can I drink at a Lebanese restaurant on keto?
Keto-friendly as served: White Coffee and Yogurt Drink. Fine with a small request (usually no sugar or syrup): Lebanese Coffee and Mint Lemonade. Skip sugary drinks such as Tamarind Drink, Jallab and Apricot Drink.