From Beirut to Barranquilla: Colombian Dishes Inspired by Lebanese Cuisine

Lebanese cuisine has had a notable influence on Colombian gastronomy, especially in the Caribbean coast region. This influence began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when a significant number of immigrants from Lebanon and Syria arrived in Colombia.

Today, it is common in Colombia to find a wide variety of Arabic restaurants in cities like Barranquilla and Cartagena. These establishments offer diverse dishes which stand out for their exquisite flavors and high-quality ingredients. Barranquilla is known for having the most Arabic restaurants in Colombia.

Related: Lebanese in Colombia, Exploring Shakira’s Community Roots

Lebanese-Colombian cuisine: key fusion dishes

Lebanese immigrants to Colombia brought their rich culinary traditions with them. Over time, these fused with local ingredients and techniques, giving rise to a unique gastronomic blend. Among the most representative dishes of this fusion are:

Kibbes

Kibbes, part of traditional Lebanese cuisine, are particularly popular in the cuisine of Colombia’s Caribbean coast. It is common to find this dish on street food stalls, alongside empanadas, arepas de huevo, and carimañolas. In Colombia, kibbes can be served as a side dish, appetizer, or even for breakfast.

Tabbouleh

Tabbouleh is a fresh salad traditionally prepared with parsley, tomato, onion, mint, and bulgur wheat, dressed with lemon and olive oil. In some regions of Colombia, local ingredients like avocado or mango are added. It is commonly served at lunchtime as a side dish.

Lentil fritters (falafel)

Falafel, a dish traditionally made from ground chickpeas or fava beans mixed with herbs and spices, has been adapted in some regions of Colombia. Lentils or beans are used instead of chickpeas, and the fried balls are known as lentil fritters.

Rice with vermicelli

Arab rice, also known as rice with vermicelli, is a variant of white rice that incorporates toasted or cooked vermicelli. This dish has become a very popular side dish on the Caribbean coast of Colombia.

La Senda Barranquilla: local fast food, Arabic ingredients

La Senda is a restaurant located in Barranquilla that stands out for its innovative concept: fusing local fast food, such as hot dogs, pizza, and salchipapas, with ingredients from Arabic cuisine.

Patricia Ortega, the founder of the restaurant, started working in Arabic food establishments at the age of 15, where she learned the region’s traditional culinary techniques. Noticing the popularity of Lebanese food among Barranquilla residents, as well as their passion for local fast food, Ortega saw an opportunity to innovate by blending the best of both cuisines.

This led to the creation of dishes like the “Arab Swiss hot dog,” the “Arab desgranado,” the “Arab salchipapa,” and the “Arab burger.” In addition to their traditional ingredients, these dishes incorporate typical elements like tabbouleh, which add freshness and a unique twist.

Ortega’s first creation was the “Arab hot dog,” which won second place at the city’s Hot Dog Festival. This innovative dish combines the traditional ingredients of a hot dog with elements of Lebanese tabbouleh, kafta, and garlic sauce. After participating in the festival, La Senda gained recognition in Barranquilla, motivating Ortega to add more Colombian-Lebanese fusion dishes to the menu which celebrate the best of both culinary traditions.