Lebanese Expats Are Sharing Stuff They Can’t Find Abroad, And I Honestly Can’t Imagine Living Without Them

Lebanese Expats Are Sharing Stuff They Can’t Find Abroad, And I Honestly Can’t Imagine Living Without Them

If you’ve ever wandered the aisles of a grocery store abroad, you’ve likely experienced the bitter realization that some of your favorite Lebanese essentials are nowhere to be found.

From the tantalizing aroma of Zaatar to the comforting embrace of a bottle of Arak, Lebanese expats around the globe are on a quest to uncover the treasures of their homeland that are impossible to find in far-flung corners of the world.

We asked Lebanese expats “What are some ‘must-haves’ you can easily grab in Lebanon, but are impossible to find abroad?” Here’s what people on Instagram had to say:

1. Sumac

Imagine making Fattoush without the sour and lemony taste of Sumac. Exactly, you can’t.

—salwabey

2. Keshek

Our Keshek soup is the culinary equivalent of a cozy blanket on a cold winter’s day.

—crocheri

3. Debs El Remmen

Sticky and sweet, no salad or meat dish is complete without a drizzle of this liquid gold.

Just be prepared to explain to airport security why your carry-on bag is suspiciously heavy.

—salwabey

4. Saj Bread or Markouk

As kids, we carried a sense of shame as we unwrapped our Saj bread sandwiches at school in contrast to the more celebrated pita bread.

Yet, as adults, we realized that this thin, soft bread with humble origins