Libyan cuisine, much like the country itself, is rich in history, deeply rooted in Mediterranean and North African flavors, and full of influences from centuries of trade, conquest, and migration.

Yet, despite its diverse influences, Libyan food remains relatively undiscovered on the global culinary scene. Libyan cuisine is not without its charms and you will certainly not go hungry when you visit the place.

Top Ten Libyan Foods You Have to Try

Libyan food is hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, with many meals designed to keep you full for hours (which it does). The traditional Libyan diet is based on simple yet robust ingredients—bread, meat, tomatoes, olive oil, and spices—combined in ways that highlight the importance of fresh, quality produce. So, if you do find yourself visiting Libya here’s my top ten take on what Libyan foods you must try!

1. Shakshuka

Although shakshuka is popular across North Africa and the Middle East, Libyan shakshuka stands out with its unique twist. A rich tomato-based dish simmered with onions, bell peppers, garlic, and a healthy dose of cumin and coriander, Libyan shakshuka is typically topped with a fried egg, adding both texture and protein. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or even dinner, this comforting dish is often served with warm bread to scoop up the flavorful sauce.

2. Couscous (Bulgur)

A North African classic, couscous is a staple across Libya. While often associated with Morocco and Tunisia, in Libya, couscous is made from semolina wheat and is typically served with lamb, chicken, or vegetable stews. The steamed couscous grains are fluffier than most varieties and serve as the perfect base to soak up flavorful broths.

3. Maqruda

Maqruda is a traditional Libyan dessert that combines the sweetness of dates with the crunchiness of semolina. Shaped into small oval cakes and deep-fried to a golden crisp, maqruda is soaked in syrup, making it a rich, indulgent treat. This dessert is especially popular during special occasions like Eid, but it’s a beloved snack at any time of the year.

4. Bazeen

A quintessential Libyan dish, bazeen is made from barley flour, which is mixed with water to form a doughy, almost sticky consistency. This dough is traditionally served with a hearty stew made from lamb, chicken, or beef, cooked with vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and tomatoes. Libyans eat bazeen with their hands, breaking off chunks and dipping them into the stew. It’s the ultimate comfort food in Libya, especially during family gatherings.

5. Libyan Harira

Similar to the Moroccan version, Libyan harira is a fragrant and warming soup made with tomatoes, chickpeas, lentils, and a variety of spices, including cinnamon and turmeric. It’s a popular dish to break the fast during Ramadan, but it’s also enjoyed throughout the year. Harira is usually served with a side of bread or dates for dipping, making it both filling and nutritious.

6. Bazin wa Laham (Bazin with Meat)

This dish is a Libyan variation of the more widely known “couscous.” Bazin, a thick dough made from barley or wheat, is served with lamb or beef stew and a rich, flavorful broth. The meat is slow-cooked to perfection, ensuring it’s tender and juicy. A key element of this dish is the garlic and cumin-based sauce, which complements the heavy dough and the richness of the meat.

7. Sfiha

Sfiha, also known as “Libyan pizza,” is a savory pastry made of dough and filled with a mixture of ground beef or lamb, onions, tomatoes, and a blend of spices. It’s like a mini meat pie, perfect for a quick lunch or a snack. You will often get asked in restaurants if you want “western” or “Libyan” pizza – do the later as you will not regret it!!!

8. Libyan Mechoui

Mechoui is a slow-roasted lamb dish that is a classic of Libyan barbecues and celebratory meals. The whole lamb is typically marinated in a blend of spices, including garlic, cumin, and coriander, before being slowly roasted to tender perfection. The meat falls off the bone, making it a rich and flavorful dish that’s often shared among family and friends. In Libya, mechoui is usually served with bread and salad, making it the ideal dish for any festive occasion.

9. Tajine

Libya shares its love of tajine with countries across North Africa, but the Libyan version has its own unique flavors. Often cooked in a clay pot (as per tradition), this dish combines lamb or chicken with a mixture of vegetables, spices, and dried fruits like apricots or raisins. The slow cooking process ensures all the flavors meld together, creating a savory yet slightly sweet dish that’s served over couscous or rice.

10. Salata (Libyan Salad)

This simple but delicious salad is a staple in Libyan cuisine. Made from a mix of fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and olives, it’s usually dressed with olive oil, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of salt. The tangy dressing brings out the freshness of the vegetables, making it a perfect side dish to accompany any Libyan main course. For extra flavor, Libyan salads often include herbs like parsley and mint.

Libyan Restaurants: The Dominance of Shawarma and Fast Food

When it comes to dining out in Libya, the restaurant scene is dominated by casual, fast, and street food-style eateries. While traditional Libyan dishes like bazeen, shakshuka, and mechoui remain essential to the culinary culture, you’ll find that shawarma and kebab places dominate the landscape in larger cities like Tripoli and Benghazi.

Shawarma Shops

Shawarma joints are a ubiquitous sight in Libya, serving up skewers of spiced meat, usually beef or chicken, that are slowly cooked on rotating spits. It’s a quick, easy, and satisfying meal. Much like in neighboring countries, shawarma in Libya is served in pita or flatbread, topped with a variety of vegetables, sauces, and sometimes even french fries, creating a filling and delicious sandwich.

The Libyan Street Food Scene

Libyan street food offers a vibrant, accessible way to experience the country’s culinary culture, and it’s a far cry from the formal dining experiences. Across Libyan cities like Tripoli, Benghazi, and Misrata, the streets are lined with food vendors offering an array of mouthwatering, quick bites perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Shawarma, as mentioned earlier, is king, with countless shops serving spiced, roasted meat wrapped in flatbread. These shops are often buzzing with locals grabbing a quick, hearty meal on the go.

In addition to shawarma, sfiha (meat-filled pastries) and falafel (deep-fried chickpea balls) can be found at most corners, offering a satisfying snack or meal. Bakeries are also common, offering warm, freshly baked breads filled with savory fillings such as cheese, spinach, or ground beef.

Another feature of the Libyan street food scene is the prevalence of tea and coffee stands. These kiosks, often run by small, family-owned businesses, serve strong Libyan tea and coffee to locals who stop by for a chat or a quick pick-me-up. The aromatic scent of freshly brewed coffee and tea can be found wafting from every corner, making it an integral part of the bustling street atmosphere. The street food scene in Libya is all about convenience, flavor, and social interaction.

Is there McDonalds in Libya?

While there is no McDonalds in Libya, putting it up there with North Korea, Burma and Cuba as a Ronald McDonalds no-show, there is KFC in Tripoli. There are also a number of local and regional franchises serving up some kebab jollies and other local treats.

Interestingly, the international fast food scene is complemented by the presence of “knock-off” franchises. These are local imitations of global brands, offering similar menus and concepts but without the official branding. Whether they are attempting to capture the fast-food craze or simply offering a cheaper alternative, these knock-offs can be found in various Libyan cities, especially in commercial and residential neighborhoods.

Local Eateries and Cafés

Beyond shawarma and fast food, traditional Libyan cafés and restaurants still hold a significant place in the dining culture. These venues often serve traditional dishes like harira, couscous, and sfiha, along with lighter fare such as sandwiches and pastries. Cafés are also popular spots for sipping Libyan tea and enjoying small plates of salata or meze. Whether you’re stopping for a quick bite or enjoying a long, leisurely meal, these spots provide a more authentic, local experience.

The Dining Culture

Dining in Libya is very much a communal affair. Many restaurants and cafés will have large platters designed for sharing, especially at dinner. Traditional meals like bazeen or mechoui are often served family-style, with diners breaking off chunks of bread to scoop up stews and sauces. Hospitality is paramount, and guests are often offered tea or sweets after the meal as a sign of respect.

Libyan Drinks

While Libyan cuisine tends to focus heavily on hearty, flavorful meals, the country also boasts a range of traditional beverages. These drinks are a central part of Libyan culture, whether consumed with meals or during social gatherings. Here’s a quick look at some of the most popular drinks in Libya:

• Chai (Libyan Tea): Libyan tea is often enjoyed after meals or during social gatherings. It’s a strong, sweet black tea flavored with mint. The tea is typically served in small glasses, with plenty of sugar, making it both refreshing and satisfying.
• Qamar al-Din: This apricot juice drink is especially popular during Ramadan when it is often consumed to break the fast. The juice is thickened with dried apricots, creating a sweet and tangy drink that’s rich in flavor and nutrients.
• Jallab: Jallab is a sweet drink made from dates, grape molasses, and rosewater. Often served cold with pine nuts or raisins, it’s a refreshing beverage, especially during the hot Libyan summers.
• Karkadeh (Hibiscus Tea): Another popular drink is karkadeh, a hibiscus tea that’s bright red and tangy, often sweetened with sugar. It’s served either hot or cold and is especially refreshing in hot weather.
• Doogh: A cooling yogurt-based drink, Doogh is a favorite across North Africa and the Middle East, and even as far as the Balkans where it has many different names. It’s made from yogurt, water, and a pinch of salt, with some variations adding herbs like mint. Best served chilled it really is the perfect accompaniment for not just Libyan, but Middle-Eastern cuisine as a whole.

Can You Drink Alcohol in Libya?

The short answer is no. Libya, as an Islamic country, has strict laws prohibiting the consumption, sale, and importation of alcohol. This is rooted in the country’s adherence to Islamic law, which prohibits alcohol consumption for religious reasons. In fact, it’s illegal to possess alcohol, and the penalties can be severe.

However, like many places around the world, there’s always a hidden underground market for those looking to get their hands on something a little stronger. In Libya, this typically takes the form of homemade moonshine, locally known as “arak.” This clear, strong liquor is made from fermented grains or dates and is often distilled in secret. It’s not something you’ll find on store shelves, but if you know the right people, you might be able to get a taste of it. I will leave it at that—what you do with this information is up to you.

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Libyan Cuisine: More Than Just a Meal

While Libyan cuisine may not have the breadth and complexity of cuisines like Syrian or Lebanese food, it still offers an incredibly rich and satisfying experience. The meals are often designed to be shared, fostering a sense of community and hospitality. Large, family-style portions are the norm, with meals designed to be filling enough that lunch is often the only meal of the day, as many travelers to Libya and tourists on YPT tours will find. The emphasis on simplicity and freshness means that Libyan food is never overly fussy, but always packed with flavor.

Though Libyan food may not yet have the international recognition it you will not just not go hungry, but hey you might even feel the need to stroll into a Libyan restaurant if you get the chance.

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