Syria, home to one of the world's oldest civilizations, offers extraordinary historical treasures from ancient Damascus and Aleppo to the spectacular Roman ruins of Palmyra. Despite recent challenges, the country's rich cultural heritage, warm hospitality, and diverse landscapes continue to captivate adventurous travelers.
Syrian cuisine is one of the oldest and most refined in the Arab world, blending influences from Phoenician, Ottoman, and Persian culinary traditions. Characterized by aromatic spice blends, abundant fresh herbs, olive oil, and slow-cooked meat dishes, it differs notably between the sophisticated Damascene kitchen (known for sour flavors using pomegranate and tamarind) and the spicier Aleppine tradition (famous for Aleppo pepper and cherry kebab). Mezze culture dominates - meals begin with 10-30 small shared dishes before main courses arrive.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Syria.
Kibbeh
Syria's national dish - bulgur wheat shell stuffed with minced lamb, onion, and pine nuts. Comes fried, baked, in yogurt sauce (labaniye), or raw (nayeh). Every region has its variation.
Where to try: Naranj Restaurant, Haretna, most traditional restaurants
Price: $8-16
Muhammara
Aleppo's signature roasted red pepper and walnut dip flavored with pomegranate molasses and Aleppo pepper flakes. Smoky, tangy, and addictive - far superior to anything found outside Syria.
Where to try: Any traditional restaurant, especially Kan Zaman and Ziryab
Price: $4-7
Cherry Kabab (Kabab Karaz)
Aleppo's most famous dish - minced lamb kebabs cooked in sweet-sour Damascene cherry sauce. The combination of sour cherry with spiced meat is uniquely Syrian and unforgettable.
Where to try: Naranj Restaurant Damascus, Afamia Restaurant Aleppo
Price: $12-18
Fatteh
Layered dish of crispy toasted flatbread soaked in broth, topped with chickpeas, yogurt, tahini, toasted nuts, and olive oil. A Damascus breakfast classic of remarkable complexity.
Where to try: Al Karameh Restaurant, local breakfast spots throughout Damascus
Price: $4-8
Booza
Syria's extraordinary elastic ice cream made with sahlab orchid root and mastic resin, creating a uniquely stretchy texture unlike any other ice cream. Pounded with metal rods in a theatrical display.
Where to try: Bakdash in Souq Al-Hamidiyah - the most famous booza shop in the world
Price: $2-4
Freekeh
Green roasted wheat (freekeh) slow-cooked with chicken, seven-spice blend, and topped with caramelized onions and almonds. Ancient grain dish central to Syrian culinary heritage.
Where to try: Ziryab Restaurant, traditional Damascene restaurants
Price: $10-15
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Naranj Restaurant
Upscale restaurant in the historic Al-Qaymariya area serving refined Syrian cuisine prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Beautiful traditional setting with courtyard dining. Known for exceptional Borgol, Hommos, and Cherry Kabab.
Al-Qaymariya, Old City, Damascus
Haretna Restaurant
One of Damascus's oldest traditional restaurants housed in historic Damascene building. Serves authentic Syrian meals in charming setting with courtyard. Family-friendly with reliable quality and service.
Old Damascus
Abu Abdo Shawarma
Famous shawarma spot known throughout Damascus for perfectly spiced meat and fresh ingredients. Always busy with locals - a sign of quality. Standing room only but worth it.
Souq Sarouja, Damascus
Al-Andalus Juice Bar
Popular juice bar serving fresh-squeezed fruit juices and light snacks. Perfect refreshment while exploring Old Damascus. Always uses fresh seasonal fruit.
Souq Al-Hamidiyah, Damascus
Bakdash Ice Cream
Legendary ice cream parlor established in 1895, famous for traditional booza pounded with heavy metal rods. Damascus institution serving elastic mastic and sahlab ice cream with pistachios. Always packed with locals and tourists.
Souq Al-Hamidiyah, Damascus
Beit Jabri Restaurant
Elegant restaurant in a beautifully restored Damascene mansion featuring high-end Syrian cuisine. Atmospheric courtyard with fountain, live traditional music on weekends. Exceptional service and presentation.
Old City, Damascus
Bab Al Hara
Popular restaurant serving home-style Syrian cooking in traditional atmosphere. Named after famous Syrian TV series, features authentic recipes and generous portions. Great for families.
Mezzeh, Damascus
Falafel Lababidi
Legendary falafel shop serving crispy, flavorful falafel sandwiches since 1952. Simple menu done to perfection. Busy lunch spot for locals and savvy tourists alike.
Bab Al Jabiya, Damascus
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Syrian Traditional
Naranj Restaurant
Haretna Restaurant
Ziryab Restaurant
Kan Zaman
Syrian Fast Food
Abu Abdo Shawarma
Juices & Snacks
Al-Andalus Juice Bar
Cafe & Ice Cream
Bakdash Ice Cream
Syrian Fine Dining
Beit Jabri Restaurant
Syrian Home Cooking
Bab Al Hara
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Falafel Sandwich
Crispy deep-fried falafel balls of ground chickpeas and herbs stuffed into flatbread with fresh vegetables, tahini, and pickles. Damascus falafel is distinctively herby and light.
Find it at: Falafel Lababidi near Bab Al Jabiya, Sarouja Falafel Corner, throughout Old City
Kaak Bread
Large circular sesame-encrusted bread sold from carts near the Umayyad Mosque and throughout the souqs. Fresh-baked, chewy, and fragrant - perfect walking snack.
Find it at: Cart vendors near Umayyad Mosque and throughout Souq Al-Hamidiyah
Boiled or Grilled Corn
Fresh corn on the cob either grilled over charcoal or boiled, brushed with butter and salt. Simple pleasure sold from carts throughout Old Damascus souqs.
Find it at: Mobile vendors throughout Old City and souqs
Manakeesh
Syrian flatbread baked with za'atar and olive oil, cheese, or minced meat - the quintessential Syrian breakfast eaten folded like a wrap while walking.
Find it at: Bakeries throughout Damascus, especially near Bab Touma morning market
Shawarma
Layers of marinated chicken or beef turning on a vertical rotisserie, shaved and served in flatbread with garlic sauce, pickles, and fries. Abu Abdo in Sarouja widely considered Damascus's best.
Find it at: Abu Abdo Shawarma in Souq Sarouja; countless stands throughout city
Fresh Juice
Stalls throughout Damascus serving fresh-pressed pomegranate, orange, lemon-mint, and mixed fruit juices. Al-Andalus Juice Bar in Souq Al-Hamidiyah is one of the most popular.
Find it at: Al-Andalus Juice Bar (Souq Al-Hamidiyah), juice stalls throughout Old City
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Al-Buzuriyah Spice Souq
Damascus's legendary aromatic spice market crammed beneath ancient stone vaulting with hundreds of varieties of spices, herbs, dried flowers, and traditional remedies. The air is thick with za'atar, Aleppo pepper, rose petals, and exotic blends.
Hours: 8AM-6PM daily, closed Friday morning
Souq Al-Hamidiyah Food Section
The inner reaches of Damascus's grand covered market host vendors selling traditional sweets (baklava, halaweh), dried fruits, nuts, and freshly baked breads. The Bakdash ice cream at the mosque end is legendary.
Hours: 9AM-8PM daily
Shaalan Street Market
Central Damascus commercial street with fruit and vegetable vendors, cheese shops, butchers, and produce stalls alongside modern supermarkets. Good for self-catering supplies and experiencing everyday Syrian food shopping.
Hours: 7AM-9PM daily
Aleppo Covered Food Market
The reconstructed sections of Aleppo's ancient covered markets include dedicated food sections selling Aleppo soap, northern Syrian spices, traditional preserved foods, and the city's distinctive cherry products.
Hours: 9AM-7PM Sat-Thu
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Lunch (1-3 PM) is the main meal in Syrian culture - restaurants are busiest and menus most complete at midday
Mezze (small shared plates) culture means ordering many dishes - start with 5-8 cold mezze then add hot dishes progressively
Always try the house-made bread (khubz arabi) - fresh flatbread accompanies every meal and is often the best indicator of a kitchen's quality
Syrian hospitality means portions are generous - don't over-order; dishes keep arriving
Friday morning most restaurants are closed for prayers; many reopen after midday prayer around 1 PM
Cash only (Syrian pounds or USD) - no credit cards accepted anywhere including hotel restaurants
Tipping 10% is appreciated at sit-down restaurants; round up taxi fares; falafel stands don't expect tips
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $6-12/day | Street food only - falafel, shawarma, kaak bread, fresh juice; excellent quality throughout Damascus Old City |
| Mid-range | $20-40/day | Mix of street food and casual sit-down restaurants like Haretna or Bab Al Hara for at least one proper meal |
| Upscale | $60-120+/day | Fine dining at Naranj, Beit Jabri, or Elissar for dinner plus mezze lunches at upscale restaurants |