Levantine cuisine includes the eastern part of the Mediterranean, with its islands and neighbouring countries. In this seaside area, sharing food is seen as one of the great joys of being alive.

Shawarma, which is trending at the moment, is a Levant dish based on the doner kebab of Ottoman Turkey. Originally lamb or mutton, today's shawarma can include chicken, turkey, beef, or veal, cut into thin slices and stacked in a cone-like shape on a vertical rotisserie. Fresh fish and seafood are also must-tries. Sayadieh, for example, is a classic Middle Eastern family dish prepared with saffron rice and firm, white fish. It's then garnished with fried onions, sumac, almonds, pine nuts, mint, and creamy tahini sauce.