There are numerous restaurants in Aleppo and Damascus serving a variety of Oriental and European dishes.
Things to know: Table service is the norm and a meal is paid for afterwards. There are bars serving a wide range of alcoholic drinks. Alcohol is permitted but restrictions are imposed during Ramadan when it is illegal to drink in public from dawn to dusk, even for non-Muslims.
National specialties:
•
Kubbeh (minced semolina and meat formed in balls and stuffed with minced meat, onion and nuts).
•
Yabrak (vine leaves stuffed with rice and minced
meat),
ouzi (pastry stuffed with rice and minced meat) and a variety of vegetables cooked with meat and tomato sauce, usually presented on separate plates and eaten by mixing it with cooked rice.
•
Mensaf (pieces of lamb on rice and pine nuts).
• Main vegetables are okra, French beans and
malukhiyya.
•
Baklava is a favorite dessert made from flaky pastry filled with honey and nuts.
National drinks:
• Tea and coffee.
• Local beers include
Al-Sharq, brewed in Aleppo, and
Barada, from Damascus.
Tipping: Often expected, especially in more expensive establishments; 10 per cent is generally acceptable.
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