01
Fine bulgur
Pre-cooked cracked durum wheat, finely ground, which binds the dough.
كبة
The blog · Lebanese cuisine
What is kibbeh? Bulgur, meat and shaping
Lebanon, a bridge between East and West: a bulgur shell, a fragrant filling, a patient gesture.
In short: Kibbeh (كبة, also kibbé, kebbeh or kubba) is often called Lebanon's national dish: a dough of fine bulgur and minced meat, shaped into a shell and filled with meat, onion and pine nuts. It is best known fried as a torpedo-shaped croquette, but also exists baked (kibbeh bil sanieh), raw (kibbeh nayyeh) and in vegetarian versions. Bulgur is wheat, so kibbeh contains gluten.
Every dish has a story
Kibbeh, a national dish and a craft
Kibbeh is often presented as Lebanon's national dish. Behind its small torpedo shape lies real know-how: a well-bound dough, a thin shell, a generous filling and a tight seal.
“Kibbeh is the patient gesture of a handed-down cuisine: crisp outside, generous within.”
Chapter I · Definition
What is kibbeh?
Definition: a bulgur and meat shell, a filling
Kibbeh combines a shell of fine bulgur kneaded with minced meat, onion and spices, and a filling (hashweh) of coarser minced meat, onion and pine nuts.
Once cooked, the shell turns crisp while the filling stays juicy.
Where the name comes from: kibbé, kebbeh, kubba
In Arabic it is written كبة and pronounced roughly “kebbé” in Lebanese dialect.
In Iraq it is called kubba; all spellings refer to the same family of dishes.
Chapter II · Ingredients
The ingredients of kibbeh
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Meat and spices
Traditionally lean lamb or beef, with warm, gentle spices.
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The filling
Minced meat, softened onion and toasted pine nuts.
The shell needs lean meat so the dough binds well.
Kibbeh is warmly spiced, never fiery.
The bulgur is kneaded by hand until smooth.
Chapter III · Families
The main families of kibbeh
Fried torpedo kibbeh
The best-known form, served as a hot mezze: a hand-shaped, filled and fried croquette.
Baked kibbeh (kibbeh bil sanieh)
Layers of dough and filling baked in a tray and cut into portions.
Raw kibbeh (kibbeh nayyeh)
A cultural speciality of very fresh raw meat pounded with bulgur, drizzled with olive oil.
Vegetarian versions
Traditional versions use pumpkin or potato instead of meat.
Chapter IV · The gesture
Shaping, a gesture of patience
Wet hands hollow out a ball of dough around the finger to form a thin shell.
The shell is filled, sealed and rolled into a torpedo shape.
Each piece needs the same care: an uneven shell cracks when fried.
Chapter V · At the table
How to eat kibbeh?
Fried kibbeh is eaten hot, as a hot mezze to share.
Pair it with yoghurt or labneh, lemon, hummus and tabbouleh. See our guide what is a mezze.
It is above all a dish to share.
For takeaway, reheat it in the oven to keep it crisp.
Chapter VI · Don't confuse
Kibbeh, falafel, kafta: telling them apart
Three Lebanese specialities with very different bases.
Read our guide what is a falafel or discover our grilled kafta.
Chapter VII · Lyon 3
Kibbeh at Layali Beyrouth
At 38 rue du Dauphiné, Lyon 3, our kibbeh are bulgur and spiced meat croquettes, shaped the same day and fried golden, served by four as a hot starter.
Our chef, qualified in Lebanese cuisine, works with fresh produce and no stock.
Discover our house-made kibbeh and our hot mezze, dine-in, takeaway or delivered in Lyon via Uber Eats and Deliveroo.
To taste kibbeh, book a table or order via Click & Collect.
FAQ
Your questions about kibbeh
Is kibbeh fried?
Often, but it also exists baked (kibbeh bil sanieh) and raw (kibbeh nayyeh).
Which meat is traditionally used?
Traditionally lamb or beef, lean and finely minced.
Does kibbeh contain gluten?
Yes: bulgur is wheat, so kibbeh contains gluten.
Is there a vegetarian kibbeh?
Yes, traditional versions use pumpkin or potato.
Kibbeh or falafel to start with?
Both: share them as hot mezze.
How is kibbeh pronounced?
Roughly “kebbé” in Lebanese dialect.
Further reading
Continue with our menu and other Lebanese cuisine guides.
From reading to tasting: see our page kibbeh Lyon.
Time to sit down
Know what you're ordering?
Book a table
Online booking, from lunch to dinner. Groups up to 30 people on request, with an adapted menu.