Sesame Allergy Survival Guide to Lebanese Cuisine

Lebanese cuisine delights with vibrant flavors, but sesame—found in tahini, oils, and garnishes—poses serious risks for allergy sufferers. Understanding hidden pitfalls is key to safe dining. Here’s how to savor Lebanese food without fear.

Why Sesame Is Everywhere in Lebanese Dishes

Sesame is a cornerstone ingredient in Lebanese cooking. Tahini (sesame paste) forms the base of iconic dips like hummus and baba ghanoush. Sesame oil flavors meats, and toasted seeds adorn breads like ka’ak. Even spice blends like za'atar may contain sesame.

High-Risk Lebanese Dishes to Avoid

• Dips & Mezzes: Hummus, baba ghanoush, muhammara
• Breads: Ka'ak (sesame-crusted rings), manakish (flatbread)
• Mains: Falafel (often fried in sesame oil), grilled meats with tahini sauces
• Desserts: Halva (sesame-based sweet), barazek cookies

Sesame-Free Dish Alternatives

• Fresh Salads: Tabbouleh (parsley/ bulgur), fattoush (without sesame dressing)
• Protein Focus: Grilled chicken or lamb kebabs (plain, no sauces)
• Legume Dishes: Fava bean stew (foul medames), lentil soup
• Rice Dishes: Mujadara (lentils and rice)

Critical Ordering Tips

1. Explicitly state "NO sesame, tahini, or oil"—emphasize cross-contact risks.
2. Confirm ingredients in spice mixes—even za'atar often contains sesame.
3. Request fresh utensils/pans to avoid residue from previous dishes.

How mm food Empowers Safe Dining

• Instant Menu Translation: Scan menus in Arabic to spot sesame-related terms like "طحينة" (tahini) or "سمسم".
• Allergy Filter Feature: Set "sesame allergy" as a restriction. The app analyzes dishes and flags hidden risks like sesame oil in marinades.
• Safety-First Suggestions: Get real-time recommendations for validated sesame-free options based on menu text.

Embrace Lebanese dining with confidence—enjoy complex flavors safely through awareness and smart tools. Always carry emergency medication and use mm food’s allergen features as your frontline defense.