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VIEW PHOTOS
VIEW PHOTOS

Host: Amal

Beirut, Lebanon

USD
$88-$162 per person

Multi-generational Lebanese food experience in Beirut

Host offerings
  • House
  • Home cook
  • Pets
  • Vegetarian
  • Alcohol
  • Transportation
  • Cooking class
  • Market visit
  • Food tour

Meet Amal

Amal is a civil engineer, wife and mother of two daughters. Amal learned most of her cooking skills from her talented mother. She comes from a large family of seven siblings and being the eldest child, she started helping her mother in the kitchen at an early age. Amal says she was fortunate to learn the secrets of traditional Lebanese cooking from her mother who had family recipes passed down from her mother, Amal’s grandmother. Amal and her family love to cook and share traditional Lebanese dishes with friends and family. When asked why she wanted to be a Traveling Spoon host, Amal said, “I enjoy introducing people to our rich cuisine and hosting them for a good home-cooked meal. The added bonus for me is meeting people from different cultures and exchanging experiences.” A unique part about this experience is that you get to meet Amal’s parents and family and have a truly multi-generational Lebanese experience.

What to expect

Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.

In-home meal: (1-10 guests) Your experience takes place in Amal’s beautiful, classic Lebanese family home, with a fireplace and lovely terrace with views of the capital. Aramoun, a suburb outside Beirut where Amal’s home is located, is surrounded by gardens and lovely residential homes. Her traditional Lebanese home has beautiful stone walls, arcades and large windows overlooking orange groves. After Amal greets you with a warm smile and a refreshing drink, she will introduce you to the history of Lebanese cuisine. In keeping with Mediterranean food culture, Amal loves incorporating generous amounts of olive oil and lemon juice in her dishes.Join Amal and her parents at the dining table for a traditional Lebanese meal prepared using family recipes. Your menu might include dishes such as chickpeas in a lemon, olive oil and garlic sauce, tabouli (bulghur wheat, vegetable and parsley salad), kibbi (minced meat with herbs and nuts) and mtabal (grilled eggplant mashed with tahini, lemon juice and garlic). You will end your meal with maakaroun, a dessert of deep fried semolina fingers soaked in sugar syrup.

Cooking experience: (1-10 guests) Enjoy a one-hour hands-on cooking experience with Amal and her mother in their home kitchen. Learn to cook an authentic Lebanese appetizer, salad and dessert created from family recipes using traditional Lebanese cooking techniques and fresh ingredients. If the weather permits (not during the rainy season), Amal will take you to the family garden to pick home grown vegetables and fruits before your cooking class begins.

Notes: Please note that Amal lives in Aramoun, which is about 20 minutes from Beirut International Airport and Beirut city. Round-trip transportation from Beirut hotels is included in the price of your experience. Please indicate your hotel name and address and Amal will pick you up and drop you off at the end of your culinary experience.

Amal can offer vegetarian, vegan and halal meals on request - please include your preference, if any in your booking form.

Languages spoken: English, Arabic

Sample menu

This is just a sample menu to give you an idea of the types of dishes the host cooks. Your menu will vary according to seasonal availability.
  • Tabouleh
  • Meat main options: Kibbeh (traditional Lebanese beef dish) or raas asfour (meat in pomegranate sauce and pine nuts) or chicken mograbeye
  • Mtabal (mashed eggplant with tahini and lemon)
  • Lebanese maacron sweet
PERSONALLY VETTED REVIEW
A Traveling Spoon ambassador visited this host. Here is their personal review.

Travelers will be feeling a true Lebanese hospitality experience. From the lovely hosts that do their best to make you feel at home, to the charming views of the Lebanese mountains (and to say it is only 20 min max from Beirut) to the very delicious food prepared with love and care by two women who just love their kitchens and feeding people! It was a lovely experience.

May , Traveling Spoon Ambassador

Traveler reviews

5.0 (20)
This has definitely been the best experience of our Lebanon trip!! It was not only very interesting to learn to cook traditional dishes, but also a unique opportunity to gain real insight into every day life and culture in Lebanon. Amal and her husband picked us up and after a delicious dinner with her lovely family we were brought back to our airbb in Beirut. Thank you all so much🙏🙏 Being welcomed into somebody’s home, made this experience really special and personal. Highly recommended👌👌
- garry February 10, 2026
From the beginning to the end a memorable and wonderful experience. Such a lovely and warmhearted family, three generations together made their guests feel so welcome over great local food and drinks. Regardless of the horrible weather outside we sat by the fireplace and talked about everything and shared some laughs. Absolutely fantastic and unforgettable evening with genuine Lebanese family!
- Katlin_V May 21, 2023
This was an unforgettable day with Amal, Khaled and Amal's parents. After a seamless pickup from my hotel in Beirut, we drove the short distance to Amal's family home in Aramoun and we were welcomed with a delicious drink. Amal gave me a tour of the home, built in 1927 by her grandfather, and showed me the garden her father tends (and from which many of the foods we ate came). The views over the hills and to the sea are magnificent--and all of this before we set foot into the kitchen! When we did, I learned the tricks of the trade for making kibbeh, a yogurt and cucumber salad (similar to the Greek tzatziki), tabbouleh, baba ghanoush, and maakarouns. The spread on the table was even greater, with homemade saj bread, vegetables (cabbage, beans, peppers, olives) from the garden, spicy potatoes, and the Arak flowed generously. We talked and laughed and shared for many hours over lunch and I felt very welcomed (ahlan wa-sahlan!) into their family. This is a great way to be introduced to some of the food and culture of Lebanon and some of the most generous, warm and lovely people I've ever met. Do yourself a favor and sign up for this course!
- dorsey2 March 15, 2023
This was an unforgettable day with Amal, Khaled and Amal's parents. After a seamless pickup from my hotel in Beirut, we drove the short distance to Amal's family home in Aramoun and we were welcomed with a delicious drink. Amal gave me a tour of the home, built in 1927 by her grandfather, and showed me the garden her father tends (and from which many of the foods we ate came). The views over the hills and to the sea are magnificent--and all of this before we set foot into the kitchen! When we did, I learned the tricks of the trade for making kibbeh, a yogurt and cucumber salad (similar to the Greek tzatziki), tabbouleh, baba ghanoush, and maakarouns. The spread on the table was even greater, with homemade saj bread, vegetables (cabbage, beans, peppers, olives) from the garden, spicy potatoes, and the Arak flowed generously. We talked and laughed and shared for many hours over lunch and I felt very welcomed (ahlan wa-sahlan!) into their family. This is a great way to be introduced to some of the food and culture of Lebanon and some of the most generous, warm and lovely people I've ever met. Do yourself a favor and sign up for this course!
- dorsey2 March 15, 2023
The absolute best experience we had in Lebanon. Amal and Khaled welcomed us into their home and their family, everyone was so incredibly sweet and we shared a lot of laughs. The food was absolutely incredible, Amal is kind enough to share her recipes and her mother is willing to give up some of her best cooking secrets. We had a wonderful evening and highly recommend this cooking experience!
- Wanderer September 27, 2022
Read More

Amal

$88-$162 USD

per person
100% VETTED
Learn more
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back
  • Credit card is not charged until the host confirms your booking
  • Private experience
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
In-Home Meal
 $132 $102 $88
Cooking Experience + Meal
 $162 $132 $118
Alcohol
 $8 per person
Transportation
 $0 per car
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
In-Home Meal
 $132 $102 $88
Cooking Experience + Meal
 $162 $132 $118
Alcohol
 $8 per person
Transportation
 $0 per car
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
 Lunch Dinner
In-Home Meal
 12:00pm-2:00pm 6:00pm-8:00pm
Cooking Experience+ Meal
 11:00am-2:00pm 5:00pm-8:00pm

Meet Amal

Amal is a civil engineer, wife and mother of two daughters. Amal learned most of her cooking skills from her talented mother. She comes from a large family of seven siblings and being the eldest child, she started helping her mother in the kitchen at an early age. Amal says she was fortunate to learn the secrets of traditional Lebanese cooking from her mother who had family recipes passed down from her mother, Amal’s grandmother. Amal and her family love to cook and share traditional Lebanese dishes with friends and family. When asked why she wanted to be a Traveling Spoon host, Amal said, “I enjoy introducing people to our rich cuisine and hosting them for a good home-cooked meal. The added bonus for me is meeting people from different cultures and exchanging experiences.” A unique part about this experience is that you get to meet Amal’s parents and family and have a truly multi-generational Lebanese experience.

What to expect

Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.

In-home meal: (1-10 guests) Your experience takes place in Amal’s beautiful, classic Lebanese family home, with a fireplace and lovely terrace with views of the capital. Aramoun, a suburb outside Beirut where Amal’s home is located, is surrounded by gardens and lovely residential homes. Her traditional Lebanese home has beautiful stone walls, arcades and large windows overlooking orange groves. After Amal greets you with a warm smile and a refreshing drink, she will introduce you to the history of Lebanese cuisine. In keeping with Mediterranean food culture, Amal loves incorporating generous amounts of olive oil and lemon juice in her dishes.Join Amal and her parents at the dining table for a traditional Lebanese meal prepared using family recipes. Your menu might include dishes such as chickpeas in a lemon, olive oil and garlic sauce, tabouli (bulghur wheat, vegetable and parsley salad), kibbi (minced meat with herbs and nuts) and mtabal (grilled eggplant mashed with tahini, lemon juice and garlic). You will end your meal with maakaroun, a dessert of deep fried semolina fingers soaked in sugar syrup.

Cooking experience: (1-10 guests) Enjoy a one-hour hands-on cooking experience with Amal and her mother in their home kitchen. Learn to cook an authentic Lebanese appetizer, salad and dessert created from family recipes using traditional Lebanese cooking techniques and fresh ingredients. If the weather permits (not during the rainy season), Amal will take you to the family garden to pick home grown vegetables and fruits before your cooking class begins.

Notes: Please note that Amal lives in Aramoun, which is about 20 minutes from Beirut International Airport and Beirut city. Round-trip transportation from Beirut hotels is included in the price of your experience. Please indicate your hotel name and address and Amal will pick you up and drop you off at the end of your culinary experience.

Amal can offer vegetarian, vegan and halal meals on request - please include your preference, if any in your booking form.

Languages spoken: English, Arabic

Sample menu

This is just a sample menu to give you an idea of the types of dishes the host cooks. Your menu will vary according to seasonal availability.
  • Tabouleh
  • Meat main options: Kibbeh (traditional Lebanese beef dish) or raas asfour (meat in pomegranate sauce and pine nuts) or chicken mograbeye
  • Mtabal (mashed eggplant with tahini and lemon)
  • Lebanese maacron sweet
PERSONALLY VETTED REVIEW
A Traveling Spoon ambassador visited this host. Here is their personal review.

Travelers will be feeling a true Lebanese hospitality experience. From the lovely hosts that do their best to make you feel at home, to the charming views of the Lebanese mountains (and to say it is only 20 min max from Beirut) to the very delicious food prepared with love and care by two women who just love their kitchens and feeding people! It was a lovely experience.

May , Traveling Spoon Ambassador

Traveler reviews

5.0 (20)
This has definitely been the best experience of our Lebanon trip!! It was not only very interesting to learn to cook traditional dishes, but also a unique opportunity to gain real insight into every day life and culture in Lebanon. Amal and her husband picked us up and after a delicious dinner with her lovely family we were brought back to our airbb in Beirut. Thank you all so much🙏🙏 Being welcomed into somebody’s home, made this experience really special and personal. Highly recommended👌👌
- garry February 10, 2026
From the beginning to the end a memorable and wonderful experience. Such a lovely and warmhearted family, three generations together made their guests feel so welcome over great local food and drinks. Regardless of the horrible weather outside we sat by the fireplace and talked about everything and shared some laughs. Absolutely fantastic and unforgettable evening with genuine Lebanese family!
- Katlin_V May 21, 2023
This was an unforgettable day with Amal, Khaled and Amal's parents. After a seamless pickup from my hotel in Beirut, we drove the short distance to Amal's family home in Aramoun and we were welcomed with a delicious drink. Amal gave me a tour of the home, built in 1927 by her grandfather, and showed me the garden her father tends (and from which many of the foods we ate came). The views over the hills and to the sea are magnificent--and all of this before we set foot into the kitchen! When we did, I learned the tricks of the trade for making kibbeh, a yogurt and cucumber salad (similar to the Greek tzatziki), tabbouleh, baba ghanoush, and maakarouns. The spread on the table was even greater, with homemade saj bread, vegetables (cabbage, beans, peppers, olives) from the garden, spicy potatoes, and the Arak flowed generously. We talked and laughed and shared for many hours over lunch and I felt very welcomed (ahlan wa-sahlan!) into their family. This is a great way to be introduced to some of the food and culture of Lebanon and some of the most generous, warm and lovely people I've ever met. Do yourself a favor and sign up for this course!
- dorsey2 March 15, 2023
This was an unforgettable day with Amal, Khaled and Amal's parents. After a seamless pickup from my hotel in Beirut, we drove the short distance to Amal's family home in Aramoun and we were welcomed with a delicious drink. Amal gave me a tour of the home, built in 1927 by her grandfather, and showed me the garden her father tends (and from which many of the foods we ate came). The views over the hills and to the sea are magnificent--and all of this before we set foot into the kitchen! When we did, I learned the tricks of the trade for making kibbeh, a yogurt and cucumber salad (similar to the Greek tzatziki), tabbouleh, baba ghanoush, and maakarouns. The spread on the table was even greater, with homemade saj bread, vegetables (cabbage, beans, peppers, olives) from the garden, spicy potatoes, and the Arak flowed generously. We talked and laughed and shared for many hours over lunch and I felt very welcomed (ahlan wa-sahlan!) into their family. This is a great way to be introduced to some of the food and culture of Lebanon and some of the most generous, warm and lovely people I've ever met. Do yourself a favor and sign up for this course!
- dorsey2 March 15, 2023
The absolute best experience we had in Lebanon. Amal and Khaled welcomed us into their home and their family, everyone was so incredibly sweet and we shared a lot of laughs. The food was absolutely incredible, Amal is kind enough to share her recipes and her mother is willing to give up some of her best cooking secrets. We had a wonderful evening and highly recommend this cooking experience!
- Wanderer September 27, 2022
Read More
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
In-Home Meal
 $132 $102 $88
Cooking Experience + Meal
 $162 $132 $118
Alcohol
 $8 per person
Transportation
 $0 per car
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
In-Home Meal
 $132 $102 $88
Cooking Experience + Meal
 $162 $132 $118
Alcohol
 $8 per person
Transportation
 $0 per car
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
 Lunch Dinner
In-Home Meal
 12:00pm-2:00pm 6:00pm-8:00pm
Cooking Experience+ Meal
 11:00am-2:00pm 5:00pm-8:00pm
ABOUT TRAVELING SPOON

Traveling Spoon connects you with meaningful culinary experiences, from private cooking lessons to homecooked meals in people's homes. Enjoy an immersive cultural experience that gives you a glimpse into the local way of life.

FAQ

    You can cancel your reservation up until 48 hours before your experience for a full refund minus a 4% processing fee. Experiences within 48 hours are not refundable.

    If you have a question for your host, you can include a note in the field "Write a note to your host" during the booking process. Once your booking is confirmed, you will be emailed your host's direct contact information and you will also be able to message the host through your profile. You can always cancel your booking and receive a full refund 48 hours or more before your experience. If you have other questions you can also email us at reservations@travelingspoon.com.

    Most of our hosts are able to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies, including vegetarian and gluten free options. For vegetarian travelers, we have an icon on each host profile to indicate whether that host can also offer a fully vegetarian menu. There is a section in the booking form to note any allergies or dietary restrictions which will be sent directly to your host.

    Some hosts offer alcohol as an optional add-on for travelers who are of legal drinking age. Pricing for alcohol is visible on the host profile page and includes one to two glasses of wine, beer or local alcohol.

    Have a flight or other tour planned and can't make the timing provided? If the timing listed on the host's profile doesn't work for you, our hosts can often accommodate timing changes. Because all of our experiences are private our hosts are happy to tailor experiences to meet your travel needs. Simply note your request in the booking process.

    Your card will not be charged until your host accepts your booking. Typically hosts respond to bookings within 72 hours. In the event your host is unavailable on your selected date and your host rejects your booking your credit card will not be charged.

    Your host's detailed contact information, including their phone number, address, and direction notes, will all be provided immediately upon successful confirmation of your experience (after your hosts accepts your booking and your credit card is successfully processed). This information will be emailed to you to the email address you used to sign up, and will also be visible on your Traveling Spoon profile.

    All prices are noted per person prices unless otherwise specified. Transportation is typically charged on a per car basis. Children aged 5-11 are 50% off, and infants aged 0-4 are free. Hosts set their own prices and Traveling Spoon marks up the experiences; on average hosts receive over 70% of the price paid by the traveler.

    100% of Traveling Spoon experiences are private! Just you and your host and host's family.

    Hosts typically respond to booking inquiries within 72 hours. If for some reason you have not heard from your host or if you have any questions you can always contact us at reservations@travelingspoon.com.

    Your safety and security are our top priority. To ensure this, Traveling Spoon personally vets 100% of all hosts, including an in-person host visit, to ensure each host and experience meets our strict quality requirements.

    Some hosts offer transportation as an optional add-on for travelers. Typically this is round trip transportation with pick up and drop off at your hotel. Pricing is quoted per car. Specific instructions for transportation will be provided in your confirmation details when your booking is confirmed.

    Many of our hosts accommodate solo travelers. You can see if a host accepts solo travelers by looking at the traveler range found next to the experience descriptions on the host profile (indicated by the numbers in parentheses next to "In-home meal", "Cooking experience" and "Market visit").

    Most of our Traveling Spoon experiences are incredibly family friendly and can accommodate infants and children. If a host is unable to accommodate children that will be noted in the "Notes" section of their profile. Our child pricing policy is children aged 5-11 are 50% off, and infants aged 0-4 are free.