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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, currently attending university. 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)
  • Spicy potato
  • Seasonal soup
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 (19)
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
One of my favorite things to do in my travels is sharing a meal with a local family in their home. When I saw Amal’s cooking lesson on TripAdvisor, I booked it right away. We were picked up from the hotel by Amal and her husband, Khaled, and taken to a house atop a hill 20 minutes outside the city. It was Amal’s childhood home, which her grandfather built in the 1920s. We were given a tour of the house and the bountiful garden. We were joined by her parents, her 2 daughters, her 2 sisters and her brother. We cooked, we ate, we laughed. The food was so delicious. The conversation flowed over Arak, the Lebanese national drink, and we talked about everything and anything. I didn’t even realize we had been at the house over 5 hours and it was time to go. This has truly been the best experience and so well done by Amal. You can really tell she’s passionate about her family tradition and culture. I think this makes the experience one of a kind and almost impossible to replicate. Years pass and I only vaguely remember the sights that I visited in all these countries, but I will always remember the connection I make with people and I realize how similar we are no matter how different our cultures may be. And I love how food bring people together.
- 612mar June 29, 2022
Amal and her family were amazing hosts! We enjoyed our evening and the cooking and food 😊 with them a lot, the whole family is just adorable! Thank you a lot again for the great experience and all the best!
- ap-ffm June 03, 2021
Amal and her family were really welcoming and amazing! My ten year old daughter wanted to take the class, and Amal was very patient with her. Amal’s parents, husband, Khalid, two daughters, and sisters were also there. We shared the meal together. After we ate, we were able to chat, and I learned a lot about the Lebanese culture. It was so fun and relaxing. It has been one of the best experiences of our trip so far!
- 418aminas December 30, 2019
Des cours de cuisine bien expliqués, un repas délicieux et copieux, mais surtout une famille chaleureuse, accueillante. En plus d’une expérience culinaire, ce fut une merveilleuse rencontre. Merci encore mille fois Amal pour cette fabuleuse et inoubliable journée ! ( well explained cooking course, a delicious meal and above all a warm, welcoming family. Thank you again Amal for this wonderful day !)
- dvanleeuwen83 December 25, 2019
We were welcomed like old friends into Amal's family home where her father gave us a tour of the productive garden and his delightful traditional house in the hills just outside Beirut. We learned to make some delicious Lebanese dishes with Amal's mother showing us proper techniques, and wiled away the afternoon with conversation that gave new insights into Lebanese culture and politics. Thanks to all the family for a delightful and memorable experience.
- Global01561427892 November 23, 2019
I had no idea what to expect when I booked a private cooking class with Amal. She and her husband picked me up at my hotel and drove me to the lovely home of her parents. When we arrived I was greeted by Amal's parents like I was a long lost member of the family. I felt very comfortable from the start. We all sat down to get to know each other a bit. Amal's mother brought in freshly picked and squeezed pomegranate juice and plates of pickled vegetables. After some conversation Amal took me out to show me the extensive garden in the back. Her parents grow all the fruits and vegetables they serve to family and guests. They also make their own vinegar from the grapes. I was raised on Lebanese and Syrian food so I am familiar with many dishes. Amal taught me how to make "Kibbee Sayneya." She added a couple of ingredients that I had never thought to include. While Amal put the meat and vegetables through the grinder, her mom was busy making the stuffing for the kibbee. It was lovely to watch mother and daughter work together to create the dish.A couple of whole unpeeled eggplants were cooking on the stove while the kibbee was being prepared. Once the kibbee was assembled in the pan and put in the oven, she began preparing the now cooked eggplants for Mutabal also known as Baba Ghanouj. She skillfully peeled and mashed the eggplant by hand. Added garlic, tahini, lemon juice, and labna, along with salt and pepper to finish it off. Amal's mom then made the dough for "Maakaroun" cookies. They consist of a light dough, fried and then drenched with rose water sugar syrup (Attar). It was obvious she is a professional at mixing the dough and forming the cookies with her hands and the side of a grater. She was quick and each cookies was uniform with a pretty honeycomb like design. I was very impressed. Once the cookies were done, we all went into the dining room for lunch. The entire table was covered with appetizers, salads, main dishes, fresh and pickled vegetables, olives and bread. It was a feast for the eyes to see. Every dish was delicious, fresh and authentically Lebanese. Needless to say I wished I could have eaten more. Amal's adorable father kept serving me extra portions of his favorite foods. He offered and I accepted a couple glasses of Arak to go with the meal. Since I got full quickly and didn't get to try everything, Amal and her mother packed cookies and food for me to take back to my hotel. After the main meal we all sat down in another room to have dessert, coffee, tea and fresh fruits. Amal's father even peeled some freshly picked pink pomegranate for me to try. The Maakaroun cookies were delicious. I also got to meet Amal's daughters who are both attending university. We all had a wonderful time, sharing good conversation. I have never felt more welcomed than I did spending the afternoon with Amal and her family. Amal is a skillful cook who has a flair for teaching as she puts together a dish. I would recommend without reservation booking a private class with her. It will be an experience you won't forget. I am grateful I did it. Sahtein to those of you who do it in the future. My deepest heartfelt thank you to Amal and her entire family for a wonderful experience and very full stomach!
- Donna N November 04, 2019
What I like most about traveling to new places is when I go with very high expectations and then enjoy those expectations being exceeded So, we arranged a dinner + cooking lessons with Amal in her family home. Location (just outside of Beirut) is perfect and it gives a lovely extra taste of Lebanon. Amal and her husband Khaled ensure maximum comfort by dropping us from and to our hotel. The house is amazing - literally a mini museum with lovely stories all over it (the workshop, the olive millstone, the ironwork, the photos...) The cherry on top is of course the magnificent garden where everything grows - even pomelo! And so the dinner table was full of healthy, organic ingredients. But the mini tour around the house/garden was just the beginning.We agreed to go with soup, tabouleh, home-made falafel, mtabal, raas asfour and the makaroon dessert. Needles to say the table was packed with plenty of other yummy dishes to try and there was no way to decide which one tasted better.Spending some time with Amal and her mother in the kitchen was so joyful! Now I know how to make a perfect tabouleh and I’ve learned to appreciate an effort behind a real falfel wrap - which tastes better than any burger in the world, I kid you not.I guess the most memorable moment from the cooking class was learning those small but all-important tricks about shaping the pieces of falafel/makaroon with the help of appropriate tools. And I could even do it properly The value of this activity and unreal food experience was multiplied with fantastic chat with Amal, her parents, husband and daughters. We learned so much about Lebanese culture and felt so good in the company of like-minded people who like to share stories and experience along with good food and a few drinks. This travel experience was second to none. Amal was such a great host and the value of this encounter by far exceeds anything massive tourism has to offer. Needless to say we will definitely come back!
- MarkoIST October 22, 2019
"You have to eat the bean stew," Amal's father Amin told me. "After all, they are picked from what is YOUR garden now," he said. After picking me up in Beirut, driving up in the hills above the city, showing me around the wonderful vegetable garden, Amal and her mother showed me how to make the kibbeh paste, how to hollow out the ball of paste with my index finger, making the walls as thin as possible, and filling the shell with meat and closing it into the characteristic oval shape of the kibbeh. It was just one of many delicious dishes on the table in the large living room: Baba ganoush, hummus, fried potatoes, manakish, bean stew and deep fried cauliflower was also on the table. Not to forget the tabouleh with the important pomegranate ingredient. Most of all, I will always remember the generosity and warmth of the people, that from now on is my new Aramoun family!
- parisnes October 20, 2019
Meeting the family and taking part of their cooking rituals was an unforgettable and unique experience. They all welcomed me and my mother as part of the family and we felt closer as ever to our Lebanese origins. We learned a lot from Mr. Amin's fertile garden, which proudly enough produces almost all greens and vegetables that the family consumes. We left the house plants, seeds, spices, homemade eggplant and with our hearts full of good memories! Every minute was priceless and I wish we had spent even more time talking to each one of them.
- lesouki October 16, 2019
From the minute we met Amal and Khalid, we felt like old friends. They were kind, genuine and warm people. Meeting her parents and seeing their beautiful garden was an absolute joy. As a garden professional, I love seeing other people's gardens and the vegetable garden was beautiful. Amal and her mother are very giving and patient teachers. We learnt a lot... and ate a lot. We were told by Amal's father that we had to try everything at the table - and we ate so much, we could hardly walk! Everything was delicious and almost everything fresh from their garden. I was very excited to do a cooking class in Beirut as Lebanese food is one of our favourite types of food - and we definitely had ample choice as vegetarians - the whole meal was vegetarian. I realised part way through our time with Amal and her family that the food was secondary to the experience of spending time with this delightful family. Do not miss out on this cooking class - you will not be disappointed. In fact, you will gain a new family - as well as new cooking skills and ideas. We can't wait to see everyone again and hear about their life experiences - especially Amal's parents' overseas adventures.Thank you all for an unforgettable experience. Three cheers for Hummus Amin!!
- moni_belle October 16, 2019
I booked this experience looking for something to do in Lebanon durning the day with no real expectations other than a nice evening of cooking but this experience has exceeded every expectation i could have possibly had! The host amal was so sweet! I cant even put into words how kind her and her family are! Their energy was so positive and kind and loving! They make you feel happy and at home from the moment they greet you! Their home was lovely and everything was perfect, the food we made was easy but beyond delicious, the friend i brought along was not too experienced in cooking but found everything easy to do, i cook often but learned so much so the class was perfect for people on all levels, the dinner we had together was honestly one of the best meals i’v had in my life, i truly didnt want the experience to end, had a smile on my face all day! Would recommend this experience to anyone visiting Lebanon 100% ! Truly and from the bottom of my heart wish nothing but happiness for this beautiful family for giving me such a wonderful experience i will never in my life forget!
- Salsayedomar October 15, 2019
From being collected from our hotel by Amal and Khalid,we were then driven to her family home with her welcoming parents. We were shown and participated in making delicious,traditional Lebanese food. We felt like old friends and sat and ate with them chatting(when we could get Ali to be quiet!). We were shown around the amazing garden, where most of the produce had come from and were even given some treats to take home. Thank you all for such a wonderful time and I simply couldn't recommend it more.
- Dolly2929 October 10, 2019
My friends and I wandered the garden, eating fresh vegetables from the vine, then worked with Amal and her mom to make some traditional dishes. Our dishes met with things Amal and her family had prepared. Cured sour grapes, delicious chickpeas, and everything that tasted fresher than anything in the store. I can’t recommend this experience enough!!!!
- Krisi H July 29, 2019
This class was so special! It was lovely to meet Amal and her family, walk through their gorgeous garden, and make some yummy Lebanese dishes! We really enjoyed learning more about Amal's family, local culture, and Lebanese cuisine.
- travel4rned July 28, 2019
If you’re a foodie or just want to have an authentic and unforgettable experience you simply must do this. From the minute I was picked up at my b&b to being dropped back, I couldn’t quite believe how lucky I was to spend an evening with such lovely people. Amal and her family are super hospitable and immediately made me feel very welcome. Their home is a beautiful house and garden that have been in the family for generations and it was so lovely to be in this quiet village high up over Beirut. I just wouldn't have seen this part of the country any other way. Amal's Dad grows all their fruit, vegetables and herbs organically and very kindly gave me some to take away with me. The preparation of the food was a lot of fun, especially making the kibbeh and rolling the maakarouni! Amal and her Mum clearly love to cook and are experts in the kitchen. They gave me some great tips. The meal was a feast and the recipes so delicious I quickly realised that this was the first time I had ever tasted proper tabouli, mtabal/baba ganoush, kibbeh, labneh ... I also learned a great deal, not only about food but about local history and culture and the Lebanese outlook on life. It was a wonderful evening with wonderful people and wonderful tastes - the highlight of my first trip to Lebanon and easily one of the best experiences I've ever had on my travels.
- Taocrasmororm May 15, 2019
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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+ ppl
In-Home Meal
$132 $102 $88
Cooking Experience + Meal
$162 $132 $118
Alcohol
$8 per person
Transportation
$0 per car
*Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 people 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 3% 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, currently attending university. 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)
  • Spicy potato
  • Seasonal soup
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 (19)
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
One of my favorite things to do in my travels is sharing a meal with a local family in their home. When I saw Amal’s cooking lesson on TripAdvisor, I booked it right away. We were picked up from the hotel by Amal and her husband, Khaled, and taken to a house atop a hill 20 minutes outside the city. It was Amal’s childhood home, which her grandfather built in the 1920s. We were given a tour of the house and the bountiful garden. We were joined by her parents, her 2 daughters, her 2 sisters and her brother. We cooked, we ate, we laughed. The food was so delicious. The conversation flowed over Arak, the Lebanese national drink, and we talked about everything and anything. I didn’t even realize we had been at the house over 5 hours and it was time to go. This has truly been the best experience and so well done by Amal. You can really tell she’s passionate about her family tradition and culture. I think this makes the experience one of a kind and almost impossible to replicate. Years pass and I only vaguely remember the sights that I visited in all these countries, but I will always remember the connection I make with people and I realize how similar we are no matter how different our cultures may be. And I love how food bring people together.
- 612mar June 29, 2022
Amal and her family were amazing hosts! We enjoyed our evening and the cooking and food 😊 with them a lot, the whole family is just adorable! Thank you a lot again for the great experience and all the best!
- ap-ffm June 03, 2021
Amal and her family were really welcoming and amazing! My ten year old daughter wanted to take the class, and Amal was very patient with her. Amal’s parents, husband, Khalid, two daughters, and sisters were also there. We shared the meal together. After we ate, we were able to chat, and I learned a lot about the Lebanese culture. It was so fun and relaxing. It has been one of the best experiences of our trip so far!
- 418aminas December 30, 2019
Des cours de cuisine bien expliqués, un repas délicieux et copieux, mais surtout une famille chaleureuse, accueillante. En plus d’une expérience culinaire, ce fut une merveilleuse rencontre. Merci encore mille fois Amal pour cette fabuleuse et inoubliable journée ! ( well explained cooking course, a delicious meal and above all a warm, welcoming family. Thank you again Amal for this wonderful day !)
- dvanleeuwen83 December 25, 2019
We were welcomed like old friends into Amal's family home where her father gave us a tour of the productive garden and his delightful traditional house in the hills just outside Beirut. We learned to make some delicious Lebanese dishes with Amal's mother showing us proper techniques, and wiled away the afternoon with conversation that gave new insights into Lebanese culture and politics. Thanks to all the family for a delightful and memorable experience.
- Global01561427892 November 23, 2019
I had no idea what to expect when I booked a private cooking class with Amal. She and her husband picked me up at my hotel and drove me to the lovely home of her parents. When we arrived I was greeted by Amal's parents like I was a long lost member of the family. I felt very comfortable from the start. We all sat down to get to know each other a bit. Amal's mother brought in freshly picked and squeezed pomegranate juice and plates of pickled vegetables. After some conversation Amal took me out to show me the extensive garden in the back. Her parents grow all the fruits and vegetables they serve to family and guests. They also make their own vinegar from the grapes. I was raised on Lebanese and Syrian food so I am familiar with many dishes. Amal taught me how to make "Kibbee Sayneya." She added a couple of ingredients that I had never thought to include. While Amal put the meat and vegetables through the grinder, her mom was busy making the stuffing for the kibbee. It was lovely to watch mother and daughter work together to create the dish.A couple of whole unpeeled eggplants were cooking on the stove while the kibbee was being prepared. Once the kibbee was assembled in the pan and put in the oven, she began preparing the now cooked eggplants for Mutabal also known as Baba Ghanouj. She skillfully peeled and mashed the eggplant by hand. Added garlic, tahini, lemon juice, and labna, along with salt and pepper to finish it off. Amal's mom then made the dough for "Maakaroun" cookies. They consist of a light dough, fried and then drenched with rose water sugar syrup (Attar). It was obvious she is a professional at mixing the dough and forming the cookies with her hands and the side of a grater. She was quick and each cookies was uniform with a pretty honeycomb like design. I was very impressed. Once the cookies were done, we all went into the dining room for lunch. The entire table was covered with appetizers, salads, main dishes, fresh and pickled vegetables, olives and bread. It was a feast for the eyes to see. Every dish was delicious, fresh and authentically Lebanese. Needless to say I wished I could have eaten more. Amal's adorable father kept serving me extra portions of his favorite foods. He offered and I accepted a couple glasses of Arak to go with the meal. Since I got full quickly and didn't get to try everything, Amal and her mother packed cookies and food for me to take back to my hotel. After the main meal we all sat down in another room to have dessert, coffee, tea and fresh fruits. Amal's father even peeled some freshly picked pink pomegranate for me to try. The Maakaroun cookies were delicious. I also got to meet Amal's daughters who are both attending university. We all had a wonderful time, sharing good conversation. I have never felt more welcomed than I did spending the afternoon with Amal and her family. Amal is a skillful cook who has a flair for teaching as she puts together a dish. I would recommend without reservation booking a private class with her. It will be an experience you won't forget. I am grateful I did it. Sahtein to those of you who do it in the future. My deepest heartfelt thank you to Amal and her entire family for a wonderful experience and very full stomach!
- Donna N November 04, 2019
What I like most about traveling to new places is when I go with very high expectations and then enjoy those expectations being exceeded So, we arranged a dinner + cooking lessons with Amal in her family home. Location (just outside of Beirut) is perfect and it gives a lovely extra taste of Lebanon. Amal and her husband Khaled ensure maximum comfort by dropping us from and to our hotel. The house is amazing - literally a mini museum with lovely stories all over it (the workshop, the olive millstone, the ironwork, the photos...) The cherry on top is of course the magnificent garden where everything grows - even pomelo! And so the dinner table was full of healthy, organic ingredients. But the mini tour around the house/garden was just the beginning.We agreed to go with soup, tabouleh, home-made falafel, mtabal, raas asfour and the makaroon dessert. Needles to say the table was packed with plenty of other yummy dishes to try and there was no way to decide which one tasted better.Spending some time with Amal and her mother in the kitchen was so joyful! Now I know how to make a perfect tabouleh and I’ve learned to appreciate an effort behind a real falfel wrap - which tastes better than any burger in the world, I kid you not.I guess the most memorable moment from the cooking class was learning those small but all-important tricks about shaping the pieces of falafel/makaroon with the help of appropriate tools. And I could even do it properly The value of this activity and unreal food experience was multiplied with fantastic chat with Amal, her parents, husband and daughters. We learned so much about Lebanese culture and felt so good in the company of like-minded people who like to share stories and experience along with good food and a few drinks. This travel experience was second to none. Amal was such a great host and the value of this encounter by far exceeds anything massive tourism has to offer. Needless to say we will definitely come back!
- MarkoIST October 22, 2019
"You have to eat the bean stew," Amal's father Amin told me. "After all, they are picked from what is YOUR garden now," he said. After picking me up in Beirut, driving up in the hills above the city, showing me around the wonderful vegetable garden, Amal and her mother showed me how to make the kibbeh paste, how to hollow out the ball of paste with my index finger, making the walls as thin as possible, and filling the shell with meat and closing it into the characteristic oval shape of the kibbeh. It was just one of many delicious dishes on the table in the large living room: Baba ganoush, hummus, fried potatoes, manakish, bean stew and deep fried cauliflower was also on the table. Not to forget the tabouleh with the important pomegranate ingredient. Most of all, I will always remember the generosity and warmth of the people, that from now on is my new Aramoun family!
- parisnes October 20, 2019
Meeting the family and taking part of their cooking rituals was an unforgettable and unique experience. They all welcomed me and my mother as part of the family and we felt closer as ever to our Lebanese origins. We learned a lot from Mr. Amin's fertile garden, which proudly enough produces almost all greens and vegetables that the family consumes. We left the house plants, seeds, spices, homemade eggplant and with our hearts full of good memories! Every minute was priceless and I wish we had spent even more time talking to each one of them.
- lesouki October 16, 2019
From the minute we met Amal and Khalid, we felt like old friends. They were kind, genuine and warm people. Meeting her parents and seeing their beautiful garden was an absolute joy. As a garden professional, I love seeing other people's gardens and the vegetable garden was beautiful. Amal and her mother are very giving and patient teachers. We learnt a lot... and ate a lot. We were told by Amal's father that we had to try everything at the table - and we ate so much, we could hardly walk! Everything was delicious and almost everything fresh from their garden. I was very excited to do a cooking class in Beirut as Lebanese food is one of our favourite types of food - and we definitely had ample choice as vegetarians - the whole meal was vegetarian. I realised part way through our time with Amal and her family that the food was secondary to the experience of spending time with this delightful family. Do not miss out on this cooking class - you will not be disappointed. In fact, you will gain a new family - as well as new cooking skills and ideas. We can't wait to see everyone again and hear about their life experiences - especially Amal's parents' overseas adventures.Thank you all for an unforgettable experience. Three cheers for Hummus Amin!!
- moni_belle October 16, 2019
I booked this experience looking for something to do in Lebanon durning the day with no real expectations other than a nice evening of cooking but this experience has exceeded every expectation i could have possibly had! The host amal was so sweet! I cant even put into words how kind her and her family are! Their energy was so positive and kind and loving! They make you feel happy and at home from the moment they greet you! Their home was lovely and everything was perfect, the food we made was easy but beyond delicious, the friend i brought along was not too experienced in cooking but found everything easy to do, i cook often but learned so much so the class was perfect for people on all levels, the dinner we had together was honestly one of the best meals i’v had in my life, i truly didnt want the experience to end, had a smile on my face all day! Would recommend this experience to anyone visiting Lebanon 100% ! Truly and from the bottom of my heart wish nothing but happiness for this beautiful family for giving me such a wonderful experience i will never in my life forget!
- Salsayedomar October 15, 2019
From being collected from our hotel by Amal and Khalid,we were then driven to her family home with her welcoming parents. We were shown and participated in making delicious,traditional Lebanese food. We felt like old friends and sat and ate with them chatting(when we could get Ali to be quiet!). We were shown around the amazing garden, where most of the produce had come from and were even given some treats to take home. Thank you all for such a wonderful time and I simply couldn't recommend it more.
- Dolly2929 October 10, 2019
My friends and I wandered the garden, eating fresh vegetables from the vine, then worked with Amal and her mom to make some traditional dishes. Our dishes met with things Amal and her family had prepared. Cured sour grapes, delicious chickpeas, and everything that tasted fresher than anything in the store. I can’t recommend this experience enough!!!!
- Krisi H July 29, 2019
This class was so special! It was lovely to meet Amal and her family, walk through their gorgeous garden, and make some yummy Lebanese dishes! We really enjoyed learning more about Amal's family, local culture, and Lebanese cuisine.
- travel4rned July 28, 2019
If you’re a foodie or just want to have an authentic and unforgettable experience you simply must do this. From the minute I was picked up at my b&b to being dropped back, I couldn’t quite believe how lucky I was to spend an evening with such lovely people. Amal and her family are super hospitable and immediately made me feel very welcome. Their home is a beautiful house and garden that have been in the family for generations and it was so lovely to be in this quiet village high up over Beirut. I just wouldn't have seen this part of the country any other way. Amal's Dad grows all their fruit, vegetables and herbs organically and very kindly gave me some to take away with me. The preparation of the food was a lot of fun, especially making the kibbeh and rolling the maakarouni! Amal and her Mum clearly love to cook and are experts in the kitchen. They gave me some great tips. The meal was a feast and the recipes so delicious I quickly realised that this was the first time I had ever tasted proper tabouli, mtabal/baba ganoush, kibbeh, labneh ... I also learned a great deal, not only about food but about local history and culture and the Lebanese outlook on life. It was a wonderful evening with wonderful people and wonderful tastes - the highlight of my first trip to Lebanon and easily one of the best experiences I've ever had on my travels.
- Taocrasmororm May 15, 2019
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Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ ppl
In-Home Meal
$132 $102 $88
Cooking Experience + Meal
$162 $132 $118
Alcohol
$8 per person
Transportation
$0 per car
*Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 people 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 3% 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 3% 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.