To better acquaint our community with the many delicious menu features served from our kitchen here at Tayybeh, we’ll be doing a frequent online spotlight of individual dishes, including their history and why we love them.
This month, we’re spotlighting Kibbeh and answering some frequently asked questions.
What is Kibbeh, and what is it made of?
A national dish of Syria and always a hit for dine-in and catering alike, Kibbeh is a palm-sized, round-ish food that comes in the form of a filled and fried shell. The shell itself is comprised of mixed beef and bulgur wheat, while the filling is ground beef, crushed nuts, and a blend of traditional Middle Eastern spices.
How to Pronounce Kibbeh
Kib-bay
Where Did Kibbeh Originate?
While considered a national dish of both Syria and Lebanon, it has been stated that Kibbeh first originated in Aleppo, Syria.
It was typically made within the shortest amount of time possible after butchering animal meat due to the preference (out of necessity) of fresh, raw meat. It was the perfect food that gave tribes meals of both meat and grains while being portable and quick to consume during travel.
Today in Syria, you can find over a dozen types of Kibbeh served as meat preservation has become easier and more modernized. Across the world, many cultures have created their own versions of Kibbeh using their own traditional ingredients in the same golden fried shell format.
Why We Love Kibbeh
Our team loves to serve Kibbeh both in-house and as part of our catering menu because it’s the perfect unifying food for groups, and a tasty snack or side for yourself. A middle-of-the-table dish, Kibbeh can be consumed on its own or easily complemented by fresh veggies or dips - a perfect social food for celebrations or casual conversation.
Because of its versatility, especially with the variety of dips that can be matched with it, Kibbeh can also be one of the best foods to introduce someone to Syrian food who hasn’t explored the cuisine before.
In our restaurant kitchen, and in the home, there’s almost a communal feeling to making Kibbeh, especially the wrapping and shaping of the shells. Many Syrians likely hold heartwarming memories of first or full-kitchen times of making Kibbeh with family.
It’s also the dish Syrians are most likely to find in travel, or when moving countries, upon discovering any establishment that caters to their home region cuisine.
How Can I Try Kibbeh?
At Tayybeh, we serve halal, dairy-free Kibbeh in-house in 3-piece offerings with a side of dip. We love recommending guests try Kibbeh with Mutabbal Dip, which is a smoked eggplant dip made with tahini and olive oil.
We also offer freshly made Kibbeh with a side of Pomegranate Molasses), as well as Frozen Kibbeh by the dozen, for takeout and delivery on SkipTheDishes and Uber Eats.
Our Kibbeh is also available online in packs of 10 and 25.
The shared love between our team and our customers for Kibbeh also inspires us to offer Kibbeh be Laban, which is Kibbeh served in a bowl of creamy yogurt sauce, mmm!
About Tayybeh Catering
Add the warmth, vibrancy and versatility of Syrian cuisine to your event with catering by Tayybeh. We offer a delicious range of authentic dishes made with fresh, local ingredients and traditional techniques that will remind guests of home.
Customize your event menu to include a variety of halal, gluten-free, and vegan options to satisfy and excite all dietary needs - speak to a Tayybeh team member today by phone at 236-471-6257 or contact us online here
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