Dishes from Syria provide the framework for the exotic cuisine recognized internationally as Arabic. Many traditional Syrian dishes are simple preparations based on grains, vegetables and fruits. Often the same ingredients are used over and over, in different ways, in each dish. Parsley and mint are used in vast quantities as are lemons, onions, garlic and olive oil.
Pita bread is served with all meals for dipping.
Pastries are stuffed with vegetables and vegetables are stuffed with meats. Meat may be made into nuggets then cooked over charcoal. Typical Syrian meal starts with mezze - this can be an elaborate spread of forty or fifty hors d'oeuvres or simply a salad and a bowl of nuts. But it is always a social occasion when friends and family gather to enjoy appetizers and conversation before lunch and dinner. Syrian pastries are delightful, they are usually honey soaked pastries with nuts, raisins, or cheese.