Lebanon’s Democratic AOC

Whereas France has its exclusive appellation d’origine contrôlée (AOC, controlled designation of origin) rules, and the wider European Union has its protected designation of origin (PDO) labelling, in Lebanon, things happen on an altogether more democratic scale.

While the AOC officially designates that French Roquefort cheese can only come from the area around the Combalou caves of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon, and over 300 individual wines display a specific AOC number, Lebanese agricultural products, and food items are effectively awarded recognition by ‘the people.’

Every Lebanese knows the ‘best’ apples come from Bekfaya, the perfect knefe from Tripoli, the purest honey from Aramoun, and the tastiest Lebanese meat pies from Baalbek.

The people of Baalbek in Lebanon’s fertile Bekaa Valley have made their local pies – the sfeeha – legendary. Small, two-bites big, these handmade delights are eaten as part of a mezze or served with laban (Lebanese yogurt) as a main dish. Their crisp pastry contrasts a flavourful (and traditionally meat) filling.

Baalbek’s sfeeha (and memorable days and nights at the city’s once glamourous Palmyra Hotel - above) form the inspiration for all of The High Llama’s savoury pies. At our bakery in London, you’ll find traditional Lebanese pies with various seasonal fillings, including spinach fatayer, cheese sambousek, andthe timeless Baalbakieh ground lamb.

Simply put, Baalbek’s portable pies are yet another of Lebanon’s delectable culinary gifts to the people of the world.