Souk al Tayeb Downtown

Souk el Tayeb is a weekly open air farmer’s market held every Saturday in Downtown’s Beirut Souks, from 9:00 a.m. Established in 2004, the market has become a popular weekly tradition for many organic food seekers. It has become a meeting place to share food bringing communities, not just Lebanese but also Ethiopian and Sri Lankan, together.

The market’s underlying concept supports common respect for food and agricultural traditions. It aims to preserve food traditions and the culture of individual farming in Lebanon to protect their interests in a globalized and competitive world. The market hosts over 60 producers from all over Lebanon who sell various items. The sweet smell of honey, made by a local producer, intermingles with freshly baked pastries. Stalls are lined selling organic fruits and vegetables, mouneh or preserves, traditional Lebanese dishes like kibbeh, hummus and stuffed eggplant, as well as saj, olive oil and sweets. Recently, the market has expanded its scope and started catering authentic Ethiopian and Sri Lankan foods.    

Kind vendors are never opposed to giving customers a bite of their produce. Prices are higher than at the regular grocery store, but consumers can go home with the confidence that the quality of the produce purchased is much higher.

Families are often seen strolling by the often bustling market, as are organic food devotees. Apart from food, the market has expanded to include stalls featuring special handicrafts, books, soaps and pottery.

Souk el Tayeb is run by a non-profit cooperative which includes members from across Lebanon. Its operations are funded by Europe and other organizations.