Grape Leaves (Waraq Aresh)

Waraq aresh, known in English as grape leaves or vine leaves, are the leaves of the grapevine and a familiar part of Lebanese and wider Levantine cooking. They are best known as the wrapping for warak enab, where each leaf is rolled around a filling of rice, sometimes with minced meat, or with parsley, tomato and lemon in the vegetarian version known as yalanji. The rolls are usually layered in a pot and simmered slowly, then served warm or cold as part of a mezze spread or a family meal. You can find grape leaves at Dekenet Al Nes in Baaqline, in the Chouf, a package-free grocery store and solidarity initiative that helps people get basic necessities while reducing waste. Customers are encouraged to bring their own containers when they visit the shop.