Arab favourite 'labneh' added to 2023 edition of classic French dictionary

The staple Middle Eastern cheese labneh will be added to the latest edition of a popular French dictionary. 

Le Petit Robert, a single-volume French dictionary first published in 1967, will add the word "labneh" - also written "labne" - to its 2023 edition. 

The definition, which says the cheese is part of Middle Eastern cuisine typically from Lebanon and Syria, reads: "Labne or Labneh: Drained fresh cheese traditionally prepared with goat’s or sheep's milk." 

The French dictionary adds that the staple food is often served with olive oil and/or herbs. 

Labneh has been eaten in the Levant region (modern-day Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, and Jordan) for thousands of years. 

It developed as a means to prolong precious milk reserves by creating cheese through the straining of yogurt in a muslin or cheesecloth. 

The dish derives from the Arabic word 'laban', or yoghurt.

Paris-based French-Lebanese chief Karim Haidar - after hearing about the dictionary addition - said: "I am happy and proud to have parts of our products, dishes, and traditions recognised internationally, and especially in France."