Lahmacun (Meat Sfiha)
The jewel of Aleppo and Levantine bakeries: a very thin, crisp disc of dough topped with minced meat seasoned with pomegranate molasses, tomato and pine nuts. The thin dough and the density of meat protein and fat make its effect on blood sugar moderate and comfortable (≈60).
Glycemic index
Glycemic load
Calories
Protein
💡 Smart Nutritional Guidance
Consumption advice
Eat sfiha with a bowl of yoghurt or a cucumber-yoghurt salad; the lactic acid and protein in the yoghurt help slow carbohydrate absorption and support calm fullness.
Best preparation methods
Bake sfiha on a griddle or in a very hot oven for just a few minutes so it crisps quickly without drying out the meat juices, and go easy on sugar-sweetened commercial pomegranate molasses.
Important Nutritional Note
Levantine sfiha has an edge over Western pizza thanks to its thin dough, which shifts the balance from starch towards meat protein; two to three discs with vegetables make an excellent meal.
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per typical portion (120 g) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 285 kcal | 342 kcal |
| Protein | 14 g | 16.8 g |
| Carbohydrate | 32 g | 38.4 g |
| Available carbohydrate | 29.5 g | 35.4 g |
| Fat | 11 g | 13.2 g |
| Dietary fibre | 2.5 g | 3 g |
The typical portion is approximate, for comparison purposes.
Comparison & smarter alternatives
Among the foods in Breads & pastries with a glycemic index (8), it ranks 7 (lowest first).
Lower-GI alternatives:
Frequently asked questions
Is Lahmacun (Meat Sfiha) good for weight loss?
It can fit a balanced plan with portion control: a 120 g portion gives 342 kcal, and what matters most is your total daily intake and the rest of the meal.
How does Lahmacun (Meat Sfiha) affect blood sugar?
Its glycemic index is 60 (Medium), a clinically reviewed estimate rather than a laboratory measurement. A typical 120 g portion has a glycemic load of 21.2 (High), so it is best to reduce or split the portion and combine it with protein and fibre.
What is the nutritional value of a typical portion of Lahmacun (Meat Sfiha)?
A typical 120 g portion of Lahmacun (Meat Sfiha) provides about 342 kcal, 16.8 g protein, 38.4 g carbohydrate, 13.2 g fat and 3 g fibre.
Reviewed by the WiBo Health medical team · Last reviewed 13 October 2026
Disclaimer: This guidance is for nutritional lifestyle orientation and does not constitute a diagnostic medical device under EU Regulation MDR 2017/745.