Yabraq (Grape Leaves with Lamb Ribs)
Syrian yabraq (grape leaves stuffed with meat and rice, cooked with garlic and lemon) is the king of Damascene feasts: soft rolls of vine leaves that melt in the mouth, in a delicious sour broth. It has a low glycemic index (clinically reviewed estimate ≈35), as the fibre of the vine leaves and the fat of the meat control the absorption of the rice.
Glycemic index
Glycemic load
Calories
Protein
💡 Smart Nutritional Guidance
Consumption advice
Have 6 to 8 rolls with the cooked garlic cloves and a piece of the lamb ribs served with them, for long-lasting protein fullness.
Best preparation methods
The Damascene secret is plenty of garlic cloves, lemon juice and dried mint between the layers, with less rice and more lean meat in the filling.
Important Nutritional Note
Vine leaves are rich in antioxidants, polyphenols and potassium, and are very good for venous circulation and reducing swollen legs.
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per typical portion (200 g) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 195 kcal | 390 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g | 24 g |
| Carbohydrate | 14 g | 28 g |
| Available carbohydrate | 11.5 g | 23 g |
| Fat | 10 g | 20 g |
| Dietary fibre | 2.5 g | 5 g |
The typical portion is approximate, for comparison purposes.
Comparison & smarter alternatives
Among the foods in Arabic dishes with a glycemic index (37), it ranks 10 (lowest first).
Smart alternatives from the same family:
Frequently asked questions
Is meat yabraq better for people with diabetes than vegetarian yalanji?
Meat yabraq is much better: it contains less rice, and the protein, fat and lemon acidity lower its glycemic index to about 35.
What is the nutritional value of a typical portion of yabraq (200 g, 7–8 rolls)?
The portion contains about 390 kcal, 24 g of excellent protein, 20 g of fat and around 28 g of slowly digested carbohydrate.
Is the lemon-garlic yabraq broth good for immunity?
Very much so: it is a meat broth rich in amino acids, natural vitamin C from lemon and allicin compounds from the cooked garlic.
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.