Being bought up in the Middle East, I have grown a special place in my heart for Arab cuisine, its flavors, and emotion. There are many dishes of the Middle East, and below are a few that are most commonly known and a must-try. They are listed as desserts, appetizer, snacks, salad Main course.
1.Liquimath
It is a sweet-based dumpling served with date syrup. More like a waffle in ball shape. Having them fresh and warm gives real taste. It is made from fermented and deep-fried dough. Served with sesame seeds on top.
2.Kunafa
Originated from Egypt, made with vermicelli and cheese as its main ingredients. Every place across serves it there own style. The original kunafe has a crunchy exterior with gooey cheesy interior , which is dipped in sugar syrup.
3.Dates Cake
It is called Kaekat Altamr in Arabic, and is a traditional dessert popular in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The cake is typically made by combining finely chopped or mashed dates with other ingredients such as flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and sometimes spices like cinnamon or cardamom. It showcases the natural sweetness and richness of dates.
4.Umm Ali
Umm Ali is a traditional Arab sweet dish with layers of puff pastry, milk, nuts, and raisins. It is baked until golden and served warm, often with a sprinkle of cinnamon. The milk is mixed with milkmaid and caramelized before being poured.
5.Baklava
It is a popular Arab hard cake made from layers of flaky pastry filled with a mixture of nuts, such as pistachios or walnuts, and sweetened with date syrup or honey. It is baked until golden and served as a delectable dessert. It is originated in Turkey.
6.Mutabal
It is a traditional Middle Eastern dish consisting of finely chopped parsley, bulgur wheat, tomatoes, onions, and mint, dressed with lemon juice and olive oil, fire-roasted eggplants, garlic, tahini, a paste made from sesame seeds and a smattering of herbs and spices. It is a refreshing and flavorful gravy often served as a side dish. Some restaurants use pomegranate juice instead of lemon, that adds a sweet touch.
7.Zaartar
It is a savory Middle Eastern flatbread topped with a mixture of zaatar spice blend, which includes dried thyme, sesame seeds, sumac, and salt, combined with olive oil. It is baked until golden and enjoyed as a flavorful snack or accompaniment meals.
8.Arabic Coffee Dates
Coffee with dates is a traditional beverage enjoyed during Ramadan in Arab culture. It consists of strong, spiced coffee flavored with cardamom, served alongside dates to provide a sweet contrast. It is often consumed even during non-Ramadan days. Most guests are welcomed with this a starter.
9.Stuffed Grape Leaf
A popular Arab dish called “warak enab” or stuffed grape leaves. It involves filling the tender grape leaves with rice, herbs, and spices, then rolling and cooking them. The dish is often served as an appetizer in most Emarati cuisine.
10.Harees
The dish is made from a blend of wheat and meat, typically chicken or lamb. The ingredients are cooked together until they form a porridge-like consistency. It is a hearty and nutritious dish, known as Haleem in India.
11.Fattoush
Very famous Arab salad made with a combination of fresh vegetables such as lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and radishes, along with toasted or fried pieces of pita bread. It is dressed with a tangy mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, and sumac, providing a refreshing and zesty flavor.
12.Falafel
It is made from ground chickpeas or beans mixed with herbs, spices, and onions. The mixture is formed into small balls or patties, then deep-fried until crispy. It is served on pita bread with tahini sauce and various vegetables. It is a vegetarian form of shawarma.
13.Manakeesh
It is a flatbread topped with various ingredients, such as a spice blend, cheese, or ground meat. It is baked until the bread is fluffy and the toppings are flavorful. Manakeesh is often enjoyed for breakfast or as a quick snack throughout the day.
14.Lebanese Shawarma
A popular street food dish consisting of marinated slices of meat, cooked on a vertical rotisserie. The meat is shaved off and served in a warm pita bread with garlic sauce, pickles, and various toppings, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal. From corner to corner, we can find shawarma shops in UAE, but the best shawarmas are from lebanese restaurant.
15.Grilled Halomi
It is a salty and savory flavored delicious Middle Eastern cheese dish, which has a high melting time. The cheese is sliced and grilled until it forms a golden-brown crust while maintaining a soft and chewy interior. It is often served as a warm appetizer.
16.Tabouleh
A healthy salad is originating from the Levant region. It features a blend of bulgur wheat, finely chopped parsley, cherry tomatoes, white onions, and mint. The salad is dressed with a zesty combination of lemon juice and olive oil, resulting in a refreshing dish. Tabouleh is commonly served as a side dish next to AL fehem (Grilled chicken).
17.Machboos
A flavorful rice dish from the Arabian Gulf region, made by cooking fragrant rice with spiced meat, such as lamb, or fish, along with a various vegetables and spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and saffron. The dish is often garnished with nuts and served with tangy yogurt and salads.
18.Shish Tawook
A famous Middle Eastern grilled chicken dish. It involves marinating chicken pieces in a mixture of yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and spices like paprika and cumin. The marinated chicken is skewered and grilled, resulting in tender and flavorful chicken cubes. It is often served with garlic sauce, rice, french fries, and salad.
19.Fatayer
It is a puff pastry appetizer filled with various ingredients. The dough is typically folded or rolled around fillings like cheese, spinach, or meat. It is then baked until the pastry becomes golden and crispy. Fatayer is a savory snack or appetizer, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
20.Basbousa
It is originated from Egypt, Turkey, Lebanon, and the United Arab Emirates, and comes in various flavors and forms. Basbousa, also known as Hereessa in certain parts of Egypt, is a popular sweet enjoyed at weddings, and special occasions. It consists of small square chunks made with semolina and pastry, often infused with coconut and saffron, it resembles a spongy and crusty vanilla cake. In Arabic, “basbousa” is used affectionately to refer to loved ones.
