10 Must-Try Foods from the Middle East

The Middle East is a region rich in history, culture, and, of course, cuisine. The culinary traditions of this area are as diverse as its people, offering a wide array of flavors, textures, and aromas that have been perfected over centuries. Here are ten must-try foods from the Middle East that will take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey.

1. Hummus
Hummus is perhaps the most iconic Middle Eastern dish, known and loved worldwide. This creamy spread is made from blended chickpeas, tahini (sesame seed paste), olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. It’s typically served with warm pita bread, but it can also be used as a dip for vegetables or a spread on sandwiches. The simplicity of its ingredients belies the depth of flavor that hummus offers, making it a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine.

2. Falafel
Falafel is a popular street food that has gained international fame. These deep-fried balls or patties are made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, mixed with herbs and spices such as parsley, cilantro, cumin, and coriander. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, falafel is often served in pita bread with tahini sauce, pickles, and fresh vegetables. It’s a vegetarian delight that’s both nutritious and delicious.

3. Shawarma
Shawarma is a Middle Eastern version of the doner kebab, consisting of marinated meat (usually chicken, beef, or lamb) that’s stacked on a vertical rotisserie and slow-cooked. The meat is then shaved off in thin slices and served in a wrap or pita bread with garlic sauce, tahini, and a variety of toppings like tomatoes, cucumbers, and pickles. The combination of tender, flavorful meat and fresh, crunchy vegetables makes shawarma a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

4. Tabouleh
Tabouleh is a refreshing salad made from finely chopped parsley, tomatoes, mint, onion, bulgur wheat, and seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. This dish is a celebration of fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors. It’s often served as part of a mezze platter, alongside other small dishes like hummus, baba ghanoush, and stuffed grape leaves. Tabouleh is light, healthy, and perfect for a hot summer day.

5. Baba Ghanoush
Baba ghanoush is a smoky, creamy dip made from roasted eggplants, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. The eggplants are charred over an open flame or roasted in the oven until the skin is blackened and the flesh is soft. This gives the dish its distinctive smoky flavor. Baba ghanoush is typically served with pita bread or as part of a mezze spread. Its rich, velvety texture and complex flavors make it a must-try for any food lover.

6. Mansaf
Mansaf is the national dish of Jordan, a hearty and flavorful meal that’s often served at celebrations and family gatherings. It consists of lamb cooked in a fermented dried yogurt sauce called jameed, served over a bed of rice and garnished with almonds and pine nuts. Mansaf is traditionally eaten with the hands, with everyone sharing from a large communal platter. The dish is a symbol of hospitality and generosity in Jordanian culture.

7. Knafeh
Knafeh is a beloved Middle Eastern dessert that’s as indulgent as it is delicious. This sweet treat is made from layers of shredded phyllo dough or semolina dough, filled with a gooey, sweet cheese, and soaked in a sugar syrup flavored with rose water or orange blossom water. The top layer is often dyed bright orange with food coloring and sprinkled with crushed pistachios. Knafeh is served warm and is a perfect balance of crispy, creamy, and sweet.

8. Fattoush
Fattoush is a Levantine bread salad made from mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, and toasted or fried pieces of pita bread. The salad is dressed with a tangy sumac and lemon vinaigrette, giving it a unique, slightly sour flavor. Fattoush is a great way to use up stale pita bread and is a refreshing accompaniment to heavier dishes like grilled meats or stews. Its bright, zesty flavors make it a favorite in the Middle East.

9. Maqluba
Maqluba, which means "upside-down" in Arabic, is a traditional Palestinian dish that’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate. This one-pot meal is made by layering rice, vegetables (such as eggplant, cauliflower, and potatoes), and meat (usually chicken or lamb) in a pot, then flipping it upside down onto a serving platter after cooking. The result is a beautiful, layered dish that’s both visually stunning and incredibly flavorful. Maqluba is often served with yogurt or a simple salad on the side.

10. Baklava
Baklava is a rich, sweet pastry that’s popular throughout the Middle East and the Mediterranean. It’s made from layers of phyllo dough filled with chopped nuts (usually pistachios, walnuts, or almonds) and sweetened with honey or syrup. The pastry is baked until golden and crispy, then cut into diamond or square shapes. Baklava is often flavored with spices like cinnamon and cardamom, and sometimes with rose water or orange blossom water. Its combination of crunchy, flaky layers and sweet, nutty filling makes it an irresistible dessert.