Iconic Middle Eastern Cuisine to Try Before You Die
Middle Eastern food is home to some of the most underrated food in the world. The region is renowned for healthy variety of ingredients, an array of various meats, delicious dips, and plentiful flavors of spices. Since many of countries in the Arabic region share similar cuisines, we decided to combine some of our favorites from our travels to Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt. Each section will highlight the country’s signature meals as well as the best place to try each dish. Hopefully this food tour will inspire you to visit the three culinary capitals where Arabic cuisine reaches transcendent heights.
Jordan Arabic Food
Jordan is a country of ancient wonders and stunning natural landscapes, and its food reflects the same magnitude of authenticity. Here’s some of the most iconic meals to try while visiting!
1. Shawarma
Succulent, marinated strips of lamb or chicken, slow-roasted on a vertical spit, and tucked into a warm wrap with pickles and garlic sauce. Jordanian shawarma is a street food delight symbolizing the rich flavors of the Middle East and one of our favorite foods in Jordan.
2. Hummus
However controversial it may be, Jordanian hummus is an art form and the best you’ll find in the entire world. Creamy chickpeas blended with tahini, garlic, and lemon juice create a dish as smooth as the desert sand. Scoop it up with fresh pita for an unbeatable start to any meal.
3. Mansaf
Mansaf is Jordan’s national dish, and a unique addition to the catalogue of interesting Arabic food. Tender lamb cooked in a fermented yogurt sits atop aromatic rice, garnished with toasted nuts. It’s traditionally shared on a large platter, embracing the spirit of unity. We tried some at AlQuds AlJadeed in Amman along with a few other specialty dishes and it was great (but very filling).
4. Falafel
Although pretty common appetizer in the Arab world, Jordanian Falafel is some of the best. Golden, crispy orbs of chickpea perfection, is stuffed with onions or herbs for an extra burst of flavor. Pair it with tangy yogurt or wrap it in a pita for an irresistible snack.
5. Kibbeh
These fried or baked croquettes, made from bulgur and ground meat, are crispy on the outside and packed with savory goodness within. Kibbeh is the Arabic version of a Puerto Rican fritura and a must-try mezze dish.
6. Shish Tawook
Grilled to juicy perfection, these marinated chicken skewers are infused with garlic, yogurt, and spices. Often served with fresh salad, rice, or bread, shish tawook is a versatile dish for any meal.
7. Zarb
The only thing better than zarb is the epic adventure you’ll go on to get it. Drive into a traditional Bedouin camp in the middle of the desert and you’ll get to try this smoky and tender barbecue. Meat and vegetables are seasoned, wrapped, and buried in an underground oven to slow-cook in the embers of the desert. Check out our adventure into the vast Wadi Rum desert for more!
8. Knafeh
Knafeh is a beloved Arabian desert with soft, stretchy cheese beneath a crispy, golden semolina crust, all drenched in rosewater syrup. There’s a soft and rough style so naturally we tried both. Taste one of each to see which you like for yourself!
9. Chicken Freekeh
Chicken Freekeh is a hearty and flavorful dish made with tender, slow-cooked chicken served over freekeh, a nutty, cracked wheat. The freekeh is simmered with aromatic spices, onions, and broth, creating a rich, earthy base that perfectly complements the succulent chicken and often garnished with toasted nuts and fresh herbs.
United Arab Emirates
We visited the notorious Dubai in the UAE, known for its luxurious experiences and lavish nightlife. The city is more of an international melting-pot of diverse cultures so authentic Emirate food was difficult to find. But you can still find some vestiges of traditional cuisine in Old Dubai. Here are some of our favorites!
10. Samboosa
Dubai’s take on samosas, these crispy pastries are stuffed with spiced meat, vegetables, or cheese. They’re a street food favorite, perfect for a quick yet satisfying bite. These were included as a snack on our Tour of Old Dubai.
11. Machboos
A fragrant rice dish with meat or fish, machboos is spiced with saffron, cardamom, and dried lemon. If you try one food in the UAE it should be this! We tasted some delicious machboos and other Emirate specialties at Logma in the Dubai Mall.
12. Chebab
Dubai’s version of pancakes, chebab is a sweet and savory delight flavored with saffron and cardamom. Typically served with cream cheese or date syrup, it’s a breakfast you’ll never forget! We found this and a ton of other authentic Arabic food at the Arabian Tea House.
14. Khubz
Just Arabic bread that is usually served alongside most meals and is great for dipping. Its like a pita bread’s chunky cousin.
15. Al Harees
A dish of slow-cooked wheat and meat, al harees achieves a creamy consistency through hours of cooking. This traditional meal has a unique taste and is worth trying at least once.
16. Shakshuka
Shakshuka is another specialty of the UAE consisting of Eggs poached in a spicy tomato and bell pepper sauce. Its vibrant flavors and colorful presentation make it another photogenic breakfast plate.
17. Manakish
Often called the Arabic pizza, manakish is flatbread topped with za’atar, cheese, or ground meat. It’s the ultimate grab-and-go breakfast or snack.
18. Luqaimat
Also spelled Lokma, these golden dough balls, drizzled with date syrup, are Dubai’s signature dessert. Crisp on the outside and soft inside, they pair beautifully with Arabic coffee. They remind me of the Loukoumades we had in Greece. Actually there are tons of similarities between Greek and Arabic cuisine so check out this other post for more details.
Egypt
While technically in Africa and not in the Middle East, the cultures provide enough overlap and share many similarities in cuisine. Here’s some of the most iconic Arabic food you’ll find in Egypt.
19. Koshary
No trip to Egypt is complete without a taste of its national dish and ultimate street food. Koshary is a carb-laden delight of rice, lentils, pasta, and chickpeas topped with tangy tomato sauce and crispy onions. It’s cheap, filling, and addictive. Find some awesome bowls of it at Abou Tarek in Cairo.
20. Kofta
These spiced ground meat skewers are grilled to perfection and served with tahini or pita. Juicy and flavorful, kofta is a barbecue staple. Definitely an Arabic food you shouldn’t miss.
21. Tabbouleh
Tabbouleh is a refreshing salad of parsley, tomatoes, and bulgur, seasoned with lemon juice and olive oil. It’s a light yet vibrant addition to any meal and a great appetizer.
22. Baba Ganoush
Smoky, creamy eggplant dip with tahini, garlic, and lemon, baba ganoush is a mezze classic. This amazing dip is like a mysterious brother to hummus, and is one of our favorite foods in Egypt.
23. Ful Medames
This humble dish of slow-cooked fava beans, seasoned with olive oil, garlic, and lemon, is a breakfast favorite. Served with pita, it’s both nutritious and satisfying.
24. Mulukhiyah
This green, garlicky stew made from molokhia leaves has a polarizing texture but a loyal following. Served with rice or bread, it’s a controversial Egyptian comfort food that you either love or hate.
25. Baklava
Egyptian baklava layers paper-thin phyllo dough with nuts and honey, creating a sticky, flaky dessert that’s impossible to resist.
Obviously there are countless more traditional and high quality Arabic food, but this is a good starting point. Each country has its own unique twist on each dish so we encourage trying everything you can! Jordan, Egypt, and the Emirates all have their own signature meals so we recommend focusing on those while in the region. I still think Arabic food is underrated and definitely make our list for the top 10 best cuisines in the world. Thanks for reading and keep leveling up!
Check out our full Arabic Food vlog for more of the delicious cuisine you’ll find in the Middle East!
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