Middle Eastern cuisine is known for its rich flavors and diverse dishes. For restaurant owners, understanding the profitability of each dish is the key to business success. Profitability is determined by the difference between the selling price and the cost of goods sold (COGS), which includes ingredients, labor, and overhead costs. The most profitable Middle Eastern dishes typically have a high selling price and low COGS. Here, we will explore the five most profitable dishes in Middle Eastern cuisine, providing an estimated profit margin and ideas for improving profitability.
Hummus
Hummus, a popular Middle Eastern dip made from chickpeas and garlic, has an estimated profit margin of approximately over 95%. The cost of chickpeas and garlic is approximately $0.25 per unit, while the average selling price is around $8. This high profit margin is due to the low cost of the main ingredients and the high selling price. However, this estimate does not include other costs such as labor and overhead.
To improve profitability, restaurants can consider sourcing ingredients in bulk to reduce costs. Additionally, offering variations of hummus, such as roasted red pepper or beetroot hummus, can attract a wider customer base and increase sales.
Falafel
Falafel, a deep-fried ball made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, has an estimated profit margin of around 80-85%. The cost of goods sold (COGS) is approximately $1.5, while the average selling price is around $9. The high profit margin is due to the low cost of the main ingredients and the popularity of the dish.
Restaurants can improve profitability by offering falafel in different forms, such as wraps or salads, and by pairing it with complementary dishes. Additionally, using high-quality ingredients can justify a higher selling price.
Tabbouleh
Tabbouleh, a salad made from bulgur, parsley, tomatoes, and green onions, has an estimated profit margin of around 85-90%. The cost of the main ingredients is approximately $1.3 per serving, while the average selling price is around $10. The high profit margin is due to the low cost of the main ingredients and the high demand for healthy, vegetarian options.
To increase profitability, restaurants can consider offering different sizes of servings or pairing tabbouleh with other dishes. Additionally, using organic or locally sourced ingredients can justify a higher selling price.
Shawarma
Shawarma, a dish made from thinly sliced marinated meat, has an estimated profit margin of around 80-85%. The cost of goods sold (COGS), including chicken, vegetables, sauce ingredients, and the wrap, is approximately $2.5, while the average selling price is around $14. The high profit margin is due to the high selling price and the popularity of the dish.
Restaurants can improve profitability by offering different types of shawarma, such as beef or lamb, and by offering combo meals with sides and drinks. Additionally, using high-quality meat can justify a higher selling price.
Dolma
Dolma, a dish made from grape leaves stuffed with rice and herbs, has an estimated profit margin of around 85-90%. The cost of goods sold (COGS) is approximately $1, while the average selling price is around $9. The high profit margin is due to the low cost of the main ingredients and the uniqueness of the dish.
To increase profitability, restaurants can consider offering different types of dolma, such as those stuffed with meat or different types of grains. Additionally, offering dolma as a side dish or in a combo meal can increase sales.
Unit prices calculated for COGS have been sourced from the following websites and Otter’s internal menu data. This content does not represent a guarantee or expert business advice.
About Otter
- Increase revenue up to 10% with Marketing*
- Reduce storefront downtime by up to 50% with Live Alerts*
- Increase sales up to 50% with Digital Dine-In's QR code ordering*
- Reduce missed orders to less than 1% with Order Manager's Auto-Accept feature*
- Supercharge your food business with our all-in-one restaurant POS system*