What are the most popular Middle Eastern foods?

Middle Eastern cuisine is a rich tapestry of flavors and textures, drawing from the diverse cultures and traditions of the region. It is known for its use of fresh herbs, spices, and a variety of ingredients that create vibrant and hearty dishes. From savory meats and grilled kebabs to refreshing salads and dips, Middle Eastern food offers something for everyone. This cuisine is not only about the taste but also about bringing people together, making it a popular choice worldwide. The following sections delve into some of the most beloved dishes and their popular menu options, providing a glimpse into the culinary heart of the Middle East.

Hummus

Hummus is a creamy, savory spread made primarily from mashed chickpeas blended with tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. It's a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, beloved for its versatility and rich, comforting flavor.

Restaurants often serve hummus in a variety of ways, making it a versatile dish that can cater to different tastes. Classic hummus remains a favorite, offering a simple yet delicious taste that highlights the creamy texture and subtle flavors of its ingredients. For those looking for something more substantial, hummus topped with lamb or chicken shawarma adds a meaty, flavorful dimension to the dish. Spicy versions, such as hummus with harissa, cater to those who enjoy a bit of heat. On the lighter side, hummus served with a salad or fresh vegetables provides a refreshing and healthy option. Many establishments also offer a hummus trio, allowing diners to sample different flavors, such as traditional, roasted red pepper, and black bean hummus. For a convenient meal, hummus wraps or pita sandwiches are popular choices, perfect for on-the-go dining. Pairing hummus with warm, fluffy pita bread enhances the experience, making it a beloved dish in Middle Eastern cuisine.

Falafel

Falafel, a deep-fried ball made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, is seasoned with herbs and spices, offering a crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful interior. This vegetarian dish is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, celebrated for its delicious taste and versatility.

Falafel can be enjoyed in numerous ways, making it a favorite among both vegetarians and meat-eaters. The classic falafel pita or falafel sandwich incorporates these crispy balls into fluffy pita bread along with fresh vegetables and tangy sauces, creating a satisfying meal. For a lighter option, falafel served over a bed of salad offers a healthy yet hearty choice. Many restaurants also offer a falafel platter, which includes a selection of sides such as hummus, tabbouleh, and more, allowing diners to enjoy a variety of flavors in one meal. For those seeking a unique twist, falafel burgers or burritos present an innovative take on traditional falafel, blending Middle Eastern flavors with familiar formats. Accompaniments like baba ganoush or hummus with pita bread round out the meal, while desserts such as baklava or knafeh provide a sweet finish to the dining experience.

Shawarma

Shawarma is a mouth-watering dish made from thinly sliced meat, such as chicken, beef, or lamb, that has been marinated and slow-roasted on a rotating spit. It's known for its tender texture and rich, spiced flavor profile.

Shawarma is served in various forms to suit different tastes and preferences. Traditional meat shawarma, including beef and chicken options, can be enjoyed either on its own or wrapped in a soft pita with vegetables and sauce. For those looking for a fuller meal, shawarma plates or platters typically come with sides like rice and salad, making for a well-rounded dish. The mixed shawarma, which combines different types of meat, offers a taste of everything. Shawarma salads are available for a lighter, fresher option, mixing shawarma meat with an assortment of vegetables. Another popular choice is hummus topped with shawarma, blending the creamy texture of hummus with the savory meat. Shawarma combos, which usually include a side dish and a drink, provide a complete meal solution. Whether enjoyed in a sandwich, wrap, or on a plate, shawarma remains a versatile and beloved option in Middle Eastern cuisine.

Tabbouleh

Tabbouleh is a refreshing salad made with finely chopped parsley, mint, tomatoes, and onions, mixed with bulgur wheat and dressed in lemon juice and olive oil. It's celebrated for its fresh, herby flavor and light, nutritious profile.

This dish is often featured on menus in various forms, with the classic tabbouleh salad being a staple. Its vibrant flavors and textures make it a popular choice for those seeking a healthy and refreshing meal. Tabbouleh pairs wonderfully with other Middle Eastern dishes, such as baba ganoush, a smoky eggplant dip, or hummus topped with shawarma, offering a creamy contrast to the salad's crispness. Fattoush, another refreshing salad with crispy pita chips, complements tabbouleh well, providing a variety of textures and flavors. For a more substantial meal, grilled meat dishes like kofta kebab or chicken seekh kebab can be paired with tabbouleh, balancing the meal with their savory richness. Desserts like knafeh, a sweet cheese pastry, round off the dining experience, offering a sweet contrast to the salad's freshness. Tabbouleh's versatility makes it a beloved choice, easily paired with a wide range of dishes to suit any preference.

Baba Ganoush

Baba ganoush is a smoky, creamy dip made from roasted eggplants blended with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and various seasonings. It's a popular dish in Middle Eastern cuisine, known for its rich texture and complex flavor profile.

Restaurants often serve baba ganoush alongside a variety of dishes, making it a versatile appetizer or side. It pairs exceptionally well with fresh salads like tabbouleh or fattoush, offering a creamy complement to their crisp textures. For a heartier meal, baba ganoush can be enjoyed with dishes like moussaka or chicken ghallaba, adding depth and richness. Smaller bites, such as shish taouk or fried kibbeh, also go well with this eggplant dip, providing a delightful contrast in flavors and textures. Dips and spreads like tzatziki, labneh, and various hummus options, including roasted garlic or avocado hummus, can be served alongside baba ganoush for a diverse tasting experience. Warm pita bread is the perfect accompaniment, allowing diners to scoop up the creamy dip. For dessert, traditional sweets like baklava or knafeh offer a sweet finish to the meal. Baba ganoush's smoky flavor and creamy texture make it a favorite, easily paired with a wide array of Middle Eastern dishes.

Kebab

Kebabs are a cornerstone of Middle Eastern cuisine, consisting of meat that is marinated, skewered, and grilled to perfection. They come in various forms, including minced or chunky meat, and are celebrated for their rich flavors and succulent textures.

The kofte kebab, made from minced meat and spices, is a popular choice, offering a tender and flavorful experience. Seekh kebabs, another favorite, are prepared with spiced, minced meat, usually lamb, beef, or chicken, and grilled on skewers, providing a savory bite. Shish kebabs, featuring marinated lamb or beef cubes along with vegetables, are a must-try for those who enjoy a mix of meat and veggies. The doner kebab, a Turkish specialty, consists of seasoned meat cooked on a rotisserie, offering a unique taste and texture. For vegetarians, vegetable kebabs provide a delightful option, while paneer tikka kebabs offer a tasty alternative for those who prefer cheese. The kebab platter, which includes a variety of kebabs, is perfect for sampling different flavors. Kebabs' versatility and delicious taste make them a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, enjoyed by many.

Dolma

Dolma refers to a family of stuffed dishes, commonly featuring grape leaves wrapped around a filling of rice, herbs, and sometimes meat. This dish is cherished across the Middle East for its delicate balance of flavors and textures.

The traditional dolma, with its grape leaves encasing a flavorful mixture of rice, onions, and spices, is a classic choice. Variations like dolmas, dolmeh, dolmades, dolmadakia, and dolmathes offer slight differences in preparation and ingredients, catering to a range of tastes. Sarma, similar to dolma but using cabbage leaves, provides a hearty alternative. For those who prefer a meatier option, dulet, made from minced offal and spices, is a flavorful choice. Bulgur, a common grain in Middle Eastern cuisine, often accompanies dolma as a side dish, while doogh, a savory yogurt-based drink, offers a refreshing complement. For dessert, halva, a sweet sesame-based confection, provides a delightful end to the meal. Dolma's rich flavors and variety of preparations make it a beloved dish in Middle Eastern cuisine.

Moussaka

Moussaka is a rich, layered dish often made with eggplant or potatoes, ground meat, and a creamy béchamel sauce. It's a beloved comfort food in Middle Eastern cuisine, known for its depth of flavor and satisfying texture.

Offering both classic and vegetarian moussaka allows restaurants to cater to a wide range of dietary preferences, ensuring everyone can enjoy this comforting dish. Baba ghanoush, with its smoky flavor, serves as an excellent appetizer, setting the stage for the rich layers of moussaka. Side dishes like tabbouleh and fattoush salads offer fresh, herby contrasts to the hearty main, balancing the meal. Meat options such as kofta, in variations like lamb and chicken, provide additional savory choices for diners. Desserts like baklava and knafeh, with their sweet, nutty flavors, round off the dining experience, offering a traditional sweet finish. Moussaka's rich and comforting nature makes it a standout dish in Middle Eastern cuisine, complemented by a variety of sides and desserts.

Fattoush

Fattoush is a vibrant salad made with mixed greens, fresh vegetables, and crispy pieces of pita bread, all tossed in a zesty sumac dressing. It's celebrated for its refreshing taste and crunchy texture, making it a popular choice in Middle Eastern cuisine.

The classic fattoush salad is a staple, but variations like the protein-rich chicken fattoush salad offer a heartier option. Baba ghanoush and hummus serve as perfect appetizers, providing creamy and smoky flavors that complement the crispness of fattoush. Main courses like shish taouk or kofta kabob, with their grilled meats, pair well with the salad, offering a satisfying balance of flavors. For vegetarians, falafel provides a delicious alternative, either on its own or in a pita sandwich. Moussaka, with its rich layers, offers a comforting choice alongside the lightness of fattoush. Desserts like kanafeh, a sweet cheese pastry, provide a delightful treat to end the meal. Fattoush's refreshing and crunchy nature makes it a versatile salad, easily paired with a variety of Middle Eastern dishes.

Baklava

Baklava is a decadent dessert made from layers of filo pastry, filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey. It's a celebrated treat in Middle Eastern cuisine, known for its sweet, crunchy, and nutty flavors.

Turkish baklava, with its delicate layers and rich history, is a popular variation, often featuring pistachios for a unique taste. Pistachio baklava is another favorite, offering a crunchy and aromatic experience. Assorted baklava allows diners to sample different fillings, such as walnut or chocolate, in one sitting. Chocolate baklava introduces a modern twist, appealing to those who love both traditional baklava and chocolate. Baklava cheesecake, an innovative fusion, combines the creamy texture of cheesecake with the crispy, syrupy layers of baklava, creating a memorable dessert experience. Baklava's sweet and nutty taste makes it a beloved ending to any Middle Eastern meal, bridging cultures and cuisines with its delightful flavors.

This material was created based on our comprehensive study of different menus across Middle Eastern cuisine from Otter's internal data. The information presented in this article does not represent a guarantee.

More resources

• What is Middle Eastern cuisine
• Food Delivery Trends And Restaurant Insights