20 Must-Try Middle Eastern Dishes Full of Flavor

Discover a diverse array of Middle Eastern dishes with their unique flavors. From traditional staples to imaginative creations, these 20 dishes offer something for every palate. Get ready to explore the culinary landscape of the Middle East, where each dish tells a story through its ingredients and preparation methods. Embark on this flavorful journey and find inspiration in the rich tapestry of tastes that define this beloved cuisine.

1. Shakshuka

Shakshuka is a popular Middle Eastern dish featuring poached eggs in a sauce of tomatoes, chili peppers, and onions. Often spiced with cumin, paprika, and coriander, it’s a breakfast staple enjoyed across the region. The combination of runny yolks and tangy tomato sauce creates a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. Serve it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce, or enjoy it on its own for a low-carb option. While traditional recipes stick to basic ingredients, variations can include feta cheese, olives, or spinach for added depth. This dish is excellent for sharing, making it a great option for brunch gatherings or casual dinners. With its simple preparation and impressive taste, it’s a must-try for any food enthusiast.

2. Falafel

Falafel is a deep-fried ball or patty made from ground chickpeas, fava beans, or both. Originating from the Middle East, it’s a popular street food that can be served in pita bread or as part of a mezze platter. The crispy exterior and soft interior make for a satisfying bite. The mixture is seasoned with herbs and spices like parsley, garlic, and cumin, giving it a distinctive flavor profile. While traditionally vegetarian, variations might include added vegetables or different legumes. Serve falafel with tahini sauce, hummus, or pickled vegetables for a complete meal. It’s a versatile dish that fits well with various dietary preferences and is loved for its rich taste and simplicity.

3. Kibbeh Nayyeh

Kibbeh Nayyeh is a traditional Lebanese dish featuring raw minced lamb mixed with bulgur and spices. It’s a delicacy that requires fresh ingredients and careful preparation. The texture is smooth, and the taste is uniquely rich. Seasoned with cinnamon, allspice, and mint, it’s often served with olive oil and garnished with mint leaves. Eating it with pita bread enhances the flavor experience. Though raw, when prepared correctly, kibbeh nayyeh is safe to eat and offers a taste of authentic Middle Eastern culture. It’s not just a dish but an experience, connecting diners to the land and traditions of Lebanon.

4. Mansaf

Mansaf is Jordan’s national dish, combining lamb cooked in a sauce made from fermented dried yogurt called jameed and served over rice. It’s a symbol of hospitality. The lamb is tender and flavorful, thanks to the unique jameed sauce that gives the dish its signature tangy taste. Rice, infused with aromatic spices, complements the meat, while almonds and herbs add texture. Mansaf is typically served on a large platter, encouraging communal eating. It’s an expression of the country’s rich cultural heritage, and trying it is like taking a culinary journey through Jordan’s history.

5. Baba Ghanoush

Baba Ghanoush is a creamy eggplant dip that’s a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine. Made from roasted eggplants, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice, it’s a smoky and tangy delight. The roasting process gives the eggplant a deep, rich flavor, while the tahini adds creaminess. Often garnished with pomegranate seeds or parsley, it offers a visual appeal and a burst of freshness. Ideal as an appetizer or side dish, baba ghanoush is typically served with pita bread or fresh vegetables. Its versatility and rich taste make it a favorite among those exploring Middle Eastern flavors.

6. Zaatar Manakish

Zaatar Manakish is a popular Middle Eastern flatbread topped with a blend of zaatar spices, olive oil, and sesame seeds. Baked to a golden-brown, it offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Zaatar, made from thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds, provides a tangy and nutty taste, while the olive oil keeps the bread moist. It’s a versatile dish, enjoyed at breakfast or as a snack. Serve it with fresh vegetables, labneh, or cheese for a complete meal. Its simplicity and robust flavor profile make it a beloved dish across the region.

7. Sfeeha

Sfeeha, also known as meat pies, are small pastries filled with spiced ground meat, pine nuts, and onions. Popular in Syrian and Lebanese cuisine, they’re a flavorful appetizer or snack. The dough is soft yet sturdy, encasing a savory filling seasoned with cinnamon and allspice. Pine nuts add a pleasant crunch, while onions enhance the flavor. Bake until golden brown and serve warm, perhaps with a side of yogurt or salad. Sfeeha’s delightful taste and texture make them a favorite at gatherings and an excellent introduction to Middle Eastern cuisine.

8. Knafeh

Knafeh is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert known for its unique combination of textures and flavors. Made with shredded phyllo pastry and layered with cheese, it’s soaked in a sweet syrup, creating a luscious treat. The top is crispy and golden, while the cheese filling is smooth and creamy. A touch of rose or orange blossom water in the syrup adds a fragrant note. Garnish with pistachios for added texture and color. Serve warm for the best experience, as the contrast between the crispy pastry and melted cheese is truly delightful.

9. Baklava

Baklava is a rich, sweet dessert made of layers of filo pastry filled with chopped nuts, sweetened with honey or syrup. It’s a popular treat in the Middle East, known for its flaky texture and sweet, nutty filling. The preparation involves layering thin sheets of pastry with butter and nuts, then baking until golden. After baking, a sweet syrup is poured over the pastry, allowing it to soak in and enhance the flavors. Serve baklava at room temperature, perhaps with a cup of coffee or tea. It’s a dessert that offers a satisfying crunch and a burst of sweetness in every bite.

10. Fattoush

Fattoush is a refreshing Middle Eastern salad featuring mixed greens, tomatoes, radishes, and toasted pita bread. It’s dressed with a tangy lemony vinaigrette, making it addition to any meal. The toasted pita adds a satisfying crunch, contrasting with the fresh vegetables. Sumac, a key ingredient in the dressing, gives the salad its characteristic tangy flavor. Fattoush is versatile and can be adjusted to taste by adding seasonal vegetables or herbs. It’s an ideal dish for those seeking a healthy yet flavorful option, offering a taste of the Mediterranean’s culinary freshness.

11. Mujaddara

Mujaddara is a wholesome Middle Eastern dish combining lentils and rice, topped with caramelized onions. It’s a comforting meal that balances flavors and textures beautifully. The lentils provide protein and a slightly nutty taste, while the rice adds a soft base. Caramelized onions, rich and sweet, crown the dish, enhancing its overall flavor. Serve mujaddara with a side of yogurt or salad for a complete meal. It’s a satisfying dish that reflects the heart of Middle Eastern home cooking, offering nourishment and warmth.

12. Tabbouleh

Tabbouleh is a classic Middle Eastern salad made from parsley, tomatoes, bulgur, and mint. It’s a light and refreshing dish, dressed with lemon juice and olive oil. The finely chopped parsley gives the salad green color and a fresh taste. Juicy tomatoes and mint add additional layers of flavor, while bulgur offers a subtle texture contrast. Serve tabbouleh as a side dish or appetizer, pairing well with grilled meats or other mezze. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a healthy and flavorful dish that enjoys fresh ingredients.

13. Shish Tawook

Shish Tawook is a popular Middle Eastern dish consisting of grilled marinated chicken on skewers. The marinade typically includes yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and a blend of spices, infusing the chicken with flavor. Grilling gives the chicken a smoky taste and tender texture. Serve it with a side of garlic sauce, rice, or salad for a complete meal. Shish Tawook is loved for its simplicity and the depth of flavor achieved through marination. It’s a ideal dish for barbecues or family dinners, offering a taste of Middle Eastern grilling traditions.

14. Kofta

Kofta refers to spiced ground meat skewers, commonly made with beef or lamb. It’s a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, known for its robust flavors and tender texture. The meat mixture is seasoned with onions, garlic, parsley, and a blend of spices, then shaped onto skewers and grilled. The result is a juicy, flavorful dish. Serve kofta with hummus, flatbread, or a fresh salad. It’s a versatile dish that adapts to various accompaniments, making it a favorite at gatherings and barbecues.

15. Kibbeh

Kibbeh is a traditional Middle Eastern dish featuring a fried bulgur shell filled with spiced meat and pine nuts. It’s a beloved dish in Lebanese, Syrian, and Iraqi cuisines. The bulgur shell is crispy, while the meat filling is savory and aromatic, seasoned with spices like cinnamon and allspice. Pine nuts add a crunchy texture. Serve kibbeh with yogurt sauce or a fresh salad. It’s a dish that showcases the rich flavors of Middle Eastern spices and the skill involved in traditional cooking methods.

16. Hummus

Hummus is a classic Middle Eastern dip made from blended chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. It’s creamy, smooth, and packed with flavor. Often garnished with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika or parsley, hummus is both visually appealing and delicious. It’s a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, snack, or part of a main meal. Enjoy hummus with pita bread, vegetables, or as a spread in sandwiches. Its simplicity and rich taste make it a favorite among those who appreciate Middle Eastern cuisine.

17. Foul Mudammas

Foul Mudammas is a traditional Middle Eastern dish featuring slow-cooked fava beans. It’s a hearty and nutritious meal, often enjoyed for breakfast. The beans are simmered with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices, creating a rich and flavorful dish. Serve with warm bread for a satisfying meal. Foul Mudammas is loved for its simplicity and the comfort it provides. It’s a dish that has been enjoyed for generations, offering a taste of traditional Middle Eastern hospitality and home cooking.

18. Dolma

Dolma refers to grape leaves stuffed with rice, herbs, and spices. It’s a flavorful dish enjoyed across the Middle East, known for its aromatic filling and tender texture. The rice is seasoned with ingredients like mint, dill, and cinnamon, then wrapped in grape leaves and simmered until tender. The result is a dish that’s both savory and refreshing. Serve dolma with lemon wedges or yogurt. It’s a dish that reflects the heart of Middle Eastern cuisine, offering a balance of flavors and a connection to ancient cooking traditions.

19. Warak Enab

Warak Enab is a popular Middle Eastern dish, also known as stuffed grape leaves. It features grape leaves filled with a mixture of rice and meat, simmered in a tomato sauce. The filling is seasoned with herbs and spices, giving it a rich flavor profile. Cooking in tomato sauce adds a tangy depth to the dish. Serve warak enab hot or cold, often with a side of yogurt or salad. It’s a dish that represents the communal spirit of Middle Eastern dining, often prepared for gatherings and family meals.

20. Maqluba

Maqluba is a traditional Middle Eastern dish, translating to “upside down.” It consists of layered rice, vegetables, and meat, cooked together and flipped onto a serving platter. The dish typically includes ingredients like eggplant, tomatoes, and chicken or lamb. Spices such as allspice and turmeric add depth and aroma. Garnish with nuts and parsley before serving. Maqluba is a dish that offers both visual appeal and a delightful mix of textures and flavors, making it a centerpiece for family gatherings.