25 Arabian Dishes You Must Try: A Culinary Journey

The Arabian world is a vibrant tapestry of cultures, each with its own unique culinary traditions. From the bustling souks of Marrakech to the desert sands of Dubai, the region offers a diverse range of flavors and aromas that will tantalize your taste buds. This article takes you on a culinary adventure, highlighting 25 must-try Arabian dishes that will transport you to the heart of the Middle East.

Starters & Salads:

1. Hummus: This creamy chickpea dip is a staple throughout the Middle East. Made with chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil, hummus is typically served with warm pita bread for dipping. Its smooth, creamy texture and earthy flavor are a perfect starter to any meal. Don’t forget to drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with paprika for an extra touch of flavor. [ View Recipe ]

2. Baba ghanoush: This smoky eggplant dip is another popular appetizer. Roasted eggplant is mashed and combined with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil, resulting in a rich, smoky flavor. It’s often served with pita bread, but also pairs well with vegetables, crackers, or even as a topping for grilled meats. [ View Recipe ]

3. Tabbouleh: This refreshing salad is a must-try for any health-conscious foodie. Finely chopped parsley is mixed with bulgur wheat, tomatoes, onions, and a tangy lemon juice and olive oil dressing. Tabbouleh is light, flavorful, and a great way to enjoy fresh herbs and vegetables. [ View Recipe ]

4. Fattoush: This crunchy salad features toasted pita bread, mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy pomegranate dressing. The combination of textures and flavors makes Fattoush a delightful and satisfying salad. It’s often served as a side dish, but can also be enjoyed as a light lunch or dinner. [ View Recipe ]

5. Muhammara: This spicy red pepper dip is a true treat for those who love a bit of heat. Roasted red peppers are combined with walnuts, pomegranate molasses, and chili flakes, resulting in a complex and flavorful dip. It’s best enjoyed with pita bread or crackers, but can also be used as a spread for sandwiches or wraps. [ View Recipe ]

Main Courses:

6. Shawarma: This popular street food is a must-try for any visitor to the Middle East. Thinly sliced meat, typically lamb, chicken, or beef, is marinated in a blend of spices and grilled on a vertical rotisserie. The meat is then shaved off the rotisserie and served in a warm pita bread with hummus, tahini, and vegetables. The combination of juicy meat, creamy dips, and fresh vegetables creates a truly delicious and satisfying meal. [ View Recipe ]

7. Falafel: These deep-fried chickpea patties are a vegetarian staple in the Middle East. Falafel are made from ground chickpeas, herbs, and spices, then deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. They are typically served in a pita bread with tahini sauce, vegetables, and pickles. Falafel are a delicious and satisfying meal, and can be enjoyed as a snack or a light lunch. [ View Recipe ]

8. Kofta: These ground meat kebabs are a popular dish throughout the Middle East. Kofta are made from ground lamb, beef, or chicken, seasoned with spices and grilled to perfection. They can be served on skewers, or as part of a larger dish, such as a platter with rice and vegetables. Kofta are a flavorful and satisfying meal, and can be enjoyed with a variety of side dishes. [ View Recipe ]

9. Mansaf: This traditional Jordanian dish is a true feast for the senses. Lamb is cooked in a yogurt sauce, seasoned with spices and served over rice. The dish is then topped with pine nuts, giving it a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. Mansaf is typically served on a large platter, and is often enjoyed with family and friends on special occasions.
[ View Recipe ]

10. Biryani: This fragrant rice dish is a staple in many Middle Eastern countries. Biryani is made with rice, meat, vegetables, and spices, and is often layered in a pot and cooked until the rice is tender and flavorful. The dish is typically served with a side of yogurt or raita. Biryani is a hearty and flavorful meal, and is perfect for sharing with friends and family. [ View Recipe ]

11. Machboos: This fragrant rice dish is a popular choice in the Gulf region. Machboos is made with rice, meat, vegetables, and spices, and is often cooked in a large pot over an open fire. The dish is typically served with a side of yogurt or a tomato-based sauce. Machboos is a flavorful and satisfying meal, and is perfect for sharing with friends and family. [ View Recipe ]

12. Harees: This hearty stew is a popular dish in the Arabian Peninsula. Harees is made with wheat berries, meat, and spices, and is typically cooked for several hours until the wheat berries are soft and the meat is tender. The dish is often served with a side of yogurt or a tomato-based sauce. Harees is a comforting and flavorful meal, and is perfect for a cold winter day. [ View Recipe ]

13. Lamb tagine: This slow-cooked stew is a popular dish in Morocco. Lamb tagine is made with lamb, vegetables, and spices, and is traditionally cooked in a clay pot called a tagine. The dish is often served with a side of bread or couscous. Lamb tagine is a flavorful and satisfying meal, and is perfect for a cold winter day. [ View Recipe ]

14. Fish mechoui: This whole fish dish is a popular choice in coastal regions of the Middle East. Fish mechoui is made with whole fish, marinated in spices and grilled over an open fire. The dish is typically served with a side of rice or salad. Fish mechoui is a flavorful and satisfying meal, and is perfect for a summer barbecue. [ View Recipe ]

Sides & Desserts:

15. Pita bread: This soft and fluffy flatbread is a staple in the Middle East. Pita bread is made from flour, water, and yeast, and is typically cooked in a clay oven. Pita bread is often served with hummus, baba ghanoush, or other dips. It can also be used to wrap sandwiches or falafel.

16. Rice: Rice is a staple side dish in many Middle Eastern countries. Rice is often flavored with saffron, cardamom, or other spices. It can be served plain, or with a variety of toppings, such as meat, vegetables, or nuts.

17. Baklava: This sweet pastry is a popular dessert in the Middle East. Baklava is made with layers of filo dough, filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey or syrup. It is typically served warm, and is often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea.

18. Kunafa: This sweet cheese pastry is another popular dessert in the Middle East. Kunafa is made with shredded phyllo dough, filled with cheese, and soaked in a sugar syrup. It is typically topped with pistachios, and is often served warm. [ View Recipe ]

19. Luqaimat: These deep-fried dough balls are a popular dessert in the Gulf region. Luqaimat are made from flour, water, and yeast, and are deep-fried until golden brown. They are typically drizzled with honey or date syrup, and are often served with a cup of coffee or tea. [ View Recipe ]

20. Basbousa: This semolina cake is a popular dessert in Egypt. Basbousa is made with semolina, sugar, and orange blossom water, and is baked until golden brown. It is typically topped with a sweet syrup, and is often served with a cup of coffee or tea.

21. Umm Ali: This rich and creamy dessert is a popular choice in Egypt. Umm Ali is made with puff pastry, milk, nuts, and raisins, and is baked until golden brown. It is typically served warm, and is often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea.

22. Dates: This sweet and chewy fruit is a staple in the Middle East. Dates are often eaten as a snack, or used in desserts. They are a good source of fiber, potassium, and other nutrients.

23. Halva: This sweet confection is a popular dessert in the Middle East. Halva is made with sesame seeds, sugar, and spices, and is typically served in a block or a slice. It is often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea.

24. Maamoul: These cookie-like pastries are a popular dessert in the Middle East. Maamoul are made with flour, sugar, and nuts, and are filled with dates, pistachios, or other nuts. They are typically served with a cup of coffee or tea.

25. Aish el-saraya: This sweet bread pudding is a popular dessert in Egypt. Aish el-saraya is made with bread, milk, sugar, and nuts, and is baked until golden brown. It is typically served warm, and is often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea.

This list is just a starting point for exploring the vast and delicious world of Arabian cuisine. Each dish has its own unique history and cultural significance, making it a true culinary adventure. So, gather your friends and family, and embark on a journey of flavor through the Middle East!