20 Most Popular Middle Eastern Recipes (Recipe Collection)

Middle Eastern cuisine is beloved for its diversity and vibrant flavors. From iconic street food like Hummus and Falafel to delicious soups, rice dishes, spreads to sweets – there are countless traditional Middle Eastern dishes to choose from. Many of them are perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings and special occasions.

Here’s a list of 20 of the most popular Middle Eastern recipes you should try – loved across the region and around the world!

What is Middle Eastern Food?

Middle Eastern food includes the rich and flavorful cuisines of Arabic, Persian and Turkish cultures. It’s an umbrella term for a large region where countries share many similarities, but also have distinct differences. Dishes like eggplant spread, grilled chicken, stuffed grape leaves, and Baklawa are enjoyed across countries like Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Iran and Turkey. These foods are similar because the region shares many of the same ingredients and spices, but also history and cooking traditions. Yet each country adds its own unique twist, making Middle Eastern cuisine incredibly rich and versatile.

Hummus

Let’s start our list of the most popular Middle Eastern food with what’s probably the most iconic Arabic dish on a global scale: Hummus. Hummus is a chickpea dip that is extremely delicious, very versatile and super easy and quick to make. In the Middle East it’s served at any time of the day whether for breakfast, lunch or dinner. You can never go wrong with Hummus. While you can find storebought Hummus at many supermarkets it tastes much better homemade.

Falafel

Falafel is a hugely popular street food originating in the Middle East. They are made of chickpeas, lots of fresh herbs and a few seasonings. They are most commonly shaped as balls and deep-fried. In the Middle East falafel is a popular breakfast or brunch served with Hummus, pita bread and other small dishes. Making falafel at home is easy and so rewarding because homemade tastes best. Use it for brunch or breakfast, wraps, salads, burgers and many more.

Shawarma

Let’s move on with one of my favorite Middle Eastern street foods: Shawarma. This iconic street food is probably one of the best known Middle Eastern main dishes out there! The original restaurant-style shawarma is made on a vertical stick where the meat is slowly roasted and then thinly sliced. It’s usually made of chicken or veal/lamb. For the homemade version you can recreate the authentic flavor of shawarma with the right marinade, pan-fry the meat and then thinly slice it.

Mutabal

Mutabal is among the most beloved Middle Eastern dips. Authentic Mutabal is a hearty aubergine cream (eggplant cream) made with roasted eggplant, tahini, yogurt and a few seasonings. What’s interesting is that the terms “Mutabal” and “Baba Ganoush” are often mixed up because different regions have different ways of preparing it. Arabic Mutabal is basically the equivalent to what the Turkish call Baba Ganoush. So if you’re looking for the creamy eggplant dip as pictured above it’s Mutabal that you’re looking for!

Baba Ganoush

Baba Ganoush is a hearty eggplant dip that’s popular across the Levant. Similar to Mutabal the main ingredient is eggplant. However, Baba Ganoush and Mutabal are two different dishes. As mentioned above the hugely popular eggplant cream is known as Mutabal in most parts of the Middle East (especially in Arabic countries). The Turkish call Mutabal as Baba Ganoush though. However, the Arabic Baba Ganoush is a distinct dish: it’s roasted eggplant mixed with pomegranate syrup, chopped walnuts and vegetables such as tomatoes. As such, authentic Baba Ganoush isn’t really a spread but more a salad.

Muhammara

If I had to choose one dish to serve as a side dish to barbecue (or meat in general) it’d be Muhammara! Muhammara is a Middle Eastern roasted red pepper dip that is enjoying a similar popularity like Hummus or Mutabal. Originally from Syria the dip was invented to use up leftover bread. Today Muhammara is more than just a leftover dish. You can find it in the best restaurants across the world from Jordan to Germany to the US – Muhammara is everywhere. Making it at home takes just 5 minutes and a few pantry staples.

Tabouleh Salad

Tabbouleh is the signature dish in the category of Middle Eastern salads. Tabbouleh is a light and delicious salad characterized by very finely chopped ingredients, mostly parsley. In the Middle East this salad is typically served as a side dish alongside rice and meat dishes for lunch and dinner. It also makes a wonderful barbecue side dish.

Arab Salad (Jerusalem Salad)

Let me introduce you to the most popular salad in the Middle East: Arab Salad. While Tabouleh ranks number one on a global level Arab salad (also known as Jerusalem salad) comes first in the Middle East. Whatever restaurant or home you visit in Jordan, Egypt or Lebanon – they all serve this salad. It’s a very simple chopped salad that has a few chopped veggies such as cucumbers, tomatoes and parsley and a simple dressing. It’s the perfect side dish to just about any main dish.

Shakshuka

The craze for Shakshuka is real – so this breakfast dish definitely deserves a spot on the list of the most popular Middle Eastern dishes! Shakshuka is a delicious yet simple breakfast dish made of a savory tomato sauce and eggs. The origin of Shakshuka is believed to be in Tunisia. Today the dish is an integral part of North African (Maghrebi) as well as Middle Eastern cuisine. Besides it’s increasingly popular beyond the Arab countries.

Mujadara

Mujadara is one of the easiest yet most popular Middle Eastern rice dishes. It’s very quick and easy to prepare yet very delicious and satisfying. Mujadara consists of cooked brown lentils and rice generously topped with crispy caramelized onions. By the way in the Middle East there are several variations of Mujadara – but the one with brown lentils, rice and caramelized onion is definitely the most popular one.

Manakeesh

Manakeesh is the pizza of the Levant. In the Middle East Manakeesh is hugely popular for breakfast. You can find it in almost any bakery alongside other hearty baked goods. There are several varieties out there but cheese Manakeesh and za’atar Manakeesh are the most popular.

Baklawa

Baklawa is one of the most well known Middle Eastern pastries. It’s typically very sweet which is probably what makes Baklawa so popular as a dessert after a heavy lunch or dinner. But good Baklawa is more than just sweet – it’s crispy, nutty and slightly buttery. There are several varieties of Baklawa varying mostly in shape and stuffing from traditional to creative. The classic phyllo-layer-Baklawa (with pistachios or walnuts) is by far the most popular.

Knafeh

If I had to choose my favorite Middle Eastern dessert it would definitely be Knafeh. And I’m far from being the only one who’d give that answer. In fact Knafeh is one of the most popular Middle Eastern desserts! Whether you’re looking for a special treat for your family, a dessert for Ramadan or Iftar or a delicious yet simple dish to impress your guests – Knafeh won’t disappoint.

Maqluba

Maqluba is one of the most popular Middle Eastern rice dishes. In fact it’s one of the most common dishes that you’ll find on special occasions such as weddings, during Ramadan and on Eid holidays. Maqluba is one of those dishes that everyone loves! So if you’re looking for a traditional Middle Eastern rice dish to impress your family or guests Maqluba is an excellent choice.

Arabic Butter Rice

Rice is rice, right? Not even close! Middle Eastern rice is usually made with other ingredients in addition to white rice. There are several varieties of Arabic rice for example yellow rice (turmeric spiced rice), rice with raisins and nuts or the popular Arabic butter rice made with vermicelli. It’s by far the most popular side dish of the Middle East from Lebanon, Jordan to Egypt.

Shorbat Adas

Shorbat Adas is a Middle Eastern lentil soup. In fact this warm soup is probably the most popular soup of the Middle East. It’s made of just a few ingredients and therefore easy and quick to prepare. It’s a very common soup recipe during winter months, gatherings and during Ramadan (at Iftar).

Shish Tawook

Juicy, tender and perfectly spiced – Shish Tawook is one of the best Arabic chicken dishes! It’s grilled chicken skewers that consist of chicken (breast or thighs) marinated in a mix of yogurt, lemon, garlic and a few warm spices. Grilled to perfection and served with a thick garlic sauce (known as Toum) Shish Tawook is an absolute must-try for barbecue lovers. It’s one of the most popular recipes in my cookbook Mezze for Beginners!

Labneh

If you like yogurt and spreads you’re going to love Labneh! This scrumptious, simple, tangy, creamy dip is a century old crowd pleaser originating in Middle Eastern cuisine. However this dish is actually really easy to make at home. It’s basically whole-yogurt that’s been strained for a couple of hours to remove its whey. The longer it’s strained the thicker the consistency. The creamy cheese dip is an all-time favorite for breakfast in countries like Jordan or Lebanon.

Ful Medames

Ful medames is one of the most popular breakfast recipes in Middle Eastern cuisine. It’s a staple food in Egypt for which reason it’s also known as Egyptian broad beans. Besides ful medames is a hugely popular dish across the Middle East. Depending on the country there are different versions out there. The classic Ful Medames has only broad beans, Lebanese Ful also has chickpeas.

Freekeh Soup with Chicken

Whether you’re looking for a comforting winter dish or a delicious soup to serve to guests freekeh soup with chicken is a wonderful option to try. It’s a warm comforting soup that is particularly filling during cold days and Ramadan. Made with freekeh (an ancient grain from the Middle East) and tender pieces of chicken breast all cooked in a savory broth this recipe will be your favorite on cold days.

Sumac Chicken (Musakhan)

Sumac chicken also known as Musakhan is a Middle Eastern dish consisting of roasted chicken with sumac served on onions and bread. It’s considered the national dish of Palestine and is deeply rooted in culture. Traditionally Musakhan is prepared during autumn when olives are harvested but you can really prepare it at any time of the year.

Jordanian Ouzi

One of the most iconic festive dishes throughout Jordan is Ouzi. You might have heard about Ouzi as stuffed phyllo dough shells which is a popular Syrian variation of the dish. Jordanian Ouzi typically consists of flavored rice topped with a mixture of ground meat and veggies (in layers or mixed) and chicken drumsticks as a final layer. It’s garnished with toasted nuts (typically slivered almonds). This dish is often served on special occasions during Ramadan and Eid.

Stuffed Grape Leaves

Stuffed grape leaves are a beloved delicacy across the Middle East, with two delicious variations to try. Yalanji is the vegetarian version, filled with rice, herbs, and tangy lemon juice – perfect as a light appetizer or mezze. Warak Enab, on the other hand, is the heartier, meat-filled cousin often served warm. The dish originates from the ancient Ottoman Empire and is popular across the Middle East, the Mediterranean and the Balkan: from Jordan, Egypt, Turkey to Greece – everyone loves stuffed grape leaves!

Any Questions or Feedback?

If you liked this post, I’d appreciate it if you could leave a comment below (down the page). In case you’ve any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask me. I’m happy to help you make delicious Middle Eastern food at home.