Arabic cuisines have a unique blend of aroma and flavor that give them a distinct persona that is recognizable by their sight, smell, and taste. Needless to say, not only in the Middle East but they are cherished all around the world.
Among the many aspects of Arab culture that you can’t miss out on if you are visiting an Arab nation, prominent is their food. The authenticity of healthy Arabic food that you find in the homes of an Arab family can’t be replicated by even the best-awarded chefs in the world because of the endearing touch of home-cooked magic.
Regardless of whether you are a native of the Arab world or are a tourist visiting the Middle East or are in some other part of the world who just wants to enrich their culinary experience with Arab cuisines, we have compiled this list specifically for you. Here are 10 traditional Arabic dishes that you must try at least once in your lifetime.
Authentic Arab Dishes You Can’t Say No to
The range of the dishes mentioned in this list will have you covered for different meals of the day. Made with traditional ingredients and authentic methodology, these preparations will never fail to brighten up your day.
Hummus
One of the most famous Arabic cuisines in the world, Hummus is essentially a traditional Arabic dish that is mostly served as a dip or spread. Made with mashed chickpeas that are blended with garlic, lemon, and Tahini, it is a winning combination when presented with Pita bread.
As part of a healthy diet served by meal delivery companies in Dubai, they are also enjoyed with veggies as a snack or appetizer. You can even dip your favorite crackers in it to give them a delightful mix of taste.
Shawarma
You can’t have a traditional Arabic meal experience without including the quintessential Shawarma. Just the sheer glance of the meat stacked in an inverted cone in a Lebanese restaurant near you can make anyone drool.
Made with a variety of meat, including lamb, mutton, beef, chicken, or veal, it is roasted by delicately turning vertical rotisserie. Thin slices of meat are then shaved off from the cooked surface and then presented in a wrap or sandwich form with fries, spices, garlic sauces, and pickles.
Fattoush
Essentially a salad that is prepared with all the healthy loads of vegetables, primarily green leaves, tomatoes, and radishes, what makes it distinct is the addition of fried or toasted pieces of Khubz, which are the iconic flatbreads of the Arab world.
If you want to stay on the healthy side of culinary delights, then Fattoush is the dish you can’t stay without when it comes to healthy Arabic food. The presence of Sumac gives the dish its recognizable sour taste that is too delectable to miss out.
Tabbouleh
In the same line of healthy food, Tabbouleh is another variant of Arabic Salad prepared with tomatoes, parsley, onion, mint, uncooked yet soaked bulgur, and garnished with sweet pepper, lemon juice, salt, and olive oil. Some recipes also use lettuce or semolina to give volume to the salad.
It is traditionally served as part of a selection of small appetizers known as Mezze. Highly nutritious, this is extremely filling and is easy on your health, ensuring you stay energized all through the day.
Falafel
With an Egyptian origin and a heavy feature in traditional Arabic dishes, Falafel had to make this list with its impeccable taste and widespread popularity. Made from ground chickpeas or broad beans or a combination of both, it is usually served by wrapping it in a flatbread form.
The Falafel balls are also adorned with pickled veggies, hot sauce, and salads. A must-have street food, the vegetarian aspect of the dish makes it universally appealing.
Manakish
A staple of Levantine food that is made with simple dough topped with ground meat, cheese, or thyme, Manakish can be served either folded or sliced as per your preferences. Starting the day with this is bound to provide you with a gastronomical experience that will leave you enriched with the Arab culture.
Being a popular starting food of the day, you will find it being served in some of the best breakfast restaurants in Dubai. Its authenticity has been even recognized by UNESCO which has included it in its Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
Fatteh
A triple-layered dish with the first layer consisting of stock-soaked bread, the middle layer made of eggplant with a stuffing of chickpeas inside, and a final layer of yogurt and Tahini sauce, Fatteh is a delightful discovery with each bite.
An ideal food for your evenings, this is filling as well as nutritious because of the eclectic content of the ingredients involved. In many Arab cultures, this is often made on auspicious occasions to mark significant life events.
Mansaf
Mansaf is a highly south-after traditional Arabic dish whose preparation takes nothing less than sheer masterwork. A staple of Jordanian food, it consists of lamb meat along with rice or bulgur and fermented dried yogurt. Translating to a ‘large tray’, Mansaf has the making of all the exotic and rich aroma and flavors that establishes Arabic cuisines as par excellence.
The tender meat when covered with crispy pine nuts and almonds and topped with the yogurt sauce makes for a gastronomical experience you will always want to come back to.
Kibbeh
Kibbeh is one of those versatile dishes that take many forms, which only heightens its popularity among Middle Eastern cuisines. It can be grilled, deep-fried, layered, and cooked on a tray, or even presented raw. But the most authentic version of it is by mixing meat and bulgur wheat into a fine paste and forming balls of it with spices and toasted pine nuts.
This Levantine dish always makes for a great snack to be served when you are entertaining guests. The best part of this dish is the variant forms it takes in different regions of the Arab world, giving a whole new dimension to it in every region.
Harees
An enigmatic amalgamation of bulgur, cracked wheat, meat, and salt, Harees is a comfort food that exudes the essence of healthy Arabic food. With a consistency of porridge, it is often eaten on holy festivals and special occasions after craftily stewing it with precision and love for hours.
Such is its elegance that you can’t help yourself by pouring a second serving of it. If you are getting into Arabic cuisines, you will be remised to not try this heavenly pleasure.
Conclusion
Arabic cuisines are rich in taste and potent in nutritional value which makes them a standout in the culinary world. Make sure to try these aforementioned dishes the next time you decide to treat yourself and discover an appreciation for a cuisine that will leave you spellbound.
