The Top 10 Arab Foods to Try

Okay, so the food in all three of these countries is pretty much the same. Something interesting i've noticed in the Arab world (and grew up being a part of since I'm Arab), is cooking from scratch every day is a part of the culture. It is normal for our moms to spend hours in the kitchen cooking up lunch (that's when we have our hot meal, not dinner). The best thing about the food culture there (at least i think so)  is when we go out to eat Arab food, we typically order 10 appetisers and 5 main courses. 
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1. Hummus

Yes, this one's obvious. But you've never really had hummus until you've had it in the Middle East. This chick-pea based dip is made with Tahini (a paste made from sesame seeds), garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. It's a staple ALL over the region, and is usually served as an apetizer, side, or even a main dish and is eaten with pita bread. You can even order it with toppings like grilled chicken or lamb, and it's absolutely DELICIOUS. Check out this video to find out if you're eating Hummus the right way!

2. Manaeesh 

This one's pronounced Ma-na-eesh, and is arabic style bread that is usually topped with a mixture of Zaatar (thyme and sesame seeds and olive oil), Jibneh (cheese), and sometimes even ground meat. These are the classics, but of course there are variations of it with different toppings. It's always made at a local bakery, and is usually eaten for breakfast.

Photo from: http://bit.ly/2hguOf8

Photo from: http://bit.ly/2hguOf8

3. Falafel 

Did you know Falafel is ground up chick-peas fried into a ball? Many people don't know that's what it is. It's a popular food here in America, but just like hummus, you HAVE to try real falafel in the Middle East. It can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and is either served on a platter or in a sandwich.

Photo from: http://bit.ly/2m7zAR5

4. Foul

Not many people have heard of this one, but I definitely think it makes the list. It's the same consistency as hummus, but is made from cooked Fava beans, chopped onions, lemon juice, and olive oil. It usually eaten as a breakfast food.

Photo from: http://bit.ly/2yKQMSm

5. Sambusik 

Whenever my family went out to eat Arab food at a restaurant, there was ALWAYS a side of sambusik. It's dough filled with either cheese, spinach, or ground beef, then fried to perfection.

Photo from: http://bit.ly/2yKQMSm

6. Tabouleh 

There might be some controversy over this one because some people might not enjoy it, but if you like your salads or are vegetarian, then this one's for you! It's always served as an appetiser or side during barbecues or large gatherings. It's made of tomatoes, finely chopped parsley, onions, mint, bulgur (a whole wheat grain similar to couscous), and seasoned with lemon juice, olive oil, and salt.

7. Mixed Grill

Okay, so a mixed grill basically consists of different meats that are seasoned with Arab spices, then char-grilled. It's usually marinated chicken shish-kabobs, seasoned Kofta-kebobs, and lamb shish-kebobs all on a stick that you can easily bite off of. When an Arab family BBQs, this is the type of food that they make. This, plus mezzeh (variety of sides/apetizers).

Photo from: http://bit.ly/2hgnYpR

8. Arayee's 

This is a meat-stuffed pita bread. I like to think of it as the Arab version of quesadillas. It's arabic bread filled with a mixture of seasoned ground beef and lamb, and finely chopped onions and garlic, then either pressed or baked. It's rarely eaten as a main meal and usually served with a Mixed Grill.

Photo from: http://bit.ly/2hgnYpR

9. SHAWARMA

THE ARAB BURRITO. I don't know how else to explain this, other than the fact that it's basically just that...an Arab burrito. It's pita bread filled with your choice of chicken or lamb, a couple french fries (Arabs like fries in their sandwiches), and toom (a thick garlic sauce). The meat in this sandwich is slow cooked for as long as a day on a vertical spin, then shredded right into the sandwich. Shawarma is relatively cheap and is typically a street food but can also be ordered at restaurants. YOU ALL HAVE TO TRY IT! Fellow TCks that have been to the Middle East, let me know if you've ever had it, and what your thoughts on it are in the comment section below! I know all my friends from back home LOVE it!

10. Kunafeh

This is my favourite Arab dessert....it's going to sound like the strangest thing ever, but trust me, it's AMAZING. This pastry is made with soft cheese (similar to ricotta) then is soaked in a sugar based syrup and topped with extra thin and crispy semolina flour. It's usually served warm so the cheese is all melted. It's almost like a cheesecake...except way better.