19 Middle Eastern Foods You Absolutely Must Try

Here are my favorite 19 Middle Eastern Foods You Absolutely Must Try for your next dinner party! These dishes have wonderful exotic flavors of the Middle East and will bring exciting flavors to your meals. From savory kebabs to sweet treats and savory pastries, there's something for everyone.

Turkish Doner Kebab

If you want to try some popular and delicious Turkish street food at home, this Doner Kebab Recipe is an excellent choice. 

Doner kebab, also known as döner or döner kebap, is a type of meat that is traditionally cooked on a vertical rotisserie. As it cooks, the outer layers are thinly sliced and served with sliced tomatoes, and onions in bread, or over Turkish Rice Pilaf.

To learn more: Turkish Doner Kebab Recipe

Middle Eastern Walnut Baklava

This Authentic Middle Eastern Walnut Baklawa is a scrumptious creation that beautifully combines layers of filo pastry with the richness of walnuts and a sweet simple syrup.

But what truly makes this recipe special is the love and artisanship that goes into creating each delicate layer of hand-rolled phyllo sheets.

To learn more: Authentic Middle Eastern Walnut Baklawa

Hummus Dip

Hummus Dip is a Mediterranean/ Middle Eastern spread made with chickpeas and tahini, then seasoned with lemon, garlic, and cumin. 

This extremely creamy, smooth & fresh dip comes together in just 25 minutes!

To learn more: Mediterranean Hummus Dip

Falafel

This Authentic Homemade Lebanese Falafel Recipe is perfect for you if you want to learn how to make perfectly crisp and extremely flavourful falafels. 

Whether you serve them stuffed in warm Greek Pita Bread or along with a bowl of refreshing Lebanese Fattoush Salad, this iconic street food will be a family favorite!

To learn more: Authentic Homemade Lebanese Falafel Recipe

To learn how to make it in an air fryer: Vegan Air Fryer Falafel Recipe

Stuffed Grape Leaves

Yaprak Sarma (or Yalanci Dolma) is an authentic Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dish made from grape leaves stuffed with aromatic rice, fresh Mediterranean herbs, and spices. 

You can serve these delicious bite-sized appetizers as a part of a mezze platter or warm as a main meal. 

To learn more: Yaprak Sarma - Stuffed Grape Leaves

Qatayef - Middle Eastern Stuffed Pancakes

Qatayef (also spelled Atayef or Katayef) are small, stuffed pancakes that are popular in Middle Eastern cuisine, especially during festive occasions and Ramadan. 

They are versatile, delicious, and surprisingly easy to make at home

To learn more: Qatayef - Middle Eastern Stuffed Pancakes

Kibbeh - Icli Kofte

Icli Köfte (a.k.a Kibbeh, Kibbi, or Kebbe) is a ball-shaped stuffed meatball made with bulgur, ground meat, walnuts, and spices.

These savory treats are usually shaped like a football and can be fried, boiled, or baked.

To learn more: Icli Kofte (Turkish Kibbeh)

Lahmacun - Turkish Pizza

Homemade Turkish Lahmacun (or Lahmajun-Lahmajoun) is a super-thin crispy flatbread topped with minced beef or lamb mixed with vegetables, herbs, and spices.

You can find this popular street / fast food everywhere in Turkey, in restaurants, cafes, and fast-food shops.

To learn more: Turkish Lahmacun

Pea Stew with Meat

Etli Bezelye Yemeği, or Pea Stew with Meat and Potatoes, is a popular summer dish in Turkish cuisine. It combines tender meat, sweet peas, and a simple tomato sauce into a delicious and nutritious meal.

This super simple dish uses everyday ingredients to whip up a family meal that's both flavorsome and packed with goodness. Plus, it’s a fun way to sneak more veggies onto your plate without sacrificing flavor.

To learn more: Etli Bezelye Yemeği - Pea Stew with Meat

Baba Ganoush

This Turkish-style Baba Ganoush without tahini is a smokey and flavorsome eggplant dip made with fresh Mediterranean ingredients. 

Same as Cacik (Turkish Yoghurt with Cucumbers) and Easy Authentic Hummus, it is extremely easy to make and pairs perfectly with Homemade Pita Bread.

To learn more: Baba Ganoush Without Tahini

Lamb Shish Kebab

Lamb Shish Kebab (or Shish Kabob) is a very popular Turkish / Middle Eastern dish typically served in restaurants or takeaway kebab shops. 

This simple recipe explains how to make your homemade version of this lamb kebabs from scratch with a few ingredients.

To learn more: Lamb Shish Kebab

Sekerpare - Turkish Semolina Cookies

Sekerpare (Turkish Semolina Cookies) is a sweet, moist, and tender dessert that's traditionally served for religious celebrations, such as Seker Bayrami which marks the end of Ramadan. 

It is a great alternative to Turkish Baklava, Tulumba - Turkish Fried Dough Dessert, or Baklava Cheesecake for your sweet cravings when you want something much simpler & quicker.

To learn more: Sekerpare (Turkish Semolina Cookies)

Ghormeh Sabzi - Persian Herb Stew

Ghormeh Sabzi is a traditional Persian Herb Stew consisting of lamb (or beef), kidney beans, a mixture of sautéed herbs, and dried limes.

It is effortless to make with everyday ingredients and tastes even better after a day or two - the perfect dish for entertaining!

To learn more: Ghormeh Sabzi - Persian Herb Stew

Mini Lebanese Pies

Fatayer are bite-sized Lebanese mini Pies made with an easy homemade dough, stuffed with a savory filling consisting of either spinach, meat, or cheese.

These crowd-pleaser pastries are incredibly easy to make with just a handful of simple pantry/fridge ingredients.

To learn more: Fatayer - Homemade Lebanese Pies

Arabian Chicken Machboos

Arabian Chicken Kabsa, also known as Machboos, is a deliciously authentic dish that's popular across the Gulf countries and enjoyed throughout the Middle East.

This fragrant chicken and rice dish comes in various versions and traditionally includes rice (often basmati), onions, tomatoes, and a blend of 'kabsa' spices.

To learn more: Arabian Chicken Kabsa - Machboos

Tabbouleh

This Taboule Recipe (Lebanese Tabouli Salad) is a refreshing and healthy Middle Eastern salad made with fresh parsley, tomatoes, and bulgur. 

It is full of flavor, color, and nutrition and is extremely easy to make with just a handful of ingredients.

To learn more: Taboule (Lebanese Tabouli Salad)

Islim Kebabi - Aubergine Meatball Wraps

Aubergine Meatball Wraps (Islim Kebabi or Kurdan Kebabi) are one of those traditional Turkish dishes mainly known and loved by regular households in Turkey. 

It is not a landmark dish widely representing Turkish cuisine abroad such as Turkish Chicken Shish Kebab or Lamb Shish Kebab. 

However, it is an oriental dish that is an extremely flavorful and delicious combination of meat and vegetables.

To learn more: Aubergine Meatball Wraps - Islim Kebabi

Zereshk Polo Morgh

Zereshk Polo Morgh is a well-known traditional Persian dish consisting of barberry rice and succulent chicken.

This delightful dish is a harmonious blend of colors, aromas, and textures, which beautifully represents the lively nature of Persian cuisine.

To learn more: Zereshk Polo Morgh - Persian Barberry Rice with Chicken

Karniyarik - Meat Stuffed Aubergines

Karniyarik - Meat Stuffed Aubergines, also known as "split belly" in Turkish, is a popular and delicious dish that originated in the Ottoman Empire. 

This traditional recipe features tender eggplants stuffed with a savory mixture of minced meat, onions, tomatoes, and spices.

To learn more: Karniyarik - Meat Stuffed Eggplants