+20 Top Delicious Arabic Foods With Recipes

Are you tired of eating the same old Arabic food menu daily and looking to spice things up in the kitchen? Look no further than traditional Arabic food! Arabic cuisine is famous for its bold flavors, unique spices, and diverse ingredients.

From savory kebabs and falafel to creamy hummus and sweet baklava, there are plenty of delicious dishes in traditional Arab cuisine. In this article, we’ll explore more than 20 top delicious Arabic food lists with recipes that will help you add some excitement to your daily meals and introduce you to the rich and diverse world of Arab cuisine.

So why wait? Grab your apron, preheat your oven, and embark on a culinary journey through the Arabic food menu with these 20 top delicious Arabic meals and recipes.

Arabic Foods: Are They Delicious or Should I Try?

Before we can jump on to the Arabic meal recipes, it’s better to understand Arabic Foods. Are they delicious, or should you try them?

Arabic foods are known for their unique flavors, spices, and ingredients, making them stand out from other cuisines. If you’ve never tried traditional Arabic food, you might wonder if it’s worth trying. The answer is a resounding yes! From savory kebabs and falafel to creamy hummus and sweet baklava, Arab cuisine offers a diverse range of dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. So, whether you’re a foodie looking to explore new culinary horizons or just someone who loves delicious food, give traditional Arabic food a try and discover the rich flavors of this amazing cuisine.

Arabic cuisine is delicious, and plenty of dishes will satisfy your taste buds.

One of the most popular Arabic dishes is hummus, a creamy dip made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. Hummus is a staple in many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean restaurants and is often served with warm pita bread, vegetables, or chips.

Another must-try dish in Arab cuisine is falafel, crispy fried balls made from ground chickpeas or fava beans. Falafel is a famous Arabic food that is often served in a pita with tahini sauce, vegetables, and pickles, making it a perfect on-the-go meal or snack. Its unique blend of spices and flavors has made it a favorite not only in the Arab world but also around the globe. So, if you haven’t tried this delicious dish yet, don’t hesitate to give it a taste and discover why falafel has become a staple in Arab cuisine.

Shawarma is another famous Arabic dish that has gained popularity around the world. Shawarma consists of marinated meat (usually chicken or beef) that is slowly roasted on a spit and then shaved off and served in a pita with vegetables, pickles, and sauce.

These are just a few examples of the many delicious Arabic dishes.

If you’re interested in exploring Arabic cuisine, the following list of 20 best Arabic food dishes with recipes to try.

From savory kebabs and crispy falafel to creamy hummus, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Don’t hesitate to give traditional Arabic food a try and experience the rich flavors, spices, and cultural heritage that it has to offer! Whether you are enjoying a home-cooked meal or dining out at an Arabic restaurant, the wide variety of dishes in Arab cuisine will satisfy any taste bud. So, take a culinary journey and explore the unique and delicious flavors of traditional Arabic food.

+20 Top Delicious Arabic Foods With Recipes

Now let’s discuss the +20 top delicious best Arabic foods you must try this year. These foods are widely available worldwide, but we have also given recipes to help you make them at home.

1. Kebabs (shish kebab, kofta kebab)
2. Shawarma
3. Hummus
4. Falafel
5. Baba Ghanoush
6. Tabouli
7. Fattoush
8. Kibbeh
9. Manakish (za’atar bread)
10. Labneh
11. Kunafa
12. Moutabal (eggplant dip)
13. Shakshuka
14. Harira (lentil soup)
15. Maqluba (upside-down rice and meat dish)
16. Mujadara (rice and lentils)
17. Shawarma platter
18. Shish Tawook (marinated chicken skewers)
19. Mandi
20. Tabbouleh

These dishes are among the most popular in traditional Arabic food and are enjoyed across the Middle East and Mediterranean region. They are commonly found in Arabic restaurants worldwide and are a testament to the rich and diverse culinary heritage of Arab cuisine. Whether you are savoring a hearty bowl of lentil soup, indulging in a plate of aromatic biryani, or enjoying the smoky flavors of grilled meat and vegetables, traditional Arabic food offers something for every palate. So, why not explore the world of Arab cuisine and discover the incredible range of flavors and ingredients that make it one of the most popular cuisines in the world?

Now let’s discuss these delicious dishes in detail and learn how to make them.

• Kebabs:

Kebabs is one of the best Arabic Food and Middle Eastern grilled meat dishes with marinated beef, lamb, or chicken. Shish kebab refers to meat skewered with vegetables, while kofta kebab is made with ground meat. The cooking time for kebabs usually takes around 10-15 minutes.

Ingredients for Shish Kebab:

• Meat (beef or lamb)
• Bell peppers
• Onions
• Cherry tomatoes
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Recipe:

1. Soak skewers in water for 30 minutes before assembling.
2. Cut meat and vegetables into small cubes.
3. Thread meat and vegetables onto skewers.
4. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Grill for 10-15 minutes until the meat is cooked to your liking.

Ingredients for Kofta Kebab:

• Ground beef or lamb
• Onion
• Garlic
• Parsley
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Salt and pepper

Recipe:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Mix ground meat, onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Shape the mixture into small sausage-like cylinders.
4. Place kebabs on skewers and grill for 10-12 minutes until cooked.

• Shawarma:

Shawarma is another best Arabic food and Middle Eastern wrap made with marinated meat (usually chicken or beef), pickled vegetables, and tahini sauce. The cooking time for shawarma is around 20-30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• Meat (chicken or beef)
• Shawarma spice blend
• Garlic
• Lemon juice
• Yogurt
• Salt and pepper
• Pickled vegetables (cucumbers, onions, tomatoes)
• Pita bread
• Tahini sauce

Recipe:

1. Marinate meat in a shawarma spice blend, garlic, lemon juice, yogurt, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. Place meat on a baking sheet and bake for 20-30 minutes until cooked.
4. Warm pita bread in the oven for a few minutes.
5. Fill pita bread with cooked meat and pickled vegetables, and drizzle with tahini sauce.

• Hummus:

Hummus is another delicious dish on the Arabic food menu. It’s a dip made from mashed chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. The preparation time for hummus is around 10-15 minutes.

Ingredients:

• Chickpeas
• Tahini
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Garlic
• Salt

Recipe:

1. Rinse and drain canned chickpeas.
2. Blend chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt in a food processor until smooth.
3. Adjust seasoning to taste.

• Falafel:

Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern street food and one of the best-known dishes in traditional Arabic food. Made with chickpeas, onion, garlic, and spices, it is formed into small balls and fried until crispy and golden. Falafel is a staple in Arab cuisine and is often served with tahini sauce, vegetables, and pickles. It is also a favorite in Arabic food lists worldwide, thanks to its delicious flavor and versatility. The cooking time for falafel is around 10-15 minutes, making it a quick and easy meal option that is perfect for busy weeknights or a satisfying snack any time of day.

Ingredients:

• Chickpeas
• Onion
• Garlic
• Cilantro
• Cumin
• Coriander
• Salt
• Flour
• Baking powder
• Vegetable oil for frying

Recipe:

1. Rinse and drain canned chickpeas.
2. Combine chickpeas, onion, garlic, cilantro, cumin, coriander, and salt in a food processor and blend until a coarse mixture forms.
3. Add flour and baking powder and pulse to combine.
4. Form the mixture into small balls.
5. Heat oil in a deep frying pan or pot to 350°F (175°C). 6. Fry falafel balls in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
6. Serve hot with tahini sauce or in a pita wrap with vegetables.

• Baba Ghanoush:

Baba Ghanoush is another dip on the Arabic food list made from roasted eggplant, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. The cooking time for baba ghanoush is around 30-40 minutes.

Ingredients:

• Eggplant
• Tahini
• Lemon juice
• Garlic
• Olive oil
• Salt

Recipe:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prick eggplant with a fork and place it on a baking sheet.
3. Roast eggplant in the oven for 30-40 minutes until soft.
4. Let the eggplant cool before peeling off the skin.
5. Blend eggplant, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and salt in a food processor until smooth.
6. Adjust seasoning to taste.

• Fattoush:

Fattoush is another best Arabic food that you can try this year. It is a salad with toasted pita bread, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, and herbs. The preparation time for fattoush is around 15-20 minutes.

Ingredients:

• Pita bread
• Lettuce
• Tomatoes
• Cucumbers
• Radishes
• Parsley
• Mint
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Recipe:

1. Toast pita bread in the oven or on a stovetop until crispy.
2. Break the pita bread into small pieces.
3. Mix pita bread, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, parsley, and mint in a bowl.
4. Dress with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
5. Serve immediately.

• Kibbeh:

Kibbeh is a Middle Eastern dish on this Arabic food list made with bulgur wheat, ground meat, onions, and spices, formed into balls or patties, and fried or baked. The cooking time for kibbeh is around 20-30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• Bulgur wheat
• Ground beef or lamb
• Onion
• Pine nuts
• Cumin
• Allspice
• Salt and pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying

Recipe:

1. Soak the bulgur wheat in cold water for 30 minutes.
2. Drain bulgur wheat and mix with ground meat, onion, pine nuts, cumin, allspice, salt, and pepper.
3. Form the mixture into balls or patties.
4. Heat oil in a deep frying pan or pot to 350°F (175°C).
5. Fry kibbeh balls or patties in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
6. Serve hot with tahini sauce.

• Manakish (za’atar bread):

Manakish is one of the most delicious dishes on this list of Arabic meals. It is a Lebanese flatbread topped with za’atar, a mixture of dried thyme, sesame seeds, and sumac. The cooking time for manakish is around 20-30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• Flour
• Yeast
• Za’atar
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Water

Recipe:

1. Mix flour, yeast, salt, and water in a bowl to form a dough.
2. Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes until smooth.
3. Cover the dough and let it rise for 1 hour.
4. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
5. Roll out the dough into a thin circle or rectangle.
6. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle za’atar on top.
7. Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes until golden brown.

• Labneh:

Labneh is a thick, tangy yogurt cheese made by straining yogurt until it reaches a creamy consistency. The preparation time for this Arabic food menu dish is around 24-48 hours.

Ingredients:

• Yogurt
• Salt
• Olive oil

Recipe:

1. Line a sieve or colander with cheesecloth or a clean dish towel.
2. Pour yogurt into the lined sieve or colander.
3. Sprinkle salt on top and mix.
4. Place a sieve or colander over a bowl to catch any liquid.
5. Cover and let the yogurt strain in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours until it reaches a thick, creamy consistency.
6. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil.

• Kunafa:

Kunafa is one of the best Arabic food and Middle Eastern desserts made with shredded phyllo dough, sweet cheese, and sugar syrup. The cooking time for kuna fa is around 30-40 minutes.

Ingredients:

• Shredded phyllo dough
• Sweet cheese
• Sugar syrup
• Butter

Recipe:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Melt butter in a saucepan.
3. Layer shredded phyllo dough in a baking dish, brushing each layer with melted butter.
4. Add a layer of sweet cheese on top of the shredded phyllo dough.
5. Cover the cheese with another shredded phyllo dough, brushing with melted butter.
6. Bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes until golden brown.
7. Pour sugar syrup over the kunafa while it is still hot.
8. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

• Moutabal (eggplant dip):

Moutabal is another dip on this Arabic food list made from roasted eggplant, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. The cooking time for moutabal is around 30-40 minutes.

Ingredients:

• Eggplant
• Tahini
• Garlic
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Salt

Recipe:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prick eggplant with a fork and place it on a baking sheet.
3. Roast eggplant in the oven for 30-40 minutes until soft.
4. Let the eggplant cool before peeling off the skin.
5. Blend eggplant, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt in a food processor until smooth.
6. Adjust seasoning to taste.

• Shakshuka:

Shakshuka is one of the popular Arabic meals with eggs poached in tomato and pepper sauce. The cooking time for shakshuka is around 30-40 minutes.

Ingredients:

• Tomatoes
• Red bell pepper
• Onion
• Garlic
• Paprika
• Cumin
• Eggs
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil

Recipe:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan.
2. Sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until softened.
3. Add diced tomatoes and red bell pepper to the pan and cook until the vegetables are soft.
4. Season the vegetables with paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
5. Crack eggs over the tomato and pepper mixture and cover the pan.
6. Cook until the eggs are set to your liking.
7. Serve hot with crusty bread.

• Harira (lentil soup):

Harira is a traditional Moroccan soup on our Arabic food menu list made with lentils, chickpeas, vegetables, and spices. The cooking time for Harira is around 1 hour.

Ingredients:

• Lentils
• Chickpeas
• Onion
• Celery
• Carrots
• Tomato paste
• Cilantro
• Parsley
• Lemon
• Spices (paprika, cumin, ginger, cinnamon, saffron)
• Flour
• Water
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Recipe:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil and sauté chopped onion, celery, and carrots until softened.
2. Add spices and tomato paste to the pot and cook for a few minutes.
3. Add lentils, chickpeas, and water to the pot and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
5. In a small bowl, mix flour and water to form a paste.
6. Add the paste to the soup and stir until thickened.
7. Add chopped cilantro and parsley to the soup and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
8. Squeeze lemon juice over the soup and serve hot.

• Maqluba (upside-down rice and meat dish):

Maqluba is another best Arabic food and a traditional Levantine dish with rice, meat, and vegetables. The cooking time for maqluba is around 1-2 hours.

Ingredients:

• Rice
• Meat (chicken, beef, or lamb)
• Vegetables (eggplant, cauliflower, potatoes, onions)
• Spices (cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, allspice)
• Water or chicken broth
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil

Recipe:

1. In a large pot, brown the meat in olive oil and set aside.
2. Fry the vegetables in the same pot until lightly browned and set aside.
3. Layer the vegetables and meat in the bottom of the pot.
4. Add rice and water or chicken broth to the pot.
5. Season the rice with spices, salt, and pepper.
6. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes until the rice is cooked.
7. Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for 10 minutes.
8. Invert the pot onto a large serving platter so the rice and meat are on top.
9. Serve hot.

• Mujadara (rice and lentils):

Mujadara is another must-try dish on our Arabic food list that is made with rice, lentils, and caramelized onions. The cooking time for mujadara is around 45 minutes.

Ingredients:

• Rice
• Lentils
• Onion
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Cumin

Recipe:

1. Cook lentils in boiling water until tender, then drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan and cook sliced onions until caramelized and crispy.
3. Add cumin to the onions and set aside.
4. Cook rice according to package instructions.
5. Mix rice, lentils, and half of the caramelized onions in a bowl.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve topped with the remaining caramelized onions.

• Shawarma platter:

A Shawarma platter is a Middle Eastern dish with thinly sliced marinated meat, served with vegetables, hummus, and pita bread. The cooking time for these types of Arabic meals is around 30-40 minutes.

Ingredients:

• Meat (chicken, beef, or lamb)
• Shawarma spice mix (cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder)
• Yogurt or lemon juice
• Vegetables (tomatoes, onions, lettuce)
• Hummus
• Pita bread
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Recipe:

1. Mix meat, shawarma spice mix, yogurt or lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Cover and marinate the meat for at least 30 minutes.
3. Heat a pan or grill and cook the meat until browned and crispy outside.
4. Cut the meat into thin slices and serve on a platter with vegetables, hummus, and pita bread.

• Shish Tawook (marinated chicken skewers):

Shish tawook is a Lebanese dish on our Arabic food menu made with marinated chicken skewers and served with vegetables and pita bread. The cooking time for shish tawook is around 30-40 minutes.

Ingredients:

• Chicken breast
• Yogurt
• Garlic
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Paprika
• Cumin
• Salt and pepper
• Vegetables (tomatoes, onions, bell peppers)
• Pita bread

Recipe:

1. Mix chicken breast, yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Cover and marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes.
3. Thread the chicken onto skewers and grill on a pan until browned and cooked.
4. Serve the chicken skewers with vegetables and pita bread.

• Mandi:

Mandi is the traditional best Arabic food that originated in Yemen. It is made with tender meat (usually chicken or lamb) and slow-cooked aromatic spices over a charcoal fire or in an underground oven. The cooking time for mandi is around 2-3 hours, but the result is a delicious and flavorful dish perfect for special occasions or gatherings.

Ingredients:

• Chicken or lamb
• Basmati rice
• Water
• Salt
• Spices (cumin, coriander, cardamom, cloves)
• Butter or ghee
• Onions
• Garlic

Recipe:

1. Wash and soak the rice in cold water for at least 30 minutes.
2. Add the meat, water, salt, and spices to a large pot. Bring to a boil and let simmer for 2-3 hours until the meat is tender and falls off the bone.
3. Remove the meat from the pot and set aside.
4. Strain the cooking liquid and set it aside to use later.
5. Melt the butter or ghee in a separate pot and sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant.
6. Drain the rice and add it to the pot with the onions and garlic. Stir until the rice is coated with butter or ghee.
7. Add the reserved cooking liquid to the pot, ensuring the liquid level is about 1 inch above the rice.
8. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer until the rice is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
9. Place the cooked meat on top of the rice and cover with foil.
10. Place the pot in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) and let bake for 15-20 minutes until the meat is crispy and golden brown.
11. Serve hot with a side of salad or chutney.

• Tabbouleh:

Tabbouleh is a Lebanese salad and the last dish on our Arabic food list. It is made with parsley, tomatoes, onions, and bulgur wheat, dressed with olive oil and lemon juice. The cooking time for tabbouleh is around 20-30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• Parsley
• Tomatoes
• Onion
• Bulgur wheat
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Salt and pepper

Recipe:

1. Soak the bulgur wheat in water for at least 20 minutes, then drain. 2. Mix parsley, tomatoes, and onions in a bowl.
2. Add the bulgur wheat to the bowl and mix well.
3. Mix olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well.
5. Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Overall, Arab cuisine or Arabic meals offer a variety of delicious dishes with unique flavors and ingredients. From savory kebabs to mandi, there is something for everyone to enjoy. These recipes can be easily made at home and are perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Final Words

In conclusion, Arabic cuisine is a rich and diverse culinary tradition offering various dishes, flavors, and textures. From aromatic spices to tender meat, Arabic food has something for everyone. Whether you’re a meat lover or a vegetarian, there is an Arabic dish on our Arabic food list that will satisfy your taste buds.

If you’re looking to experience the best Arabic food, Cabarettehran is the place to be. We offer a good selection of Arabic dishes from this Arabic food list, including some of the most popular and traditional ones.

At Cabarettehran, we pride ourselves on using only the freshest and highest quality ingredients in our dishes. Our chefs are experts in Arabic cuisine and are dedicated to preparing each dish to perfection.

So, if you’re looking for a place to enjoy a delicious Arabic meal with friends and family, look no further than Cabarettehran.

Come and experience the best Arabic food in town today!