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Culinary Adventures in the Middle East: Discover Flavors from Across the Region

Travel Foodies | 22 Mar 2025

Culinary Adventures in the Middle East: Discover Flavors from Across the Region

Though the Middle East is a large region, not many people are aware of the items or the cuisine they have to offer. It consists of a few countries large and small, offering different dishes with some common ones though with different national flavors. The dishes are meaty with different kinds of meats including mutton though pork is forbidden to be used according to Islamic laws. There are vegetables used too, whether to add flavor to the meat or for separate dishes. Some of the items can be spicy and the ingredients used are mostly from local produce. There is a lot of seafood on offer too, mostly in the cities close to the coast. As for the drinks, the local coffee, yogurt, and milk drinks are very popular.

Something unusual

Those living in European nations will have come across Middle Eastern eateries, particularly Turkish eateries where Shawarma or Doner Kebabs are served. You will have these items prepared fresh in front of you. The breads of different kinds are used with almost every meal and the reason for this is the farming of cereals in this region including wheat. At these eateries usually veg or non-veg items are served placed inside Pita bread. The cuisines of this region have evolved over the millenniums and there are new recipes in the last century. So, here we list for you what to expect when you plan a trip to the Middle East.

Enjoy the delicacies in Dubai

Dubai is known for its international airport and the airlines that will bring you here from almost any part of the world, at least from most major nations on all continents. The city itself is known for offering shopping opportunities for luxury items and there are plenty of restaurants offering items from the most popular cuisines on the planet. If you choose to go on a desert safari here you can expect grilled meats with bread to be served for dinner in the middle of a desert. You can also try the dates or the camel milk.

Culinary experiences in Istanbul

Istanbul has many glorious sites like the Grand Camlica Mosque. You will find eateries here serving Lahmacun which is very similar to a pizza with ingredients that you may not be used to. As for the Turkish pizza, there is the Pide with shapes that invite you to munch it quickly. The fish sandwiches and Islak Burger, the Turkish version of burgers are also popular with locals and are must-try for those coming to the cities in this nation. You will find these either as street food or at restaurants in the markets.

You will love the Lebanese items in Beirut

This city has all kinds of eateries for you depending on what you plan to spend from street food to fine dining restaurants. You should try hummus, the chickpea paste which is very popular in Europe too, often used for dipping your bread into it. You should also try out the crepes which are prepared with halva, the traditional Arabic confectionary. There are falafels too prepared from fava beans and fried, served with a dip. You will also find a variety of cheese here including feta, which is of Greek origin. As for the sweets you can try out Arabic ice cream, prepared with a very different method than what you will be used to, or sfouf a cake with turmeric flavor.

- By cheapdealsfare Team