One of the world's most delicious cuisines, if you haven’t tried middle eastern food it’s about time you start exploring your options.  

While the most popular of middle eastern food tends to be Falafel, Shawarma, Kebab, and not to forget Hummus. 

There is so much more to Middle Eastern food than the beloved falafel, kebabs and fattoush salads. 

If you are a lover of Middles eastern food or a lover of good food in general, the start of the year might be just the right time to expand your repertoire of Middle Eastern dishes. Here are 8 to look out for.

The Best Middle-eastern treats to try 

 

Vasilopita

This Greek made cake is a celebratory one. It is served on new years’ and can be identified by the zesty flavour of oranges. 

Don’t gobble it up too quickly, a lucky coin hidden in the cake is part of the tradition. It is said to bring blessings to whoever finds it.

This Middle Eastern special Is the heirloom of tradition, And defines simplicity in delicious Middle Eastern cuisine.

It can be made with just a few ingredients, and is sure to impress and satisfy anyone who tries it. 

While different people consider it to be from different countries and cultures, The closest we've come to where it's actually from is Greece. 

No two can agree on whether this simplistic bake,Is bread or cake, We take it for what it is and enjoy the nice fluffy texture.

Ingredients used include: 

• Bread Dough 
• Almonds
• Honey or sweet syrup 

What we love about it:

• Nice and fluffy 
• Works as a delicious dessert 
• Traditional heritage

Baklava

Onto one of the most popular middle eastern sweets or desserts are widely known around the world by baklava or baklawa. 

This Arabian special is by far the sweetest on this list of the 8 best middle Eastern dishes that you can try this year.

Usually consumed with tea or coffee baklava is a timeless dessert, rich in different nuts; commonly, pistachios are peanuts.

Sweet, flaky and crispy, baklava is the perfect dessert or tea snack. It is hard to pick out what part of the recipe makes baklava so delicious. 

It could be the phyllo dough, the syrup or honey, the cinnamon or the blend of pistachio, walnut and pecans.

Super sweet and savoury and usually made with natural Honey and left to soak in it, Baklava should definitely be on your bucket list of middle eastern desserts to try. 

You can find is delicious desserts at your local Middle Eastern grocery store, Or even order them online and get them straight from some of the best baklava makers such as: 

Ingredients used include: 

• Pistachios 
• Philo Dough
• Honey or sweet syrup
• Margarine or butter 

What we love about it:

• Super sweet, and filling
• Pairs well with tea or coffee
• Uses high-quality ingredients

 

Turkish delights

As we move onto the sweeter side of things, these sweet jelly-like confectionaries are a must try especially if authentic From a Turkish restaurant or dessert shop.

Available in many different flavors using a variety of ingredients such as nuts and fruits, Turkish delights are usually brought as a side with Turkish coffee or bitter tea.

While the authentic version of this delicious Arabian delicacy is usually inclusive of rosewater hints, You can find a wide range of different flavors to choose from.

Almost like candy, or gummies, with less of a chewy texture, Turkish delights are the perfect dessert for guests and make a great handout on special occasions.

Just like baklava and other popular middle-eastern desserts, Turkish delights can be bought at your nearest middle-eastern supermarket, or made at home. 

Alternatively, you can ask your middle-eastern or turkish friends, neighbors, and loved ones, to direct you to the best Turkish delights in town.

Ingredients used include: 

• Rosewater
• Food coloring 
• Nuts (almonds-pistachios) 
• Sugar 
• Corn starch 

What we love about it:

• Perfect for guests' specials 
• Pairs well with coffee
• Chewy texture

The best flavorsome middle eastern foods to try

Shawarma 

The all-time favorite and one of the most popular middle-eastern dishes, mainly chicken or beef shawarma, is a dish or rather sandwich everyone is sure to love. 

While there are an unlimited number of ways to make this delicious signature wrap, at Tahini’s our best-selling and favorite is the authentic style shawarma.

Authentic shawarmas are a perfect balance of different flavors, that contrasts well with savory juicy chicken or gyro beef. 

To sum it all up, shawarmas are roasted chicken on a turning skewer, that equally roasts the chicken from each and every side. 

Ingredients used include: 

• Tahini sauce 
• Habanero hot sauce 
• Turnips and pickles 

What we love about it:

• Fast, delicious, and healthy 
• Rich in flavorful ingredients 
• Best with extra garlic sauce

Mandi

Originally from Yemen, Mandi Is a timeless, delicious, and flavourful dish. It can be made using chicken or lamb and makes an excellent high-value meal.

While the most unique thing about this middle eastern dish is that it is cooked all in one pot both rice and meat, it allows the rice to catch all the flavors, and spices.

The popular dish is usually consumed within geographical areas of the Arabian peninsula. 

However, what's even more unique about this authentic Arabian this,Is the fact that it is cooked in a pit underground instead of the old fashioned way that we cook everything.

The pressure of being underground speeds up the process of making it, and also ensures that all of the unique flavors are extracted from the spices.

If you enjoy spicy food, such as biryani and chicken curry rice this Arabian version of it Will blow your mind, leaving you asking for more, one plate after the other. 

Whether you adre a health conscious person, or you just look for flavor and taste in your food, Mandi is a perfect choice for you. 

Many restaurants manage to make this authentic dish the way it should be you can find some of the best Mandi in Ontario at Mandi guys. 

Ingredients used include: 

• Protein Chicken/Beef/Fish 
• Basmati Rice  
• Arabian Spices 
• Tomatoes 
• Bay leaves 

What we love about it:

• A high-value nutritious meal
• Adds spice to any dish 
• Its unique preparation methods

Kawarma 

Just like the world-famous shawarma, Tahini’s shawarma to be exact, Kawmarma is another delicious meat-based dish. 

Yet one more way to eat hummus is with Kawarma. Kawarma is made from chopped lamb typically mixed with hummus. 

Pre-refrigeration days, the pieces of lamb were preserved in fat and cooked when needed. 

Today, you’re more likely to have your Hummus Kawarma made with fresh lamb, and mixed into a blend of juicy spices that drench the small pieces of meat in mouthwatering flavor. 

While these ingredients are perfect for making the old-fashioned Kawarma, we recommend you play around with different spices to find the perfect balance of what you prefer. 

ingredients used include: 

• Cilantro 
• Almonds 
• Arabian spices 
• Black pepper 
• Lamb/Beef fat 

What we love about it:

• Traditional heritage
• Easy to make and highly nutritious
• Pairs well with almost any side dish 

Muhammara

This is a dish that feeds the eyes first. The rich red color is bound to stimulate the taste buds. 

Almost a cousin to the Spanish Romesco Sauce, Muhammara is served as a side or topping with Fish, Chicken, or Beef.

But be warned, part of that color comes from red peppers which means that the dip is spicy. 

In addition to the peppers, spices and olive oil, walnuts are added to make the thick paste that goes well with pita bread or can work as a spread on a sandwich.

Not only is this simple and easy to make. Muhammara in middle eastern culture is the equivalent of hot spicy Hummus. 

Presented in the same manner, making Muhammara requires a complete unique range of different ingredients. 

While Hummus is built around chickpeas as the main ingredient, Muhammara is a delicious smooth paste you can save in your fridge as a delicious side dish. 

Ingredients used include: 

• Pomegranate Molasses 
• Walnuts 
• Extra-virgin Olive oil
• Aleppo pepper or Chili peppers

What we love about it:

• Numerous ways to serve
• Easy to make and highly nutritious
• Adds spice to any dish

Mansaf

Mansaf is a Middle Eastern dish made with rice, tender lamb, and jameed (a thick yogurt from sheep or goat milk). 

The dish is then topped with almonds. This delicious combination is popular at large gatherings and you are likely to find Mansaf served at weddings and funerals. 

It is also considered the National dish of Jordan, holding a dear place in the heart of Jordanians, offering a full-value meal in a single dish. 

This dish is usually made In special occasions and when guests are gathered, Served and presented on one large plate. 

It is a dish that comes from Bedouin heritage and has evolved to include arrange mouthwatering flavors.

Ingredients used include: 

• Nuts/Almonds 
• Rice
• Goat/lamb meat 

What we love about it:

• Served with traditional bread
• Highly nutritious 
• Uses high-quality ingredients

Cheese Fatayer

What’s not to love about cheese fatayer? It has cheese, it can have meat, it can have chicken and it can have spinach! 

There is a lot one can do to make cheese fatayer their own; use different cheeses, use a mix of cheeses or add spices and herbs to create a recipe that suits your tastes.

Cheese fatayer, are the equivalent of miniature pies, stuffed with the best of ingredients either potatoes and cheese or spinach and cheese. 

The Fatayer are often served as a side with a main dish, or part of a large selection of options for ramadan iftar. 

Ingredients used include: 

• Pistachios 
• Philo Dough
• Honey or sweet syrup
• Margarine or butter 

What we love about it:

• Super sweet, and filling
• Pairs well with tea or coffee
• Uses high-quality ingredients