19 Middle Eastern dishes worth trying

Taste the rich spices and fresh herbs that bring bold and bright flavor to every bite. From quick street food to big family plates, these dishes are full of color and depth. With 19 Middle Eastern dishes worth trying, your table will never feel boring.

Schug Sauce

A glass bowl filled with green chimichurri sauce and a spoon, placed on a wooden surface with fresh herbs nearby. — Schug Sauce. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Take a closer look at a condiment that brings serious character to the table. Fresh herbs and heat define Schug Sauce, making grilled meats and vegetables instantly more interesting. A spoonful adds bold depth without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Schug Sauce

Shawarma Kebabs

Bold seasoning can define a meal. Marinated pieces in Shawarma Kebabs bring layered spice that pairs naturally with flatbread or rice. A platter like this shows why shawarma remains popular.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

Fattoush Salad

Lean into a salad that offers more than greens alone. Toasted bread and vegetables shape Fattoush Salad into a balanced plate with texture and brightness. Each forkful shows how simple ingredients come together in Middle Eastern cooking.
Get the Recipe: Fattoush Salad

Israeli Tuna Salad With Pickles And Corn

A blue bowl filled with chopped vegetables and salad, with two serving utensils, sits on a cloth next to a dish holding a halved lemon and fresh herbs. — Israeli Tuna Salad With Pickles And Corn. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Consider how pantry staples can take on new life. Briny accents define Israeli Tuna Salad With Pickles And Corn and give it a distinct character. Spoon it into pita or onto greens for a refreshing option worth trying.
Get the Recipe: Israeli Tuna Salad With Pickles And Corn

Air Fryer Falafel

Step into plant based cooking with something rooted in tradition. Crisp bites in Air Fryer Falafel make it easy to explore chickpea driven meals at home. Tucked into wraps or bowls, they hold up as a full dish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Falafel

Roasted Carrot Hummus

A bowl of hummus topped with spicy red sauce and pieces of chickpeas and carrots, garnished with parsley. The bowl is placed on a wooden board with a partially visible sprig of herbs and flatbread nearby. — Roasted Carrot Hummus. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

Try a twist on a familiar dip. Natural sweetness runs through Roasted Carrot Hummus, giving classic chickpea spread a deeper flavor. Spread it on bread or serve with vegetables for a new take worth tasting.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Carrot Hummus

Naan Bread Recipe

Naan bread with chopped cilantro on a white plate. — Naan Bread Recipe. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Bread often anchors the meal. Soft texture in Naan Bread Recipe makes it ideal for scooping dips or wrapping meats. Adding it to the table completes the experience.
Get the Recipe: Naan Bread Recipe

Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Closeup of a chicken shawarma wrap. — Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Street food flavors deserve a spot at home. Warm spices define Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps in a way that feels both practical and bold. Wrapped in flatbread, it makes exploring shawarma approachable.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Musabaha (Warm Chickpea Dip)

A bowl of chunky hummus garnished with olive oil, herbs, and red pepper flakes. — Musabaha (Warm Chickpea Dip). Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Look beyond smooth spreads for something heartier. Whole chickpeas define Musabaha (Warm Chickpea Dip) and give it a thicker texture than standard hummus. Served warm, it shows another side of chickpea based dishes.
Get the Recipe: Musabaha (Warm Chickpea Dip)

Mushroom Hummus

Hummus with mushrooms and crackers on a white plate. — Mushroom Hummus. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Look beyond traditional versions of everyday dips. Earthy notes shape Mushroom Hummus into a variation that stands apart from standard hummus. Paired with pita or vegetables, it adds something unexpected to the table.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Hummus

Lentil Tabbouleh

Grains and legumes often form the backbone of regional cooking. Hearty texture shapes Lentil Tabbouleh into more than just a side. Herbs and vegetables keep it balanced and worth exploring.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Tabbouleh

1-Pot Pomegranate Chicken and Rice

A close-up of a dish featuring seasoned rice topped with cooked chicken pieces. The meal is garnished with fresh parsley, pomegranate seeds, and pistachios, served on a white plate. — 1-Pot Pomegranate Chicken and Rice. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

Explore how fruit and savory elements work together. Subtle sweetness runs through 1-Pot Pomegranate Chicken and Rice, balancing tender chicken and grains. One dish captures a broader range of regional flavors.
Get the Recipe: 1-Pot Pomegranate Chicken and Rice

Hummus and Falafel

A close up image of falafels on a bowl of hummus. — Hummus and Falafel. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Some pairings are classics for a reason. Creamy dip and crisp bites come together in Hummus and Falafel, creating contrast that feels well matched. Shared on one plate, they introduce core flavors of the region.
Get the Recipe: Hummus and Falafel

Roasted Carrots With Hazelnuts

Roasted rainbow carrots topped with chopped hazelnuts and fresh herbs on a white plate with a fork. — Roasted Carrots With Hazelnuts. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

Vegetables can carry more weight than expected. Nutty crunch defines Roasted Carrots With Hazelnuts and pairs well with grilled or roasted mains. It highlights simple produce in a meaningful way.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Carrots With Hazelnuts

Lamb Kofta Kebabs

Give lamb a place at your table. Ground meat seasoned for Lamb Kofta Kebabs highlights traditional spice combinations without overpowering the dish. Skewered portions make them easy to serve and share.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Kofta Kebabs

Za’atar Crusted Chicken with Farro

Sliced seasoned chicken breast with grains, diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions on a white plate with a fork. — Za’atar Crusted Chicken with Farro. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Herb blends can shift a simple protein. Earthy notes coat Za’atar Crusted Chicken with Farro, pairing grains and poultry in a balanced way. It is a practical entry point into cooking with za’atar.
Get the Recipe: Za’atar Crusted Chicken with Farro

Little Gem Salad with Herbs, Maple, Lime and Sesame

A bowl of salad containing leafy greens, fresh herbs, sliced onions, and black sesame seeds on a light surface. Another dish with similar contents is partially visible to the side. There are scattered herbs around the bowl. — Little Gem Salad with Herbs, Maple, Lime and Sesame. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

Add freshness to the spread without losing depth. Bright flavors define Little Gem Salad with Herbs, Maple, Lime and Sesame in a way that complements grilled dishes. It broadens the range of what Middle Eastern inspired meals can look like.
Get the Recipe: Little Gem Salad with Herbs, Maple, Lime and Sesame

Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad

Tabbouleh Salad inside colorful bowls. — Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

Traditional dishes can adapt to new preferences. Fresh herbs shape Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad into a lighter take that still reflects regional roots. It offers a different angle on a familiar favorite.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad

Kefta Kebabs

Bring grilled flavors into your weekly rotation. Seasoned meat forms Kefta Kebabs, offering a straightforward introduction to regional spice blends. Served with rice or bread, they feel complete without extras.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs