Food Tourism in the Middle East- Best Cuisines to Try in Each Country
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Hashim Sheikh - . March 21, 2025
- . Update: March 21, 2025 1:45 pm
The Middle East is a food lover’s paradise with abundant flavors, spices and hundreds of years of culinary history. Each country has its own culinary identity from slow cooked meats to aromatic rice dishes. If you are doing a culinary tour in the Middle East, here are the must try dishes in each country.
Lebanon-Kibbeh
Among the notable aspects of Lebanese cuisine, mezze are particularly well-known but Kibbeh is in a class of its own as the national dish. This deep fried or baked dish is composed of bulgur, minced onions and seasoned ground meat that results in a food item that is crispy yet tender.
Jordan-Mansaf
Mansaf, the national dish of Jordan, is made of cooked lamb in fermented dried yogurt (jameed) that is served over rice. Mansaf is a source of pride for Jordan, representing the hospitality and traditions within the country.
Iraqi-Masgouf
Masgouf is a traditional Iraqi dish of grilled freshwater fish that has been seasoned with tamarind and spices before being slow cooked over an open flame, giving it its signature smoky flavor.
Oman-Shuwa
Shuwa is the most popular dish in Oman, where marinated lamb is wrapped in banana leaves and slow cooked underground for as long as 48 hours, yielding mouth watering and juicy meat.
Yemen-Mandi
Mandi is made of rice with lamb or chicken, each infused with aromatic spices and slowly cooked in a tandoor type under the oven, creating a flavourful and tender smokey dish.
Bahrain-Machboos
Machboos represents Bahrain’s version of biryani and consists of spiced rice with chicken, lamb or seafood that is infused with dried limes and saffron.
Middle Eastern foods will give you a memorable experience with bold flavors and cultural heritage. Whether you are looking for grilled meats, fragrant rice or hearty stews, Middle Eastern cuisine will make you crave for more.
