Welcome back! That last article on Arab street foods made me so hungry that I had to go out and get something to eat. (I had a falaafil sandwich.) While I was out, however, I realized that there are so many more delicious Arab foods that you can eat, and too many to mention in just one article. So, without further ado, here’s a list of...
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I love to travel and, to me, the best part of traveling is all the different foods to try. The Arab world does not disappoint when it comes to edible delights, and although home cooked meals are always the best way to go, sometimes the hunger hits you before you have a chance to get home. So what do you do? You grab something on...
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One interesting aspect related to saying “goodbye” in the Arab world is that saying goodbye can take a very long time! For example, I was on a phone call with an Iraqi student of mine one day and the end of the conversation went something like this:Me: “Okay, taalibee (my student), I will talk to you later.” Student: “Okay, ustaazee (my teacher). Hello. Hello. Goodbye....
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Ramadan is just around the corner! What is Ramadan you ask? During the holy month of Ramadan Muslims are required to abstain from eating and drinking from dawn until sunset. For the past few years, Ramadan has fallen in the summer, so it is crucial to stay hydrated and drink more between iftar and suhoor. Iftar is the meal to break the fast after sunset. Typically, people will enjoy dates,...
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A house is only a building, but a home is where your heart is, and this is very true in the case of Arabs, since they are all about family. Since family is the most important aspect of Arab culture, of course they would do anything to accommodate its multiple members. Before we present a list of Arabic words related to houses, let’s look at...
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The values of Arab culture are unique and vast, which makes sense since the Arab world is made up of 22 countries. While it is true that the Arabic language and Muslim faith are dominant in the Arab population, and just like with any other region, the ones which are part of the Arab World experience a certain amount of diversity. Several languages are spoken...
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If you’re hungry and you know it, then you’ve found the right article! There is a reason why Middle Eastern food has been gaining popularity in recent years. Combining so many spices and flavors in a perfectly balanced dish is an art in itself. You will find that many dishes have the same name across these Middle Eastern countries, yet they might taste entirely different...
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If you have a sweet tooth, then this article is right up your alley! The layered personality of Arab cuisine has various regional influences stemming from traditional Bedouin and Levantine food. However, the question that arises after every authentic feast is always, “What’s for dessert?” Just like their savory dishes, Middle Eastern desserts consist of multiple, perfectly-balanced flavors and textures. While it’s true that some...
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The late American chef, world traveler, raconteur and foodie Anthony Bourdain once said, “You learn a lot about someone when you share a meal together,” and no words could ring more true if you are studying Arabic and want to learn more about the culture. In fact, whether you’re visiting one of the many Arab speaking countries or you have an Arabic language partner right...
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