Welcome to the world of food! Arabic street food is more than just fast food; it’s an essential part of Arab culture and an expression of a tradition of food and hospitality. In this article, we’ll take a delicious tour of Arabic street food, exploring the unique flavors and dishes you can find across the region.
Best Middle Eastern Meals and Street Food Snacks
Egypt has one of the most dynamic street food scenes in the Arab world, with dishes that are both delicious and very affordable.
- الشاورما (Shawarma): One of the most famous Arabian street food items. They roast thin slices of seasoned meat (chicken or lamb) on a vertical rotisserie and shave them into a sandwich with garlic sauce, fries, and pickles. You can find Shawarma everywhere from Amman to Dubai.
- الفلافل (Falafel): A beloved classic. People make these crispy balls from ground chickpeas (in the Levant) or fava beans (in Egypt) and deep-fry them. They often serve them in bread with fresh vegetables and tahini sauce, making them a perfect vegetarian option.
- المناقيش (Manakeesh): A famous flatbread that people bake in an oven. They often top it with za’atar (thyme) and olive oil or cheese, and it’s a popular breakfast dish across the Levant.
- السمبوسة (Samboosa): A crispy, fried pastry, similar to a samosa. People fill it with cheese, meat, or vegetables. It’s a very popular snack during Ramadan in the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf countries.
Egyptian Street Food: Popular and Authentic
Egypt has one of the most dynamic street food scenes in the Arab world, with dishes that are both delicious and very affordable.
- الكشري (Koshary): People consider Koshary the national dish of Egypt. Koshary is a hearty and flavorful meal. It is a delicious mix of rice, macaroni, and lentils. They top it with chickpeas, a spicy tomato sauce, garlic vinegar, and crispy fried onions.
- الطعمية (Ta’ameya): In Egypt, people call falafel Ta’ameya, and they traditionally make it from fava beans (instead of chickpeas) mixed with herbs. These delicious green patties are a staple Egyptian breakfast. They serve them in fresh bread with tomatoes and pickles.
- الفول المدمس (Ful Medames): A classic Egyptian breakfast dish. People make Ful with slow-cooked fava beans seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, and spices. They often serve it with chopped fresh vegetables and eat it with bread.
- الفتة (Fatta): A celebratory dish you often enjoy on special occasions. Fatta has layers of toasted bread, rice, and a fragrant garlic-tomato sauce. They top it with pieces of stewed meat.
United Arab Emirates: Flavors of the Past and Present
The food scene in the United Arab Emirates, especially in Dubai, is a mix of traditional Emirati flavors and modern global cuisine. You can still find many of the traditional foods on the street or in local eateries.
- البلاليط (Balaleet): A popular sweet and savory breakfast dish. People make it with thin, sweet noodles cooked with sugar, cardamom, and rose water. They often top it with a saffron omelet.
- الثريد (Thareed): A traditional stew made of meat and vegetables. They serve it over thin pieces of bread. It is a hearty and wholesome dish that is popular during the month of Ramadan.
- خبز الجباب (Chebab): A traditional Emirati pancake. People make it from a thin batter and flavor it with saffron, cardamom, and turmeric. They typically serve these light, golden pancakes with cheese or date syrup for breakfast.
- اللقيمات (Luqaimat): A popular dessert of small, golden, fried dough balls. They have a soft, airy inside. People drizzle them with sweet date syrup and often sprinkle them with sesame seeds.
Breads
The foundation of any Middle Eastern meal is bread, and it serves not only as a food item but often as a utensil to scoop up dips and sauces. Here are some of the most famous types of Arabic bread you’ll find on the street.
- خبز الشراك (Shrak Bread): This is a very large, paper-thin flatbread, also known as markook. It is a staple of Bedouin cuisine. They traditionally bake it on a hot, domed metal plate called a saj. Its flexible and strong texture makes it perfect for wrapping meats like shawarma or for scooping up various dips.
- خبز البيتا (Pita Bread): People know it simply as khubz (bread) in many places. This round, soft pocket bread is one of the most widely used types. Its unique pocket makes it ideal for stuffing with fillings like falafel, shawarma, or hummus, turning a simple bread into a complete meal.
- خبز الكعك (Ka’ak Bread): A popular street food snack, especially for breakfast. Ka’ak is a large, ring-shaped bread. They often top it with sesame seeds. It has a slightly chewy texture, and people commonly fill it with boiled eggs and fresh thyme or serve it with za’atar dip.
- خبز المناقيش (Manakish Bread): More than just bread, Manakish is a complete dish. It’s a round flatbread that people bake with a variety of delicious toppings. The most popular toppings are za’atar (a blend of thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds) mixed with olive oil, or melted cheese, which makes it a flavorful and filling meal on its own.
More Delicious Street Foods
Beyond the classics, the Arab world has many other delicious street food items that you should try.
- الكفتة (Kofta): Spiced ground meat (often lamb or beef) mixed with onions and herbs. They form it into skewers or patties and grill it. Kofta is a common and savory street food you can find across the region.
- المتبل (Mutabal): A smoky eggplant dip that they make with tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. It’s a popular cold appetizer that is perfect for scooping up with fresh bread.
- الشيش طاووق (Shish Tawook): Skewers of marinated chicken grilled to perfection. They often marinate the chicken in yogurt, lemon juice, and spices, which gives it a unique, tangy flavor.
Food for Vegetarians
Arabic street food offers a wide variety of delicious and satisfying vegetarian dishes. Many of the most famous street foods are naturally plant-based, which makes them a great choice for everyone.
- الفلافل (Falafel): A staple in the region. People make falafel, a crispy fritter, from ground chickpeas (or fava beans, especially in Egypt) mixed with herbs and spices. They often serve it in pita bread as a sandwich with tahini sauce and fresh vegetables.
- الحمص (Hummus): A creamy dip that they make from mashed chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. It’s a key part of any meal and is delicious when you scoop it up with fresh bread.
- التبولة (Tabbouleh): A refreshing salad that people make from finely chopped parsley, tomatoes, mint, and bulgur wheat. They dress it with olive oil and lemon juice.
- المجدرة (Mujaddara): A simple but hearty dish of cooked rice and lentils. They top it with crispy fried onions, and it’s a perfect vegetarian main course.
Salads
السلطات (Salads): Salads are an essential part of the Arab meal. They offer a fresh, healthy, and cooling contrast to the rich flavors of other dishes.
- التبولة (Tabbouleh): This is a vibrant and refreshing salad. People make it of finely chopped parsley, tomatoes, mint, and bulgur wheat. They dress it with olive oil and fresh lemon juice, which makes it a perfect side dish.
- الفتوش (Fattoush): A mixed salad with a delightful crunch. It contains various fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers. They top it with toasted or fried pieces of flatbread and a sumac-lemon dressing.
Authentic Desserts
The Arab world has a rich tradition of desserts. You can find many of them in bakeries and on the streets. These sweets are often rich, sweet, and flavorful.
- الكنافة (Kunafa): A famous sweet. People make it with a fine, noodle-like pastry or semolina dough. They layer it with creamy, stretchy cheese and soak it in syrup. You traditionally serve it warm with a sprinkle of crushed pistachios on top.
- البقلاوة (Baklava): A classic dessert. People make it from layers of thin phyllo dough. They fill it with chopped nuts (like pistachios or walnuts) and hold it together with sweet syrup or honey.
A Tradition of Food and Hospitality
The tradition of Arab hospitality reflects in the street food culture. Vendors are often friendly and generous, and sharing a meal is a social experience. The variety and quality of arabic street food prove that you don’t need a fancy restaurant to enjoy delicious, authentic meals.
Conclusion
Arabic street food is a vital part of the region’s culture, offering rich flavors and unique social experiences. From the delicious meals of Amman to the authentic dishes of Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, the food culture is a reflection of a rich history and deep-rooted hospitality. We hope this guide has inspired you to try these incredible best Middle Eastern meals and enjoy the authentic flavors of the Arab world.
To continue your journey of discovering the Arabic language and culture, you can use the Kaleela app to learn more. With Kaleela, you’ll be able to confidently order these delicious foods and connect with the people who make them.
