From My Kitchen to Yours: 9 Middle Eastern Favorites

Hi foodie,

This week, I’m taking you on a little flavor journey. No plane ticket needed — just your appetite and maybe some tahini. 🌿
We’re diving into some of my all-time favorite Middle Eastern recipes — dishes I grew up with, flavors I crave, and meals that bring people together. From the soft and warm pita bread you’ll want to make on repeat, to the ultimate show-stopper: chicken maqluba (yes, the upside-down rice dish!), this lineup is bursting with bold spices, bright herbs, and comforting textures.

I’ve included street food staples like falafel and arayes, brunch favorites like shakshuka, fresh salads, and of course — sweet endings like baklava and malabi. Whether you're hosting a mezze night, meal-prepping for the week, or just want to try something new, I’ve got you covered.

Let’s jump in — I promise, your kitchen will smell amazing.

🫓 Pita Bread

Soft, fluffy, and perfectly puffed — my homemade pita bread recipe is the real deal. Whether you bake it in a pan, pizza oven, or regular oven, this recipe is easy, foolproof, and so much fun to make.

👉 Why I love it: It’s versatile, simple, and endlessly customizable. Fill it with falafel, shawarma, veggies, or just swipe it through creamy hummus. Once you try this, you’ll never want store-bought again!

🧆 Falafel

Golden, crispy, and packed with herbs and spices — this falafel recipe is what Middle Eastern street food dreams are made of. Whether you serve them in pita, on a salad, or as a snack, they’re protein-packed, vegan, and totally addictive.

Chicken Maqluba

This is the dish that makes people gasp when you flip it. Layers of spiced chicken, rice, and vegetables cooked together and then dramatically inverted onto a plate. It's hearty, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress — and yes, I’ll walk you through exactly how to flip it like a pro.

Shakshuka

Eggs poached in a rich, spiced tomato and pepper sauce. It’s the perfect brunch or light dinner — warm, saucy, and best served with pita to scoop every last bite. You can even add feta or spinach for a twist!

Arayes

Think of these as grilled meat-stuffed pita pockets — crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and perfect for BBQs or weeknight dinners when you want something fast but flavorful.

Baba Ganoush

Smoky, creamy, and seriously delicious. This eggplant dip is a mezze must-have. Serve it with warm pita, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with pomegranate seeds or fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy.

Tabbouleh Salad

Bright, zesty, and packed with parsley, lemon, bulgur, and tomatoes. This is the salad that steals the show. It’s fresh, crunchy, and so refreshing, especially on hot days.

Baklava

ayers of crispy phyllo dough, crushed nuts, and sweet syrup — baklava is pure dessert bliss. I’ll show you how to make it step-by-step so it’s not intimidating. Plus, it keeps well, making it perfect for gifting (or not sharing).

Malabi

Malabi (also known as Muhallebi or Muhallabi) – is a middle eastern dessert. The malabi is very similar to a milk pudding and served with rose water/orange blossom flavors and served with pistachios, peanuts or other nuts. the malabi is served cold and it is a perfect dessert for hot summer days.

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Happy Cooking!