16 Delicious Middle Eastern Foods You Need In Your Life

    So much food, so little time.

    Samantha Wieder
    by Samantha Wieder

    BuzzFeed Staff

    1. Shakshuka

    davidlebovitz.com

    What is it? Eggs in a tomato-based sauce traditionally eaten for breakfast.

    Recipe here.

    2. Shawarma

    paleocupboard.com

    What is it? Chicken and other meats prepared on a spit.

    Recipe here.

    3. Sabich

    whatjewwannaeat.com

    What is it? Fried eggplant and hard boiled eggs in a pita.

    Recipe here.

    4. Malabi

    girlcooksworld.com

    What is it? Rose pudding.

    Recipe here.

    5. Falafel

    toriavey.com

    What is it? Balls of fried chickpeas.

    Recipe here.

    6. Hummus

    thepioneerwoman.com

    What is it? Mashed chickpeas used as dip or eaten plain.

    Recipe here.

    7. Baba ganoush

    thehealthymaven.com

    What is it? Eggplant dip.

    Recipe here.

    8. Limonana

    toriavey.com

    What is it? Frozen mint lemonade.

    Recipe here.

    9. Bourekas

    seriouseats.com

    What is it? Savory pastry made with different fillings such as cheese and spinach.

    Recipe here.

    10. Tahini

    inspiredtaste.net

    What is it? Sauce made from sesame seeds.

    Recipe here.

    11. Halvah

    joyofkosher.com

    What is it? Fudge-like candy typically made from tahini.

    Recipe here.

    12. Tabbouleh

    davidlebovitz.com

    What is it? Salad made with items like bulgur, mint, onion, tomatoes.

    Recipe here.

    13. Baklava

    thepioneerwoman.com

    What is it? Nut-filled pastry kept together with a sweet syrup.

    Recipe here.

    14. Kofta

    themediterraneandish.com

    What is it? Beef or lamb cooked with Middle Eastern spices.

    Recipe here.

    15. Umm Ali

    thewanderlustkitchen.com

    What is it? Bread pudding made with puff pastry, nuts, and raisins.

    Recipe here.

    16. Bamya

    toriavey.com

    What is it? Stew made with okra and spices.

    Recipe here.

    UPDATE

    This post has been updated to reflect that not all items are foods exclusive to Israel. Additional Middle Eastern dishes have been added since this post was initially published.