The Most Popular Arab Food, Ranked

Choose the food you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Jul 18, 2024 06:38
Gathering around a table filled with an array of Arab dishes creates a moment of cultural and culinary delight. The sheer variety can be overwhelming, but it also offers a unique opportunity to understand regional preferences and generational favorites. This insight is particularly helpful when attempting to discern which dishes resonate most profoundly across different communities. By engaging with our dynamic ranking system, users gain the power to cast their votes and see real-time updates reflecting popular opinion. This interactive process not only enhances the connection between food lovers around the world but also highlights the diversity of Arab cuisine. Each vote contributes to a broader understanding of culinary trends and beloved flavors.

What Is the Most Popular Arab Food?

  1. 1
    73
    points
    Hummus

    Hummus

    A creamy dip made from mashed chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic.
    • Origin: Middle East
    • Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, tahini
  2. 3
    14
    points
    Fattoush

    Fattoush

    A Levantine bread salad made from toasted or fried pieces of pita bread combined with mixed greens and other vegetables.
    • Origin: Levant
    • Main Ingredients: Pita bread, mixed greens
  3. 4
    13
    points
    Shawarma

    Shawarma

    A dish of thinly sliced cuts of meat, like chicken, beef, or lamb, rolled into a large piece of flatbread or pita.
    • Origin: Middle East
    • Main Ingredients: Meat (chicken, beef, lamb)
  4. 5
    0
    points
    Kebab

    Kebab

    Pieces of meat, fish, or vegetables roasted or grilled on a skewer or spit.
    • Origin: Middle East
    • Variants: Many, including shish kebab and doner kebab
  5. 6
    0
    points
    Couscous

    Couscous

    A North African dish of small steamed balls of crushed durum wheat semolina, often served with a stew spooned on top.
    • Origin: North Africa
    • Main Ingredients: Durum wheat semolina
  6. 7
    0
    points
    Tabbouleh

    Tabbouleh

    A vegetarian salad made of finely chopped parsley, tomatoes, mint, onion, bulgur, and seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
    • Origin: Levant
    • Main Ingredients: Parsley, tomatoes, mint, bulgur
  7. 8
    0
    points
    Baba Ganoush

    Baba Ganoush

    A dish of cooked eggplant mixed with tahini, olive oil, possibly lemon juice, and various seasonings.
    • Origin: Levant
    • Main Ingredients: Eggplant, tahini
  8. 9
    0
    points
    Kofta

    Kofta

    Ground meat mixed with spices and onions, often shaped into balls or patties and cooked.
    • Origin: South Asia, Middle East
    • Main Ingredients: Meat, spices, onions
  9. 10
    0
    points
    Mansaf

    Mansaf

    A traditional Arab dish made of lamb cooked in a sauce of fermented dried yogurt and served with rice or bulgur.
    • Origin: Jordan
    • Main Ingredients: Lamb, yogurt, rice or bulgur

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Arab food. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or food is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2538 views
  • 137 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Movers & Shakers

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each food once every 24 hours. The rank of each food is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Additional Information

More about the Most Popular Arab Food

Hummus
Rank #1 for the most popular Arab food: Hummus (Source)
Arab cuisine has a rich history that spans many centuries. It reflects the diverse cultures and traditions of the Arab world. The food is known for its bold flavors and aromatic spices. It often includes a mix of grains, meats, vegetables, and dairy products.

The foundation of Arab cuisine lies in its use of fresh ingredients. Many dishes start with a base of rice or bread. These staples are often paired with meat, such as lamb or chicken. Vegetables play a key role, adding color and nutrition. Common vegetables include tomatoes, eggplants, and onions.

Spices are essential in Arab cooking. They add depth and complexity to dishes. Some popular spices include cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. Herbs like parsley and mint are also widely used. These ingredients give Arab food its unique taste.

Cooking methods vary, but grilling and roasting are common. These techniques help bring out the natural flavors of the food. Stewing is another popular method. It allows the ingredients to meld together, creating rich and hearty dishes.

Arab cuisine also features a variety of sauces and dips. These often accompany the main dishes. They can be made from yogurt, tahini, or tomatoes. These additions enhance the overall flavor and texture of the meal.

Meals in the Arab world are often communal. Sharing food with family and friends is a cherished tradition. Large platters are common, allowing everyone to partake in the feast. This practice fosters a sense of community and togetherness.

Arab cuisine also includes a range of sweets and desserts. These often feature nuts, honey, and dates. They provide a sweet end to the meal and are enjoyed on special occasions.

In summary, Arab cuisine is a rich and diverse culinary tradition. It uses fresh ingredients, bold spices, and various cooking methods. Meals are often shared, creating a sense of community. This food culture continues to be enjoyed by many around the world.

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