Middle Eastern Dishes Tourists Are Trying Instead of Shawarma

Middle Eastern Dishes Tourists Are Trying Instead of Shawarma

Shawarma has long been a favorite for travelers craving quick, flavorful Middle Eastern food. But in 2026, tourists are increasingly exploring other authentic regional dishes that go beyond shawarma — each offering rich cultural history, unique flavors, and memorable dining experiences. From hearty street food to slow-cooked classics, here are the Middle Eastern dishes travelers are ordering instead of shawarma, why they’re popular, and where to try them.

1. Hummus — Creamy Chickpea Dip with a Global Following

What It Is:
A smooth and creamy dip made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and olive oil.

Why Tourists Love It:
• Mild, comforting taste
• A perfect appetizer or side with bread
• Easily customizable with toppings like za’atar, paprika, or pine nuts

What to Try It With:
Warm pita bread, fresh veggies, falafel, or grilled meats.

Cultural Note:
Hummus is one of the most iconic dishes of the Levant, with variations across Lebanon, Jordan, and Palestine.

2. Falafel — Crispy Chickpea or Fava Bean Fritters

What It Is:
Deep-fried balls or patties made from ground chickpeas or fava beans mixed with herbs and spices.

Why Tourists Love It:
• Vegetarian and vegan-friendly
• Great street food option
• Crunchy on the outside, soft inside

How It’s Served:
In pita wraps with salad and tahini, on a mezze platter, or as a snack.

Cultural Note:
Falafel is widespread from Egypt to the Gulf, with each region adding its own herbs and dips.

3. Kibbeh — Meat and Bulgur Croquettes From the Levant

What It Is:
A layered or shaped dish of ground meat (usually lamb or beef) mixed with bulgur wheat and spices.

Why Tourists Love It:
• Satisfying, flavorful comfort food
• Can be baked, fried, or served raw (kibbeh nayeh)
• Rich texture and spice profiles

Where to Try:
Lebanese, Syrian, and Jordanian restaurants.

Cultural Note:
Kibbeh is often considered a national dish in several Levantine countries.

4. Mansaf — Jordan’s National Dish With Yogurt Sauce

What It Is:
Traditional Jordanian meal of slow-cooked lamb served on rice with fermented yogurt sauce (jameed) and garnished with almonds or pine nuts.

Why Tourists Love It:
• Deeply cultural and ceremonial
• Perfect introduction to regional flavors
• Great for communal dining

Serving Style:
Often served on large platters for sharing.

Cultural Note:
Mansaf is a dish for celebrations and special occasions in Jordan.

5. Kabsa / Machboos — Fragrant Spiced Rice With Meat

What It Is:
A popular Gulf rice dish cooked with aromatic spices and meat (chicken, lamb, or goat).

Why Tourists Love It:
• Bold spice combinations
• Filling and hearty
• Often served with side sauces or salads

Regional Variations:
In Saudi Arabia it’s called kabsa; in Kuwait and the UAE, it’s often served as machboos.

Cultural Note:
This dish reflects trade-route influences of spices across Arabia.

6. Fattoush — Refreshing Levantine Bread Salad

What It Is:
A vibrant salad of mixed greens, cucumbers, radishes, tomatoes, and crispy pita pieces tossed in tangy sumac dressing.

Why Tourists Love It:
• Light and refreshing
• Perfect complement to hearty mains
• Great vegetarian and gluten-friendly option

What Makes It Unique:
The zesty dressing and sumac give it a bright, citrusy flavor.

7. Baba Ganoush — Smoky Eggplant Dip

What It Is:
A creamy dip of roasted eggplant, tahini, garlic, lemon, and olive oil.

Why Tourists Love It:
• Smoky, savory flavor
• Great alternative to hummus
• Pairs perfectly with warm bread

Where to Try:
Popular in Levantine and Turkish mezze spreads.

Cultural Note:
Some regions add pomegranate seeds or herbs for variation.

8. Kofta Kebabs — Grilled Spiced Meat on Skewers

What It Is:
Minced meat (lamb or beef) mixed with spices and herbs, shaped onto skewers, and grilled.

Why Tourists Love It:
• Juicy, flavorful meat
• Often served with rice, salads, or flatbread
• Customizable spice levels

Serving Styles:
Can be grilled, baked, or simmered in tomato sauces.

9. Shawarma’s Cousin: Doner / Gyro / Al Pastor Mashups

What It Is:
Though related to shawarma, many tourists are exploring regional variants like Turkish doner, Greek gyro, and Middle Eastern-Latin fusion al pastor (in cross-cultural eateries).

Why Tourists Love It:
• Slightly different spice profiles
• New textures and sauces
• Familiar yet distinct from traditional shawarma

Where to Find:
Fusion food markets and street-food hubs.

10. Kunafa — Sweet Cheese Pastry for Dessert

What It Is:
A beloved Middle Eastern dessert of shredded dough (kataifi) layered with cheese or cream, soaked in sweet syrup, and often topped with pistachios.

Why Tourists Love It:
• Sweet and indulgent
• Unique texture contrast
• Perfect finale to a savory meal

Where to Try:
Cafés, patisseries, and street-dessert stalls.

11. Falooda and Sharbat — Refreshing Traditional Drinks

What They Are:
Sweet, chilled beverages — falooda (vermicelli, jelly, milk, and basil seeds dessert drink) and sharbat (fruit/flower syrups mixed with water or milk).

Why Tourists Love Them:
• Cool relief in warm climates
• Great palate cleansers
• Instagram-worthy presentations

Where to Try:
Traditional teahouses and local eateries.

Why Tourists Are Exploring Beyond Shawarma

Breadth of Flavor

Shawarma is delicious, but regional dishes offer broader spice profiles and cultural depth — from smoky baba ganoush to aromatic kabsa.

Cultural Exploration

Travelers increasingly want to “eat like locals”, not just familiar favorites. Trying national dishes reveals history and lifestyle.

Health and Variety

Many of these dishes incorporate fresh vegetables, fermented foods, and light proteins, offering balanced alternatives to heavier street wraps.

Tips for Tourists Trying Middle Eastern Cuisine

1. Ask Locals for Recommendations

Local diners know the best spots for authentic kabsa, mansaf, and baba ganoush.

2. Try Mezze Platters

Mezze lets you sample a variety of dishes in one meal.

3. Don’t Fear Spices

Middle Eastern cuisine is aromatic but often mild to moderate in heat — you can adjust based on preference.

4. Explore Street Food and Fine Dining

From casual stalls to upscale restaurants, each offers different interpretations.

Final Thoughts

While shawarma remains iconic, tourists in 2026 are broadening their Middle Eastern culinary horizons. From classic mezze and hearty rice dishes to sweet desserts and refreshing drinks, the region’s food scene offers rich flavor diversity, cultural depth, and memorable dining experiences that go far beyond the familiar wrap.

Disclaimer: Ingredients and preparation styles may vary by country and restaurant. Always check dietary preferences and local food practices before trying new dishes.

#Authentic Arabic Cuisine #Cuisine and Desserts #Traditional Cuisine