Top 19 'Souk-to-Sofa' Middle Eastern Street Foods to order at home for a vibrant weekend feast. - Goh Ling Yong
Close your eyes for a moment. Imagine the vibrant, chaotic energy of a bustling Middle Eastern souk. You can hear the rhythmic sizzle of meat on a vertical spit, the cheerful chatter of vendors, and the clinking of tiny tea glasses. The air is thick with a symphony of aromas: smoky charcoal, fragrant seven-spice, zesty lemon, fresh parsley, and the sweet perfume of baking bread. It’s an experience that tantalizes every sense.
Now, what if you could bottle that magic and bring it right into your living room? In our fast-paced world, the joy of a home-cooked meal sometimes gives way to the convenience of delivery. But convenience doesn't have to mean boring. I’ve always believed, and it's a sentiment my friend Goh Ling Yong shares, that food is the ultimate connector—to culture, to memory, and to each other. This weekend, let’s transform your delivery order from a simple meal into a vibrant, shareable feast.
Welcome to the 'Souk-to-Sofa' experience. We're about to embark on a culinary journey through the heart of the Middle East, exploring the street food staples that are perfect for ordering in. These are dishes designed for sharing, for dipping, and for celebrating. So, clear your coffee table, gather your friends or family, and get ready to create a spread that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and soul. Here are the top 19 Middle Eastern street foods to order for your next vibrant weekend feast.
1. Shawarma
The undisputed king of Middle Eastern street food, Shawarma is a spectacle of flavour and texture. Imagine succulent layers of marinated meat—chicken, beef, lamb, or a mix—stacked on a giant vertical rotisserie, slowly roasting for hours until tender and caramelised. The meat is then shaved off in thin, juicy strips and typically stuffed into a warm pita or flatbread.
It’s not just about the meat, though. The magic is in the accompaniments. A classic shawarma wrap is a perfectly balanced ecosystem of creamy garlic toum, tangy pickles, crisp lettuce, fresh tomatoes, and sometimes a handful of french fries tucked inside for good measure. When ordering, don't be shy about customising your toppings to create your perfect bite.
Pro-Tip: Order a "Shawarma Arabi" or a deconstructed platter. You'll get a generous portion of meat, a stack of fresh bread, and separate containers of pickles, garlic sauce, and salad, allowing everyone to build their own perfect wrap.
2. Falafel
Crispy on the outside, light and fluffy on the inside, Falafel is the vegetarian hero of the street food world. These delightful fritters are made from ground chickpeas or fava beans (or a combination of both), blended with fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro, and a mix of fragrant spices. They are then deep-fried to golden-brown perfection.
Falafel is incredibly versatile. Enjoy it tucked into a pita pocket with tahini sauce, hummus, and a vibrant Israeli salad, or order a falafel platter. This usually comes with a handful of falafel balls, hummus, baba ghanoush, and a side of pickles and bread. It's a satisfying, flavourful, and surprisingly light option that even the most dedicated carnivores will love.
How to order it: Look for places that make their falafel fresh to order. You can often tell by the vibrant green colour on the inside, which indicates a generous amount of fresh herbs.
3. Hummus
Forget the bland, grainy stuff you find in supermarket tubs. Authentic Middle Eastern hummus is a revelation. It’s a luxuriously smooth and creamy dip made from chickpeas, tahini (sesame paste), lemon juice, and garlic, often finished with a generous drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika or sumac.
In the Middle East, hummus is not just a side dip; it’s often the main event. Look for "Hummus with Meat," where the creamy dip is topped with spiced minced lamb or shawarma shavings, and toasted pine nuts. It's a hearty, protein-packed dish that’s perfect for scooping up with warm, pillowy pita bread. This is a must-have anchor for any souk-to-sofa feast.
Pro-Tip: Use a piece of pita bread as a utensil. Pinch it to create a scoop and dive in. The combination of the warm bread and creamy, flavourful hummus is pure comfort.
4. Manakish (Man'oushe)
Often described as the Middle Eastern pizza, Manakish is a beloved flatbread that’s a staple for breakfast and lunch. The dough is soft and slightly chewy, and it's traditionally topped with a simple yet irresistible mixture of za'atar—a fragrant blend of thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds—and olive oil before being baked in a fiery hot oven.
While za'atar is the classic, you can find Manakish with a variety of delicious toppings. "Jibneh" (cheese) is another popular choice, using a salty, melt-in-your-mouth cheese like Akkawi. You can also find versions with minced meat (lahm bi ajeen), spinach, or even "kishk" (a fermented yogurt and bulgur paste). It's perfect for tearing and sharing.
How to order it: Order a few different kinds to share. A classic za'atar, a cheese, and a meat manakish create a perfect trio of flavours for your spread.
5. Knafeh (Kunafa)
No Middle Eastern feast is complete without a show-stopping dessert, and Knafeh is the ultimate indulgence. This iconic sweet is made with a layer of mild, stretchy white cheese (like Nabulsi or Akkawi) sandwiched between layers of shredded phyllo dough or semolina, soaked in a sweet, rosewater-scented syrup, and topped with a sprinkle of crushed pistachios.
Served warm, the experience of eating Knafeh is a delightful contrast of textures: the crispy, buttery pastry, the gooey, melted cheese, and the crunchy nut topping. It's rich, decadent, and utterly unforgettable. Many restaurants now offer single-serving or family-sized portions for delivery, arriving warm and ready to devour.
Pro-Tip: Knafeh is best eaten immediately while it's hot and the cheese is perfectly melted. Have your spoons ready the moment it arrives!
6. Sfiha (Lahm bi Ajeen)
These small, open-faced meat pies are bursting with flavour. Sfiha, also known as Lahm bi Ajeen, features a thin, circular dough base topped with a savoury mixture of finely minced lamb or beef, diced tomatoes, onions, and a blend of spices like cinnamon and allspice. A squeeze of lemon juice or a dollop of yogurt over the top before eating is essential to cut through the richness.
They are like mini, flavour-packed pizzas that are perfect for an appetizer or as part of a larger mezze platter. Their small size makes them easy to handle and share, and they deliver a powerful punch of savoury, tangy flavour in every bite. They reheat beautifully in an oven or air fryer, making them a great delivery option.
7. Fatteh
Fatteh is the ultimate dish for lovers of texture. The name comes from the Arabic word "fatta," which means "to crumble," and it's a brilliant way to use up stale bread. This layered dish starts with a base of toasted or fried pita bread pieces, which are then topped with chickpeas, a cool and tangy yogurt-tahini sauce, and finally garnished with toasted pine nuts and a drizzle of sizzling ghee or olive oil.
There are many regional variations. You might find Fatteh with chicken, minced meat, or roasted eggplant. Each spoonful offers a delightful mix of crunchy bread, soft chickpeas, creamy yogurt, and the nutty richness of the toasted pine nuts. It’s a comforting and surprisingly complex dish that feels both rustic and elegant.
8. Ful Medames
A humble yet deeply satisfying dish, Ful Medames (pronounced "fool mudammas") is a staple breakfast food across the Levant and Egypt, but it’s delicious any time of day. It’s a slow-cooked stew of fava beans, seasoned with garlic, lemon juice, and cumin, and finished with a generous amount of olive oil.
It’s typically served with chopped parsley, onions, and tomatoes on the side, allowing you to customise each bite. Ful is meant to be scooped up with pita bread and is a fantastic, protein-rich vegetarian dish that anchors any breakfast or brunch spread. It’s pure, unadulterated comfort food.
9. Kofta Kebab
If you love grilled meat, you cannot go wrong with Kofta Kebabs. These are skewers of minced lamb or beef, expertly mixed with finely chopped onions, parsley, and a blend of aromatic spices such as cumin, coriander, and allspice. The mixture is then moulded onto skewers and grilled over hot coals until smoky and juicy.
The result is a kebab that is incredibly tender and packed with flavour. They are usually served with grilled tomatoes and onions, a side of rice or bread, and a dollop of yogurt or tahini sauce. The smoky char from the grill is the signature of a great kofta, a flavour that transports you straight to a bustling street market.
10. Shish Tawook
For a lighter but no less flavourful option, Shish Tawook is the perfect choice. These are skewers of boneless chicken cubes that have been marinated in a vibrant mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and gentle spices. The yogurt tenderises the chicken, making it unbelievably moist and succulent.
The chicken is then threaded onto skewers, often with pieces of bell pepper and onion, and grilled to perfection. The edges get a beautiful char while the inside remains juicy. Shish Tawook is fantastic in a sandwich, but it truly shines on a platter served with a side of garlic sauce (toum) for dipping.
11. Baba Ghanoush
Baba Ghanoush is the smoky, sultry cousin of hummus. This dip starts with whole eggplants that are roasted or grilled directly over a flame until the skin is blackened and charred and the inside is soft and creamy. The smoky flesh is then scooped out and blended with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and a touch of salt.
The result is a dip that is creamy, light, and imbued with a deep, smoky flavour that is utterly addictive. It's garnished with olive oil and sometimes pomegranate seeds, which add a sweet-tart pop of brightness. It’s an essential component of any mezze platter and a fantastic counterpoint to richer dishes.
12. Tabbouleh
Cut through the richness of grilled meats and creamy dips with the bright, zesty freshness of Tabbouleh. This is not a grain salad with some herbs; it's an herb salad with some grain. The star of the show is finely chopped fresh parsley, mixed with a smaller amount of mint, diced tomatoes, onions, and a touch of fine bulgur wheat.
The salad is dressed simply with plenty of extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice. Tabbouleh acts as a perfect palate cleanser. Its vibrant, clean flavours are a refreshing contrast to the other dishes on your table and a testament to the simplicity of great ingredients.
13. Fattoush
If Tabbouleh is the fresh and herbaceous salad, Fattoush is its crunchy, tangy cousin. This "bread salad" is a fantastic way to use up day-old pita. The bread is toasted or fried until golden and crispy, then tossed with a mix of fresh greens and vegetables like lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, and radishes.
What truly makes Fattoush special is the dressing. It’s a zesty vinaigrette made with lemon juice, olive oil, and the secret ingredient: sumac. This deep red spice lends a wonderful tangy, almost citrusy flavour that ties the whole salad together. The crispy pita chips absorb the dressing while still retaining their crunch, making every bite a delight.
14. Sambousek
These delightful little savoury pastries are the Middle Eastern equivalent of an empanada or a samosa. A thin dough is filled with a delicious stuffing, folded into a triangle or half-moon shape, and then either baked or fried until golden and crispy.
Popular fillings include salty cheese (jibneh), spiced minced meat (lahma), or spinach (sabanekh) mixed with onions and sumac. They are the perfect finger food for a party or a feast. They're easy to eat, not too messy, and pack a huge amount of flavour into a small package. Be sure to order a mix to try all the different fillings.
15. Arayes
Simple, rustic, and incredibly delicious, Arayes are a must-try. This dish consists of pita bread stuffed with a thin layer of seasoned minced lamb or beef (similar to the kofta mix). The entire "sandwich" is then brushed with olive oil and grilled or toasted until the bread is crispy and the meat inside is cooked through and juicy.
They are typically cut into triangles for easy sharing and served with a side of yogurt or a simple tomato-and-cucumber salad. The magic of Arayes lies in the way the juices from the meat soak into the bread as it grills, infusing it with incredible flavour. It's a simple concept that delivers maximum satisfaction.
16. Mutabbal
While often used interchangeably with Baba Ghanoush, Mutabbal is technically a different dish, and it's worth seeking out. Like Baba Ghanoush, it starts with smoky, fire-roasted eggplant. However, Mutabbal is generally creamier and richer, with a more pronounced tahini and yogurt flavour.
Think of it this way: Baba Ghanoush is a lighter, more vegetable-forward dip, while Mutabbal is a richer, creamier, more tahini-forward spread. Both are delicious, but if you love the nutty taste of sesame, you might just prefer Mutabbal. It’s perfect for dipping and spreading.
17. Batata Harra
The name literally translates to "spicy potatoes," and that's exactly what you get. Batata Harra consists of potato cubes that are fried or roasted until crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. They are then tossed in a sizzling pan with garlic, fresh cilantro, chili flakes, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
This dish is a flavour explosion. It's savoury, garlicky, spicy, and herby all at once, with a bright acidic finish from the lemon. It's an incredibly addictive side dish that might just steal the show from the main courses. As a food lover, Goh Ling Yong would appreciate the perfect balance of textures and bold flavours in this simple potato dish.
18. Baklava
An iconic dessert known and loved around the world, you can't have a Middle Eastern feast without Baklava. It’s a rich, sweet pastry made of paper-thin layers of phyllo dough, filled with chopped nuts like pistachios, walnuts, or almonds, and held together by a sweet syrup or honey.
A well-made Baklava is a masterpiece of texture—flaky, crispy, nutty, and sticky all at the same time. It’s intensely sweet, so a small piece goes a long way. It's the perfect way to end your meal on a high note, best enjoyed with a small cup of strong Arabic coffee or mint tea to cut through the sweetness.
19. Qatayef
A special treat often associated with the month of Ramadan, Qatayef are essentially small, folded pancakes with a delicious filling. The batter is cooked on one side only, resulting in a pancake that is bubbly on top and smooth on the bottom. It is then filled, folded in half, and the edges are pinched shut.
They can be served two ways: filled with a sweet cheese or nut mixture and deep-fried until golden, then soaked in syrup. Or, they can be filled with a creamy pudding called "ashta," sealed halfway like a cone, and served fresh with a garnish of pistachios and a drizzle of syrup. If you see these on a menu, order them without hesitation.
Your Feast Awaits
And there you have it—a culinary map to help you navigate the wonderful world of Middle Eastern street food from the comfort of your own sofa. The beauty of these dishes lies in their bold flavours, honest ingredients, and the spirit of sharing they embody. Ordering a variety of these items creates an instant mezze platter, a vibrant and interactive dining experience that’s about so much more than just eating.
So next weekend, skip the usual pizza or noodles. Be adventurous. Curate your own 'Souk-to-Sofa' feast. Mix and match creamy dips with grilled meats, fresh salads with savoury pastries, and finish it all off with a sweet, sticky dessert. Turn your dinner table into a celebration of flavour and culture.
Now, I want to hear from you! What is your go-to Middle Eastern street food? Is there a hidden gem I missed on this list? Share your favourites and your dream feast combination in the comments below!
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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