Trying new food is a great way to be introduced to and get educated about new cultures and lifestyles. As a Middle-Eastern girl raised in America, eating Middle-Eastern food is one of the biggest ways that I’ve been able to stay connected to my culture and its practices. Recently, I’ve realized that because I’ve grown up around Middle-Eastern food my entire life, my appreciation for the food has somewhat diminished. Even though it’s normal to become accustomed and grow tired of something that you’re around a lot, I’ve learned that I should still be thankful for the amazing home-cooked meals and comfort food that I tend to take for granted.
In order to remind myself of the important role that food plays in my culture, I thought I’d share some of my favorite dishes. If you like to try new food, I highly recommend trying these!
1. Lahm Bi Ajeen
Translated to “meat with dough” in English, this dish tastes way better than it sounds. It’s been my favorite Middle-Eastern food since I was a kid, and I don’t think it’ll ever stop being my favorite. It’s definitely a comfort food too!
2. Dolma
Stuffed grape leaves, onions, and bell peppers—this is a classic Middle Eastern dish that no one should live without. I really love this food—not just because it tastes heavenly, but because it can be prepared as a vegetarian and vegan dish as well!
3. Borak
These are basically the Middle-Eastern version of eggrolls. They’re usually prepared with ground beef or vegetables, but my personal preference is the vegetable version!
4. Tabouli
You can never go wrong with tabouli. This salad is healthy, light, and tastes fantastic. It’s usually prepared as a side dish, but you can eat it on its own too. The best part about tabouli is that it’s easy to make and nutritious too!
5. Yellow Chicken
I personally think yellow chicken is one of the best meat dishes in Middle-Eastern cuisine. If you try this, pair it with yellow rice, and your plate will be colorful and tasty!