Your Complete Guide to Middle Eastern Street Food

By Marie-Antoinette Issa.

If you’ve ever strolled through the bustling streets of Lebanon’s northern port town of Tripoli or shared a knafeh in the souks of the ancient city of Jerusalem, you’ve likely been captivated by the intoxicating aroma of freshly baked bread, sizzling meats and fragrant spices.

Even if you’ve never added a stamp from any of the 18 or so countries in the Middle East to your passport, the region’s take on fast food has gained popularity across the globe for its bold flavours, vibrant colours and rich cultural heritage.

Here’s a journey into some of the most beloved Middle Eastern street foods and what makes them so irresistible:

 

Falafel is perhaps the most well-known Middle Eastern street food and a staple for vegetarians and carnivores alike. These golden, crispy balls are made from ground chickpeas (or sometimes fava beans) mixed with spices like cumin, coriander, garlic and parsley. Once deep-fried to perfection, a falafel is often stuffed into pita bread and topped with tangy tahini, fresh vegetables and pickled varieties.

What makes falafel so versatile is that it’s equally delicious on its own or as part of a larger meal. Whether you grab a falafel sandwich from a vendor or snack on these delightful bites dipped in hummus, it’s no wonder falafel has become synonymous with Middle Eastern street food culture.

If falafel is the go-to for plant lovers, shawarma is a street food paradise for meat enthusiasts. Shawarma consists of thinly sliced marinated meat (typically lamb, chicken or beef) that is slow-cooked on a vertical rotisserie. The result? Tender, juicy meat, which is shaved off the spit and wrapped in soft flatbread.

Served with pickles, garlic sauce (also known as toum) and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, shawarma is incredibly flavourful. Each region has its own twist - Lebanese shawarma might feature pomegranate molasses, while in Egypt, the sandwich could be paired with tangy tomato salsa. Regardless of the variation, shawarma offers an explosion of flavour with every bite.

A Middle Eastern favourite that might remind you of pizza is manakish, a flatbread topped with ingredients like za’atar (a mix of thyme, sesame and sumac), cheese or minced meats. Traditionally baked in a clay oven, manakish are crispy, warm and perfect for breakfast or a midday snack.

What sets manakish apart is the simplicity of its ingredients, allowing the spices and fresh dough to take centre stage. Popular in Lebanon, Jordan and Syria, manakish are often served with olives and fresh vegetables, making them a filling and flavourful grab-and-go option.

 

Sambousek are delightful pastry pockets filled with a variety of ingredients, including spiced meat, cheese or vegetables. These flaky pastries are often deep-fried or baked, making them a crispy, indulgent treat. Popular across the Middle East, sambousek are often enjoyed as part of mezza spreads or as a snack from street food stalls.

Kaak is a traditional Middle Eastern bread that comes in various forms and is often enjoyed as a street food staple. This round, sesame-crusted bread is typically soft on the inside and can be served plain or filled with a variety of ingredients, such as za’atar or jibin (cheese). Across the Middle East, kaak is often sold by street vendors, who offer it warm and fresh, making it a delightful snack or accompaniment to a meal.

 

In Iraq, the egg and amba sandwich on samoun bread is a beloved street food that perfectly marries simplicity and flavour. The soft, fluffy samoun - an Iraqi flatbread - is the ideal vessel for this delightful combination. Typically, the sandwich features a fried or hard-boiled egg, its creamy yolk contrasting beautifully with the tangy, spiced amba sauce, made from pickled mangoes and seasoned with spices like turmeric, coriander and fenugreek.

This vibrant condiment adds a zesty kick that elevates the humble egg to new heights. Often garnished with fresh vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers, this sandwich is not only a satisfying meal but also a nostalgic reminder of home for many Iraqis, making it a staple for breakfast or a quick snack throughout the day.

 

No guide to Middle Eastern street food would be complete without a sweet treat and knafeh tops the list. This decadent dessert is made from shredded filo dough or semolina soaked in sweet sugar syrup and layered with cheese or clotted cream. Once baked, knafeh is crispy on the outside and oozing with a creamy, rich filling on the inside.

It’s a street food favourite in countries like Palestine and Lebanon, often sold by vendors who slice it straight from the pan and top it with crushed pistachios. Whether you're wandering through the streets of Amman or relaxing in a cafe in Cairo, knafeh is the perfect sweet indulgence to end a savoury meal.