Our 7 Top Favorite Middle Eastern Vegetarian Dishes

Written by
Saad Fayed
A restaurateur and food writer, Saad Fayed has published hundreds of recipes and articles about Middle Eastern cuisine.
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Saad Fayed
Updated 09/17/20

The heart and soul of Middle Eastern cuisine are its vegetables, spices, and grains. Yes, meat plays a role, but many recipes in Middle Eastern dining are vegetarian. A good Middle Eastern vegetarian meal has just as much flavor and is as filling as any meat dish. These dishes are vegetarian favorites, the absolute most popular meatless dishes, enjoyed by vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

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  • 01 of 07

    Falafel

    Falafel

    The Spruce

    We don't know one person who has tried falafel and didn't like it. Put in a pita with veggies, or between a bun like a burger...falafel can suit every appetite.

  • 02 of 07

    Hummus

    Hummus With Tahini

    The Spruce

    This creamy dip is incredibly easy to make and can be served with pita, crackers, or veggies. Homemade hummus is 10 times better than store-bought, and much less expensive, too.

  • 03 of 07

    Baba Ghannouj

    Bowl of baba ghannouj with pita bread, close-up

    Jean-Blaise Hall / Getty Images

    Not only is this appetizer fun to say, baba ganoosh, it is fun to eat. It is similar to hummus but made from eggplant. Even if you aren't a fan of eggplant, you will love baba ghannouj.

  • 04 of 07

    Tabouleh

    Tabouleh wheat salad

    The Spruce 

    Eating tabouleh can be fun, especially for the kids. Traditionally, it is eaten with pieces of pita or grape leaves instead of a fork. It's easy to make and tastes great.

    Continue to 5 of 7 below.
  • 05 of 07

    Ful Medames

    ful medames

    News from Jerusalem / Wikimedia Commons / CC 3.0

    Ful Medames (pronounced fool) is Egyptian fava beans and is a breakfast food, but many people eat it for lunch or a snack. The recipe dates back to ancient Egypt and is still thriving.

  • 06 of 07

    Mujadarra

    Vegetarian meal: Mujaddara rice with lentils and fried onions close-up in a bowl. horizontal
    ALLEKO / Getty Images

    If you are a fan of Puerto Rican rice and beans, why not try the Middle Eastern variation of rice and lentils? Mujadarra is a great food served as a side dish or even meal, with pita bread and a salad.

  • 07 of 07

    Pita Bread

    Pita Bread

    The Spruce

    Middle Eastern food wouldn't be the same without pita bread. There is nothing like fresh pita with a salad, soup, or even by itself.