Middle Eastern Food VS Mediterranean Food

What is Middle Eastern Food? 

The Middle Eastern food culture has evolved through the years and distinct practices. Middle Eastern food consists of dishes from Bahrain, Cyprus, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Palestine, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. 

What is Mediterranean Food? 

Mediterranean food originated from the cooking practices of people in and around the Mediterranean basin. It is healthy because Mediterranean food emphasizes the consumption of plant-based foods and healthy fats. It is known to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and many other chronic conditions. 

Mediterranean food can be grouped into three sections: 

• North African. 

• South European.  

• Eastern Mediterranean.  

Spices, herbs, bread, and wine play a main role in the preparation of Mediterranean dishes. 

Differences Between Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Food 

Middle Eastern Cuisine

Mediterranean Cuisine

Middle Eastern cuisine is renowned for its bold and aromatic spices. The food is known for its warm, complex, sweet flavor. Middle Eastern recipes rely on use of ingredients like lamb, chicken, beef, eggplant, zucchini, chickpeas, sesame seed paste, and pita bread. Pita and flat bread are most widely consumed.   Middle eastern food is based on lamb, beef, and poultry. Best examples are Chicken Shawarma, Halloumi Wrap, etc.

It’s known for its simplicity, fresh ingredients, and health benefits. The main ingredients are Olive oil, fresh herbs, and a wide variety of vegetables. Unlike Middle Eastern food, it is lighter. Sea food is most vital in a Mediterranean diet. Mediterranean food examples are Koshare, Briam, Skordalia, etc.

Middle Eastern Food Ingredients 

Middle Eastern food relies heavily on the use of olives and olive oil, pitas, honey, sesame seeds, dates, sumac, chickpeas, mint, rice and parsley.  

The most common Middle Eastern food ingredients are: 

• Sumac 

• Mahlab 

• Zaatar (oregano) 

• Cardamom 

• Mastic 

• Freekeh 

• Rosewater  

• Floral essences 

• Baklava  

• Knafeh 

• Cumin 

• Coriander 

• Cinnamon 

• Turmeric  

• Saffron 

Middle Eastern Food List 

Traditional Middle Eastern food is known for its warm flavor and aroma. Popular Middle Eastern food include: 

Middle Eastern Salads 

• Fattoush 

• Israeli Salad  

• Balela Salad 

• Farro Tabbouleh Salad 

• Grilled Eggplant Salad with Freekeh and Yogurt Dressing 

• Tabouli Salad (Tabbouleh) 

Popular Middle Eastern Dishes 

• Lebanese Chicken with 7-Spice 

• Falafel 

• Lebanese Slaw (Salatet Malfouf) 

• Shakshuka 

• Chicken Shawarma 

• Tahini Sauce 

• Pita Bread 

• Man’oushe (Lebanese Flat Bread) 

• Crispy Pita Chips 

• Grilled Lamb Kofta Wraps 

• Middle Eastern Instant Pot Lamb Stew 

• Grilled Lamb Kebabs with Herb Salad 

• Zaatar Meatballs with Green Tahini Sauce 

• Sumac Chicken 

• Skordalia 

• Halloumi Wrap 

• Falafel Burgers 

• Tahini Yogurt Sauce 

• Cauliflower Shawarma 

• Red Lentil Soup 

• Lentil Bowls 

• Persian Chicken 

• Chicken Tagine 

Traditional Middle Eastern Soups 

• Harira Soup 

• Middle Eastern Instant Pot Lentil Soup 

• Arabic Meatball Soup 

• Red Lentil Soup 

Popular Middle Eastern Dips 

• Hummus 

• Zucchini Dip 

• Whipped Feta Dip 

• Homemade Labneh 

• Homemade Tzatziki 

• Baba Ganoush 

 Mediterranean Food List 

Must try Mediterranean food include: 

Mediterranean Food Ingredients 

• Olive oil 

• Tomatoes 

• Eggplants 

• Fish 

• Beans 

• Legumes 

• Nuts 

• Rice 

• Pasta  

• Bread 

• Olives 

• Cheese 

• Herbs 

• Wine 

Mediterranean Food Recipes 

The best mediterranean food examples are: 

• Greek Salad (Horiátiki Salata) 

• Armenian Losh Kebab 

• Black Eyed Peas with Fresh Dill, Olive Oil and Orange Slices 

• Egyptian Lentils with Rice and Pasta (Koshari) 

• Eggplant, Lentils, and Peppers cooked in Olive Oil (Turkish) 

• Tortilla Española (Potato Omelet – Spain) 

• Shakshuka 

• Briam 

• Eggplant Parmesan with Prosciutto 

• Tabouli 

• Lebanese Hummus 

• Grilled Swordfish with Lemon Parsley Topping 

• Orange Lemon Potatoes 

• Falafel 

• Spiced Moroccan Meatballs and Veggies 

• Chickpea and Spinach Salad with Avocado 

• Beef Cacciatore 

• Cinnamon Walnut Apple Cake Baked with Olive Oil 

• Anatolian Flat Breads (Gozleme) with Spinach and Cheese 

• Shrimp with Feta and Tomatoes (Crete) 

Popular Mediterranean Soups 

Mediterranean food diet consists of soups such as: 

• Greek White Bean Soup with Orange Slices and Olive Oil 

• Zucchini Basil Soup with Lemon 

• Lentil Soup with Olive Oil and Orange 

• Chicken Leek Soup with White Wine 

• Italian Meatball Soup 

• Greek Easter Lamb Soup with Egg Lemon Sauce 

• Tuscan White Bean Soup with Sausage and Kale 

Mediterranean Food Salads 

Popular salads are: 

• Balela Salad 

• Fattoush Salad 

• Mediterranean Style Mustard Potato Salad 

• Asparagus with Mediterranean Salsa 

• Mediterranean Tuna Salad with Dijon Mustard Vinaigrette 

• Grilled Zucchini Salad 

• Tabouli Salad 

• Mediterranean Herbs and Tomato Salad 

To Wrap Up 

Middel Eastern and Mediterranean food are known for their unique flavors and tastes. There’s no winner, no better cuisine. Both have their perks. If you are somebody who likes eating seafood that is light and healthy then you must try Mediterranean food. For meat lovers you have to try Middle Eastern food. 

To taste the most authentic and delicious Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food you visit the Palace Lounge. We promise to serve you with the widest and most select variety of dishes.