Top 7 Arabic Breakfast Dishes
Arabic cuisine has a long and rich history, dating back centuries. It is a vibrant mix of local and international flavors that reflect the many cultures that have influenced the region.
Breakfast in Arabic countries is no exception — it’s an integral part of the culture and lifestyle. From hearty, traditional dishes like Medames and Masoob to lighter fare like Za’atar Manouche and Fatayer Sabanekh, there’s something for everyone. Each dish has its own unique flavor profile, ingredients, and history that make it special.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite on the go or a leisurely morning meal with friends and family, Arabic breakfast dishes offer a delicious way to start your day. With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find something that will please your taste buds and fill your stomach, so let’s take a look at my top 7 Arabic breakfast dishes!
1. Medames
This traditional Arabic dish consists of fava beans simmered with garlic, onion, and spices until thick and creamy. Some versions also include tomato, lemon juice, or chili for an extra kick.
Medames has a rich history dating back to ancient Egypt and is one of the oldest dishes still eaten in the Arab world today. It’s a staple in many households and is often eaten with a side of salad, bread, and/or eggs.
Medames is usually prepared in large batches and left to sit for a few hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld together and deepen. It’s the perfect comfort food to start your day off right!
2. Falafel Sandwich
I have to say, I’m a huge fan of Falafel Sandwiches. They’re so simple yet so delicious! Did you know that falafel actually originated in the Middle East, specifically Arab countries? The earliest known recipe dates back to 1000 AD.
The main ingredient is ground chickpeas, along with onion, garlic, herbs, and a lot of Arabic spices. After forming the mixture into balls, it’s fried until crispy. Some people like to add sesame seeds or even vegetables like spinach to the mixture for additional flavor and nutrition. Once cooked, the falafels are stuffed into a pita pocket with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and tahini sauce, and the sandwich is typically served with a side of hummus.
It’s a perfect breakfast sandwich, especially for vegetarians and vegans. I love how versatile it is — you can switch up the fillings to your liking and it still tastes amazing!
3. Shakshuka
And no Arabic list would be complete without Shakshuka! It’s a dish of Arab origin that’s commonly eaten for breakfast (but to be honest, it’s delicious any time of day).
It’s essentially a tomato sauce that’s been mixed with spices like cumin and paprika and then baked with eggs on top. The result is this amazing medley of flavors that will have your taste buds doing the Cha Cha Slide. Some variations include adding onions, bell peppers, or even feta cheese on top, but the basic ingredients always remain the same.
In Arabic culture, there is a legend that Shakshuka was created by North African Arab soldiers, who would cook up this dish with the few ingredients they had on hand while on the battlefield. Fast forward to 2023 and people around the world are still enjoying this amazing dish — and with good reason!
4. Za’atar Manouche
Have you ever indulged in Za’atar Manouche for breakfast? Well, the first time I took a bite of one, I was hooked.
Originating in Arab countries, Za’atar Manouche is a flatbread spread with a unique mixture of olive oil and traditional Arabic spices like thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds that is then baked fresh in a stone oven. Not only is it quick to prepare, but it is full of flavor and goodness.
You can enjoy it plain or add fresh veggies, labneh, or feta cheese, or you can even top it with an egg. It is a popular breakfast choice in many Arabic households, and it’s no surprise why. The bold flavors and bursting aroma put you in an entirely different world. You have to try it!
5. Mutabbaq
Have you ever heard of Mutabbaq? It’s an Arabic breakfast dish that’s traditionally eaten in Yemen and Saudi Arabia. It’s a flatbread that’s filled with veggies, meat, and spices, and then folded over into a pocket. Mutabbaq actually means ‘folded’, which is certainly what it looks like when you are finished making it.
There are many variations of the dish, depending on the region and the cook. Some common fillings include egg, cheese, onion, tomato, parsley, and cumin.
Mutabbaq is historically a street food, sold by vendors, to be eaten on the go. Today it’s become quite popular in Arab households and restaurants alike.
Preparing the dish can be a bit time-consuming, especially if you make the dough from scratch, but it’s definitely worth it in my opinion. Nothing beats the warm, spicy goodness of a freshly made Mutabbaq!
6. Fatayer Sabanekh
I love exploring traditional Arab cuisine, and one of my favorite breakfast dishes is Fatayer Sabanekh. These little spinach pies are a staple in many Arab countries, and they’re deliciously savory and satisfying.
The history of Fatayer Sabanekh goes back centuries, with early versions rumored to have been served at royal banquets. Today, they’re a popular street food and bakery item.
The ingredients include a spinach and onion filling flavored with fragrant spices like sumac, allspice, and nutmeg, all enclosed in a soft, doughy pastry.
Making Fatayer Sabanekh can also be a bit time-consuming just like Mutabbaq, but it’s a labor of love that’s worth it in the end. I love to enjoy these tasty treats with a cup of mint tea for the perfect start to my day.
7. Masoob
Masoob has a rich history and reputation as a hearty breakfast dish in Arab and Arabic cultures. Originating from Yemen, Masoob is made from simple ingredients like ripe bananas, bread, ghee, dates, honey, cream, ground cardamom, and ground cinnamon.
The preparation method involves mashing the bananas and bread together, adding in the rest of the ingredients, and mixing them all into a creamy, delicious breakfast pudding. It is then topped with shredded cheese, nuts, and dried fruit. It’s easy to see why Masoob is such a beloved dish — it’s filling, nourishing, and full of flavor.
What’s truly fascinating is the traditional way in which it’s consumed — often served in a large communal dish and eaten with hands instead of utensils. It’s these little cultural details that make Masoob a truly unique and intriguing food experience!
Wrapping It Up
Arabic breakfast dishes provide an array of delicious flavors and textures, as well as a unique cultural connection to the Middle East.
Whether you’re looking for something sweet or savory, there are plenty of options to choose from that will make your mornings truly special. So go ahead and give them a try — you won’t regret it!
Bil-hanā’ wa ash-shifā’ !
