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Middle East

Arabic Foods

Shawarma, hummus, fragrant rice & generously spiced grills

Shawarma, hummus, falafel, and grilled meats emphasizing olive oil, tahini, and aromatic spices across Middle Eastern regions.

ChickpeasTahiniLambOlive oilSumacZa'atarLemon

65

Total Foods

368

Avg Calories

16g

Avg Protein

16

Low-Calorie

65foods

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Arabic cuisine

The DesiCalorie database currently contains 65 authentic Arabic food items with complete nutrition data, spanning curries, rice dishes, breads, desserts, and beverages. Explore all of them using the search and filter tools on this page.

The most frequently viewed Arabic dishes in our database include: Shawarma (450 kcal), Hummus (166 kcal), Falafel (333 kcal), Kabsa (560 kcal), Karak Chai (145 kcal). Traditional Arabic cuisine is also celebrated for Shawarma, Hummus, Falafel, Mansaf.

Arabic foods in our database average 368 calories per serving, with an average protein content of 16g. Lighter dishes like soups and salads typically contain under 200 kcal, while rich rice and meat dishes can exceed 600 kcal per serving.

There are 16 Arabic foods in our database with under 250 calories per serving. Lighter options include Hummus (166 kcal), Karak Chai (145 kcal), Mutabal (140 kcal). For weight management, choose soup-based dishes, grilled proteins, and lentil or vegetable dishes over ghee-rich curries and fried items.

The top protein-rich Arabic foods are: Arabic Mixed Grill (48g protein), Mansaf Jordan (44g protein), Madfoon Lamb (40g protein). Arabic cuisine offers protein from Chickpeas, Lamb.

Arabic cuisine spans the vast Arab world from Morocco to the Gulf, sharing common threads of olive oil, tahini, legumes, and aromatic spices. Mezze culture (small shared plates) is central to Arab hospitality. Lamb and chicken are primary meats, while vegetarian options like hummus and falafel are dietary staples.

Arabic cuisine offers excellent plant-based protein from chickpeas and lentils. Olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Rice dishes with lamb can be calorie-dense. Salads and mezze are typically light and nutritious. Chickpea-based dishes like hummus and falafel are rich in fiber, protein, and iron. The Mediterranean-style foods common in Arabic cuisine are associated with reduced cardiovascular disease risk.

Core ingredients that define Arabic cuisine include: Chickpeas, Tahini, Lamb, Olive oil, Sumac, Za'atar, Lemon, Garlic, Rice, Pine nuts. These form the flavor foundation of most Arabic dishes and give the cuisine its distinctive taste profile.

These answers are for general informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized dietary advice.