Middle Eastern Dishes
A chickpea-based dip, usually served with pita.
What is hummus?
Skewered and grilled meat, often served with rice or flatbread.
What is a kebab?
This long-grain rice is a staple in many Afghan meals and pairs perfectly with stews and kebabs.
What is basmati?
These deep-fried pastries are stuffed with spiced potatoes and peas and are a popular street food.
What are samosas?
This term describes a country that is completely surrounded by land with no access to the ocean, such as Afghanistan.
What is landlocked?
A salad made with parsley, tomatoes, bulgur, and lemon juice.
What is tabboulleh?
A grilled meat dish layered with fat and roasted on a vertical spit.
What is shwarma?
These traditional flatbreads are used to scoop food or accompany meals in Afghan homes.
What is naan (or roti)?
This creamy tomato-based curry dish, often served with naan or rice, is a North Indian favorite.
What is butter chicken?
This ancient trade route connected China to Europe and passed through Afghanistan, bringing goods, culture, and ideas.
What is the Silk Road?
In the dish shakshuka, this type of egg is gently cooked in a spicy tomato sauce.
What are poached eggs?
A deep-fried ball or patty made from ground chickpeas or fava beans.
What is a falafel?
These Afghan dumplings are filled with spiced meat and topped with yogurt and lentils.
What is mantu?
This marinated and roasted chicken dish is famous for its bright red color and smoky flavor.
What is tandoori chicken?
These stuffed grape leaves are a staple in many Middle Eastern meals.
What are dolmas?
Knafeh is a sweet, syrup-soaked dessert made with cheese that has a texture similar to this creamy dessert.
What is cheesecake?
Kibbeh nayyeh, a Lebanese delicacy, is made from this uncooked protein.
What is raw meat?
This hearty Afghan noodle soup is often made with meat, beans, herbs, and yogurt.
What is aush?
These thin, crispy crepes are made from a fermented rice and lentil batter and often stuffed with spiced potatoes.
What are dosas?
This type of meat is a common staple in Afghan cuisine and is often used in stews and kebabs.
What is sheep (and mutton)?
This eggplant-based dip is smoky and creamy, often made with tahini.
What is baba ghanoush?
Mansaf, a dish of lamb cooked in fermented yogurt, is the national dish of this Middle Eastern country.
What is Jordan?
This national dish of Afghanistan features seasoned rice, carrots, raisins, and lamb or beef.
What is kabuli pulao?
This layered rice dish is cooked with spices, herbs, and either vegetables or meat.
What is briyani?
This religion, practiced by many in South Asia, traditionally avoids eating root vegetables as part of its dietary restrictions.
What is Jainism?