10 Irresistible Arabic Breakfast Food Recipes You Must Try!

Arabic breakfast is a delightful and rich culinary experience, offering a mix of savory, sweet, and fresh flavors. Unlike Western breakfasts that often rely on processed cereals or quick meals, an Arabic breakfast is a feast that brings people together. It features dishes like Ful Medames, Shakshuka, Manakish, and Kunafa, each with deep-rooted traditions. Served alongside fresh bread, cheeses, olives, and aromatic tea or coffee, Arabic breakfasts provide a perfect balance of taste and nutrition.

In this article, we’ll explore authentic Arabic breakfast food recipes, including hearty stews, crispy flatbreads, sweet treats, and traditional drinks. Whether you’re looking for a full spread or a quick meal, these recipes will bring the warmth and hospitality of the Middle East to your table.

1. Traditional Arabic Breakfast Dishes

Arabic breakfasts are known for their variety. Some dishes are hearty and filling, while others are light and refreshing. Below, we dive into classic Arabic breakfast recipes that have been enjoyed for generations.

1.1 Ful Medames (Fava Bean Stew)

A staple in many Arabic households, Ful Medames is a flavorful dish made from fava beans, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. It’s usually served warm with pita bread and garnished with fresh herbs.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked fava beans (canned or boiled)
  • 2 cloves garlic (mashed)
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
  • 1 tomato (diced)
  • 1 small onion (finely chopped)

Preparation:

  1. In a pan over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
  2. Add the cooked fava beans, cumin, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mash the beans slightly with a fork.
  3. Stir in lemon juice and cook for 5 minutes until heated through.
  4. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley, diced tomatoes, and onions.
  5. Serve warm with pita bread and additional olive oil on top.

Serving Tip: Best enjoyed with boiled eggs, olives, and fresh vegetables for a complete meal.

1.2 Shakshuka (Poached Eggs in Spiced Tomato Sauce)

Shakshuka is a famous Arabic and Mediterranean dish made with eggs poached in a spiced tomato sauce. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor, perfect for a hearty breakfast.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion (chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
  • 4 ripe tomatoes (chopped) or 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp chili powder (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 4 eggs
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
  • ½ cup feta cheese (optional)

Preparation:

  1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, and sauté until soft.
  2. Stir in the bell pepper, tomatoes, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
  3. Make small wells in the sauce and crack the eggs into each well. Cover and cook for about 5 minutes until the egg whites set but the yolks remain runny.
  4. Garnish with fresh parsley and feta cheese. Serve hot with warm pita or flatbread.

Serving Tip: Enjoy Shakshuka with hummus and pickled vegetables for an authentic Middle Eastern breakfast experience.

1.3 Manakish (Arabic Flatbread with Toppings)

Manakish is often called the Arabic version of pizza. It’s a flatbread topped with a variety of delicious ingredients, such as za’atar, cheese, or minced meat. This dish is a favorite in Lebanon, Syria, and across the Middle East.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 ½ tsp instant yeast
  • 1 cup warm water

For Za’atar Topping:

  • 3 tbsp za’atar spice mix
  • ¼ cup olive oil

For Cheese Topping:

  • 1 cup Akkawi or feta cheese (crumbled)
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella

Preparation:

  1. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Gradually add warm water and olive oil, kneading until a soft dough forms. Cover and let it rise for 1 hour.
  2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Divide the dough into small balls and roll them into thin circles.
  3. For the za’atar topping, mix za’atar with olive oil and spread evenly over the dough.
  4. For the cheese topping, mix Akkawi and mozzarella cheese, then spread it over the dough.
  5. Place the manakish on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
  6. Serve warm with fresh vegetables and tea.

Serving Tip: Manakish pairs perfectly with labneh, olives, and mint tea.

1.4 Labneh (Strained Yogurt with Olive Oil & Zaatar)

Labneh is a creamy, tangy strained yogurt spread that is popular for breakfast across the Middle East. It’s simple, refreshing, and pairs well with bread, olives, and cucumbers. For more Arabic breakfast ideas, check out this collection of recipes.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups plain full-fat yogurt
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp za’atar or dried mint

Preparation:

  1. Place a cheesecloth or paper towel over a strainer and set it over a bowl.
  2. Pour the yogurt into the cheesecloth, sprinkle salt, and let it strain in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours.
  3. Transfer the thickened yogurt to a bowl and drizzle with olive oil.
  4. Sprinkle za’atar or dried mint on top and serve with fresh bread.

Serving Tip: Enjoy labneh with sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and olives for a refreshing breakfast.

1.5 Falafel (Crispy Chickpea Fritters)

Falafel is a crispy, golden-brown fritter made from ground chickpeas, herbs, and spices. It’s a popular breakfast dish in Egypt, Lebanon, and Palestine, often served in pita bread with tahini sauce.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)
  • ½ onion (chopped)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • ½ cup fresh parsley
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp coriander
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 3 tbsp flour
  • Oil for frying

Preparation:

  1. Drain the soaked chickpeas and blend them in a food processor with onion, garlic, parsley, and cilantro.
  2. Add cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and flour. Blend until a coarse dough forms.
  3. Refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes.
  4. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Shape the falafel mixture into small balls and fry them until golden brown.
  5. Serve hot with pita bread, tahini sauce, and fresh vegetables.

Serving Tip: Wrap falafel in pita bread with tomatoes, cucumbers, and tahini sauce for a delicious sandwich.

2. Sweet Arabic Breakfast Dishes

While Arabic breakfasts often feature savory dishes, sweet treats are also a big part of the experience. From crispy pastries to spiced vermicelli, these sweet Arabic breakfast recipes are perfect for those who enjoy a little indulgence in the morning.

2.1 Arabic breakfast food recipes

A famous breakfast dish in the Gulf region, Balaleet is a unique combination of sweet and savory flavors. It consists of lightly sweetened vermicelli noodles topped with spiced scrambled eggs.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup vermicelli noodles
  • 2 tbsp butter or ghee
  • 3 tbsp sugar
  • ½ tsp ground cardamom
  • ½ tsp saffron (soaked in 1 tbsp warm water)
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Preparation:

  1. In a pan, melt butter and toast the vermicelli noodles until golden brown.
  2. Add sugar, cardamom, saffron water, and 1 cup of water. Stir and let it cook until the noodles absorb the liquid and soften. Remove from heat.
  3. In another pan, heat oil and scramble the eggs with a pinch of salt.
  4. Place the scrambled eggs on top of the sweet vermicelli and serve warm.

Serving Tip: Enjoy Balaleet with a cup of Arabic coffee or mint tea for a traditional Emirati breakfast.

2.2 Kunafa (Crispy Pastry with Cheese or Cream)

Kunafa is a famous Middle Eastern pastry made from shredded phyllo dough (kataifi) filled with cheese or custard and soaked in sweet syrup. It’s a popular choice for a sweet Arabic breakfast or dessert. If you’re curious about the health aspects of Lebanese and Middle Eastern cuisine, check out Is Lebanese Food Healthy? Discover Its Benefits.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups shredded phyllo dough (kataifi)
  • ½ cup melted butter
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese (or Akkawi cheese, soaked to remove salt)
  • ½ cup sugar syrup (made with sugar, water, and lemon juice)
  • 1 tbsp rose water (optional)
  • ¼ cup chopped pistachios

Preparation:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Mix the shredded phyllo dough with melted butter and spread half of it in a greased baking dish.
  3. Add a layer of cheese and cover with the remaining phyllo dough.
  4. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
  5. Pour sugar syrup over the hot Kunafa and sprinkle with chopped pistachios. Serve warm.

Serving Tip: Pair Kunafa with Arabic coffee or a glass of warm milk for an indulgent breakfast.

2.3 Qatayef (Stuffed Pancakes with Nuts or Cream)

Qatayef is a traditional Arabic pancake, often filled with nuts or sweet cheese and served during breakfast or special occasions like Ramadan.

Ingredients:

For the Pancakes:
  • 1 cup flour
  • ½ cup semolina
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp yeast
  • 1 ¼ cup warm water
For the Filling:
  • ½ cup crushed walnuts
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ½ cup ricotta or cream cheese (optional)
For the Syrup:
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ½ cup water
  • ½ tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp rose water (optional)

Preparation:

  1. Mix all pancake ingredients in a bowl and let it rest for 30 minutes.
  2. Heat a non-stick pan and cook small pancakes (only on one side) until bubbles form. Remove from heat.
  3. Mix walnuts, sugar, and cinnamon for the filling. Place a spoonful inside each pancake and seal the edges.
  4. Deep fry or bake the stuffed Qatayef until golden.
  5. Prepare the sugar syrup by boiling sugar and water with lemon juice for 5 minutes. Drizzle over the Qatayef and serve.

Serving Tip: Enjoy warm with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or extra syrup on the side.

4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The most popular Arabic breakfast dish varies by region, but Ful Medames, Shakshuka, and Manakish are commonly enjoyed across the Middle East. These dishes are flavorful, hearty, and often served with fresh bread, cheese, and olives.

Q2: Can I make an Arabic breakfast with vegetarian options?

Yes! Many Arabic breakfast dishes are naturally vegetarian. Ful Medames, Manakish with Za’atar, Hummus, Labneh, and Falafel are all great vegetarian choices. You can also add fresh vegetables, olives, and pickles for extra flavor.

Q3: How can I make a quick Arabic breakfast on busy mornings?

If you’re short on time, try Labneh with olive oil and za’atar, hummus with pita bread, or a cheese and olive platter. These take just a few minutes to prepare and still offer an authentic Arabic breakfast experience.

Q4: What are the healthiest Arabic breakfast foods?

Healthier options include Labneh (rich in probiotics), Ful Medames (high in protein and fiber), and Hummus (full of healthy fats and nutrients). Pair them with whole wheat pita bread and fresh vegetables for a balanced meal.

Q5: What bread is best for an Arabic breakfast?

The best bread depends on personal preference. Pita bread is the most common, but Markook, Taboon, or fresh Khubz are also great options. These breads are perfect for scooping up dips and wrapping sandwiches.

5. Conclusion

An Arabic breakfast is more than just a meal—it’s a rich and flavorful experience that brings families and friends together. Whether you enjoy savory dishes like Ful Medames and Shakshuka or prefer sweet treats like Kunafa and Qatayef, there’s something for everyone. The combination of fresh bread, cheeses, olives, and traditional beverages like mint tea and Arabic coffee makes it an unforgettable culinary tradition.

By trying these Arabic breakfast food recipes, you can bring the warmth and authenticity of Middle Eastern cuisine into your home. So, gather your ingredients, prepare a feast, and enjoy a delicious, nourishing start to your day!