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5 Arabic Foods and Drinks From Around the World You Should Be Trying

Travel writer Deborah Cater once said: “You have to taste a culture to understand it.” This statement rings true for each and every nation around the world; it’s impossible to truly know a culture unless you experience its food and drink! The food and culture of the Middle-East is some of the richest and oldest in the world and has fascinated people for nearly as long as it’s been around! These days, you don’t even need to travel to the Middle-East in order to enjoy its cuisine because it has gained major popularity all around the globe. Of course, it’s always best to go straight to the source if you want to dive into some true-blue authentic fare, so read on to learn about 5 great foods and drinks from Arabic-speaking nations around the world.

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1. Stuffed camel: UAE (United Arab Emirates)

If anyone ever extends you a wedding invitation in the UAE, you should jump at the opportunity because it might mean having a chance to try stuffed camel. This tasty (and rather large) dish is especially a staple of Bedouin wedding ceremonies and is cooked stuffed with chicken, eggs, fish, and rice.

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2. Shawarma: Jordan

Although shawarma can be found in some form in most Arabic-speaking countries, there are those that claim Jordan is the home of the world’s best! Shawarma is a variety of meat cooked on a spit, sometimes for as long as a day. Those who wish to partake can enjoy eating shavings of meat with accompaniments, or as a sandwich or wrap.

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4. Qasab: Egypt

Although you can find sugarcane juice in many nations around the world, when it comes to Arabic countries it is considered a uniquely Egyptian beverage. Soil and temperatures in south Egypt are ideal for growing sugarcane so you’ll find this drink in abundance. It is a definite must when trying to keep cool in this country’s hot summer months!

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5. Halawat el Jibn: Lebanon

Want to sooth your sweet tooth? This popular Lebanese dish has you covered. Halawat el Jibn is made up of thick pastry dough filled with cheese and custard and drizzled with either rose water or sweet syrup. Want a cherry on top? You can do that too (or go with pistachio garnish if that’s more your style)!

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5. Tea & Coffee

Tea and coffee will probably be the two most popular beverages of any Arabic-speaking country you visit, and that’s because these drinks have a long tradition in Arabic culture. Whether you enjoy your coffee brewed the Turkish way (with sugar) or the Saudi way (with cardamom), the mint tea of Libya or the black tea beloved in the Middle-East, you’ll have plenty of options when it comes to getting your caffeine fix – no matter what country you’re in!

Now that you’ve had a taste of Arabic culture through food and drink, you might be inspired to start learning the beautiful language as well. Arabic may be one of the toughest languages in the world, but by signing up for top-tier Arabic classes you can make the process that much easier. With the proper language skills and foodie know-how, you can take the Middle-East by storm while ordering your food and drink in Arabic along the way!