
Falafel: These deep-fried, meat-free balls have become a common international street food dish.

Hummus: Made from mashed chickpeas, olive oil, tahini, lemon juice and garlic, this is one of the most popular Middle Eastern foods -- and a topic for fierce regional rivalries.

Manakeesh: A round bread sprinkled with either cheese, ground meat or herbs (zaatar) which is known as the pizza of the Arabic world.

Grilled halloumi: The salty cheese from Cyprus has a high melting point, so it can be both grilled and fried.

Foul meddamas: Egypt's national dish is a stew of fava beans, olive oil, parsley, onion, garlic and lemon.

Tabouleh: A tasty combination of bulgur, parsley, mint, onion and tomatoes traditionally served as part of a mezze.

Moutabal/baba ganoush: These two Middle Eastern foods are often confused. While they are both made with eggplant, the main difference is that moutabal has tahini in it.

Fattoush: Lebanon's most well-known salad is made up of fresh vegetables and toasted pita bread.

Umm ali: Rumor has it this traditional Egyptian dessert was dreamed up by the first wife of Sultan Ezz al-Din Ayba to celebrate the death of her rival.

Shanklish: A type of cow or sheep's milk cheese which is usually formed into golf ball-sized bites before being covered in zaatar herbs or dried chilli flakes.

Shawarma: This wrap of tender shreds of skewered chicken, garlic puree and salad wrapped in pita have become a global post-session favorite.

Shish tawook: This marinated chicken shish kebab of Turkish origin is now a common Middle Eastern barbecue dish.

Mansaf: Lamb slow-cooked in a yogurt sauce and sprinkled with almond and pine nuts -- Jordan's most famous dish.

Kofta: Balls of minced lamb or beef which can be fried, grilled, barbecued or baked.