Shawarma is perhaps the most delicious and sought-after Middle Eastern food, beloved by the globe’s food enthusiasts. Whether you like it wrapped or served on a platter with rice, its flavorful spiced meat and rich sauces make it a complete meal by themselves. But why settle for less? Serving your takeout shawarma accompanied by the ideal appetizers can turn your meal from good to phenomenal.
Middle Eastern cuisine is known for its variety of dips, salads, and finger foods—collectively called mezze—that balance rich flavors with fresh ingredients. These appetizers not only complement the savory, seasoned meat of shawarma but also add texture, acidity, and creaminess to your meal. Best of all, they’re easy to prepare, requiring only a handful of ingredients.
5 Easy Middle Eastern Appetizers
So the next time you order takeout from your favorite Shawarma Kebab Restaurant, see if you can add one (or all) of these five simple Middle Eastern appetizers to your meal and enjoy the ride. These dishes are perfect for creating your own mezze platter at home!
1. Hummus—The Ultimate Creamy Dip
No Middle Eastern meal or mezze platter is complete without hummus, a rich and creamy dip consisting of pureed chickpeas, tahini (sesame paste), lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. Its smooth, velvety texture and nutty, tangy taste make it a perfect accompaniment to shawarma.
Hummus tastes mild and creamy, which helps counteract the spiced, slightly charred taste of grilled meat. It also goes great with pita bread, which is usually served with shawarma. You can put hummus inside your shawarma wrap for a flavor boost or just dip chunks of pita into it between shawarma bites.
If you don’t have time, use store-bought hummus. Nevertheless, to make a homemade version, puree a can of drained chickpeas with two tablespoons of tahini, one clove of garlic, one squeeze of lemon juice, and a splash of olive oil. Season with salt and cumin to taste, and serve!
2. Tabbouleh—A Refreshing Herb Salad
For a light and fresh appetizer, tabbouleh is the way to go. This refreshing salad is filled with minced parsley, juicy tomatoes, mint, bulgur wheat, and a light dressing of olive oil and lemon juice. The citrusy, lemony taste of tabbouleh is just what’s needed to wash the palate between bites, allowing each successive bite of shawarma to be even more flavorful. And with the minced herbs, there is a cooling contrast to the denser meat.
Tabbouleh is a staple on any mezze platter and pairs beautifully with richer dips like hummus and baba ganoush. For a gluten-free option, substitute bulgur with quinoa. It provides a similar texture but keeps the dish light and healthy.
3. Baba Ganoush—A Smoky Eggplant Delight
If you enjoy hummus but would like to experience something new, baba ganoush is a great choice. This dip consists of roasted eggplant, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and a little olive oil. It has a smoky taste due to the roasted eggplant, so it’s a great new twist on your meal.
The rich, roasted taste of baba ganoush complements the grilled, seasoned meat in shawarma. It also adds a creamy texture like hummus but with a hint of smokiness and earthiness. Adding a layer of baba ganoush to your shawarma wrap can elevate it to the next level. To achieve that rich smoky flavor, cook the eggplant over a flame or on a grill first and mash it into a dip.
4. Falafel—A Crispy, Flavorful Side
Falafel, the beloved chickpea fritter, is a classic Middle Eastern appetizer that pairs perfectly with shawarma. These deep-fried, herb-packed balls are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, bursting with flavors of cumin, coriander, and garlic.
Falafel and shawarma are often served together in Middle Eastern cuisine because they provide a delicious contrast in texture. While shawarma is tender and juicy, falafel is crispy and hearty. Plus, falafel pairs well with tahini sauce, which is commonly used as a topping for shawarma. If you have leftovers, try breaking up falafel and sprinkling it over your shawarma platter for an extra crunchy topping.
5. Pickled Vegetables—A Tangy, Crunchy Addition
Middle Eastern pickled vegetables, also known as “torshi” or “turshi,” are a staple in shawarma shops and an essential component of any authentic mezze platter. These crunchy, tangy pickles are made with carrots, turnips, cucumbers, and sometimes even cauliflower, brined in vinegar and spices. The acidity and crunch of pickled vegetables cut through the richness of shawarma meat, making each bite more balanced. They add a burst of flavor and texture, ensuring that your meal doesn’t feel too heavy.
You can make quick homemade pickles by slicing vegetables and soaking them in a mixture of vinegar, water, salt, and a pinch of sugar for at least an hour. For a more traditional flavor, add garlic and whole spices like coriander seeds.
Creating Your Own Mezze Platter
Want to take your Middle Eastern dining experience to the next level? Arrange these five appetizers on a large serving platter alongside warm pita bread, fresh vegetables like cucumbers and cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of quality olive oil. This traditional mezze-style presentation is perfect for sharing with family and friends, allowing everyone to sample multiple flavors and create their own perfect bite.
A well-rounded mezze platter typically includes a variety of textures and flavors—creamy dips, crunchy vegetables, fresh herbs, and savory bites. The beauty of mezze is that there’s no wrong way to enjoy it. Mix and match these appetizers with your shawarma order for an authentic Middle Eastern feast at home.
Conclusion
Next time you order from Shawarma Kebab Restaurant, don’t settle for just a sandwich—turn it into a feast! These five easy Middle Eastern appetizers bring out the best in shawarma by adding texture, acidity, and complementary flavors.
Whether you’re craving something creamy, crunchy, smoky, or refreshing, these sides make your meal feel more complete and authentic. Plus, they’re simple to prepare and require only a few ingredients. Try creating your own mezze platter with these dishes, and you’ll discover why Middle Eastern dining is all about sharing, variety, and unforgettable flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions About Middle Eastern Appetizers
What are the most popular Middle Eastern appetizers?
The most popular Middle Eastern appetizers include hummus (a creamy chickpea dip), falafel (crispy chickpea fritters), baba ganoush (smoky eggplant dip), tabbouleh (fresh herb salad), and pickled vegetables. These dishes are commonly served as part of a mezze platter and are beloved for their fresh flavors, healthy ingredients, and ability to complement main dishes like shawarma.
What is a mezze platter?
A mezze platter is a traditional Middle Eastern way of serving multiple small appetizer dishes together on one large platter. It typically includes a variety of dips like hummus and baba ganoush, fresh salads like tabbouleh, proteins like falafel, pickled vegetables, olives, and warm pita bread. Mezze is designed for sharing and allows diners to sample different flavors and textures in one meal.
Are Middle Eastern appetizers healthy?
Yes, most Middle Eastern appetizers are very healthy! Many are naturally plant-based, rich in fiber and protein, and made with wholesome ingredients like chickpeas, fresh herbs, vegetables, and heart-healthy olive oil. Hummus, tabbouleh, and baba ganoush are all excellent sources of nutrients. Most options are also naturally vegetarian or vegan, making them perfect for various dietary preferences.
Which Middle Eastern appetizers are vegetarian or vegan?
Many Middle Eastern appetizers are naturally vegetarian and vegan. Hummus, baba ganoush, tabbouleh, falafel, and pickled vegetables are all plant-based options. These dishes get their protein primarily from chickpeas and legumes, making them satisfying and nutritious choices for vegetarians, vegans, and anyone looking to eat more plant-forward meals
What should I serve with shawarma?
Shawarma pairs beautifully with creamy dips like hummus and baba ganoush, fresh salads like tabbouleh or fattoush, crispy falafel, and tangy pickled vegetables. These appetizers add contrasting textures and flavors that balance the rich, seasoned meat. For the best experience, create a mezze platter with several of these items alongside warm pita bread and fresh vegetables.
Can I make Middle Eastern appetizers ahead of time?
Absolutely! Most Middle Eastern appetizers are perfect for meal prep and make-ahead entertaining. Hummus and baba ganoush can be made 2-3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Tabbouleh is best made a few hours ahead so the flavors can blend. Pickled vegetables actually improve with time and can be prepared up to a week in advance. Falafel can be formed into balls and frozen, then fried just before serving.
What ingredients do I need for a mezze platter?
For a basic mezze platter, you’ll need chickpeas and tahini for hummus, eggplant for baba ganoush, fresh parsley and tomatoes for tabbouleh, chickpeas and herbs for falafel, and assorted vegetables for pickling.
Don’t forget staples like olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and pita bread. Most of these ingredients are available at regular grocery stores, though specialty items like tahini and bulgur wheat can be found in the international aisle or Middle Eastern markets.
How do I make a mezze platter for a party?
To create a mezze platter for entertaining, start with a large serving board or platter. Arrange 3-5 different dips in small bowls (like hummus, baba ganoush, and a yogurt-based sauce). Add falafel, pickled vegetables, olives, sliced cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes around the dips. Include warm pita bread cut into triangles for scooping. Drizzle everything with quality olive oil and sprinkle with fresh herbs or spices like za’atar for an authentic presentation.
