The irresistible allure of street food
Are you ready to embark on a mouthwatering culinary adventure? Look no further than the vibrant world of street food. Whether you're enjoying a street festival, a food market, or a music festival you can now discover the flavour of the middle east across the UK. From fragrant falafel to savoury shawarma, the diverse range of festival foods will leave you craving for more. Let’s help you uncover some of these exciting dishes, so grab some pitta bread, prepare your taste buds, and let's dive into the deliciousness!
A feast for the senses
One of the many reasons people travel, is to see and experience things outside their comfort zone, and that includes trying new cuisine. And when it comes to food, street food is the epitome of culinary exploration. There is something magical about the aroma of sizzling spices, the sound of sizzling pans, and the sight of skilled hands crafting delectable dishes right before your eyes. The vibrant atmosphere of street food festivals and markets adds to the experience, immersing you in the local culture and creating lasting memories.
Street food is tantalising
The middle east is a melting pot of cultures and offers a tantalising array of street food delights based on traditional recipes from across the region. The fusion of flavours caters to every palate reflection the regions’ rich cultural tapestry. The best part? You don't have to break the bank to indulge in these mouthwatering delights and now we are finding them in the UK where again they are taking off as part of our rich and diverse culture.
Falafel: a timeless classic for a pita bread filling
Photo courtesy of Eat A Pitta
No discussion of Middle Eastern street food is complete without mentioning the humble falafel. These bite-sized balls of delight have been a favourite snack in for decades. Made from chickpeas and flavoured with herbs and spices, falafel is deep-fried to perfection before being nestled in a soft pita bread. The addition of tahini, Hummus, fresh salads, pickles and sometimes even a slice of eggplant elevates the flavour profile to new heights. You'll find falafel stands on every Middle Eastern country’s street corner, each with its own secret recipe. The best part? Each falafel you try will have its unique twist, ensuring a delightful surprise with every bite. But you don’t need to travel. You can order a pack of fluffy pita from Mamoosh and search for a recipe online.
Sabich: the art of layered goodness
Hot on the heels of falafel is the sumptuous sabich, a sandwich packed with flavours and textures. Made with either pita or laffa bread, sabich is a delightful combination of egg, potato, salads, tahini, parsley, eggplant, and a tangy mango sauce called amba or a cold meal of these ingredients stuffed in a pita. There are lots of ways to enjoy a sabich including with hummus and sour pickles. It's a sandwich that truly deserves the title of the ultimate street food delight.
Hummus: a way of life
No visit to any country in the Middle East is complete without indulging in the obsession with hummus. This creamy dip/spread, made from chickpeas, lemon, garlic, and tahini, is a quintessential Middle Eastern dish. You'll find people passionately defending their town or region's hummus as the best in the middle east. Topped with pine nuts, sprinkled with sumac and cumin, or paired with 'foul mudammas' (a fava bean dip), hummus can come in various forms. Locals even enjoy it with slices of raw onion and sour pickles, creating a unique and addictive flavour combination or with the Schoug (Zhug), coriander and a chilli dip. Don't miss the opportunity to savour this beloved chickpea spread on your street food adventure.
Shawarma: a meat lover's dream
For meat lovers, shawarma is the pinnacle of satisfaction. Popular across the middle east, shawarma is a roasted meat dish cooked slowly on a revolving spit. The succulent meat is then thinly sliced and served in pita or laffa bread with a variety of sauces. While it may not be the healthiest option, the explosion of flavours and the tender meat make every bite worth it. You can even find vegan shawarma joints that will offer all the taste without sacrificing your health. Whether you opt for the traditional or vegan version, shawarma is a street food classic that will leave you craving more.
The many pleasures of street food
Photo courtesy of Eat A Pitta
Now we have kindled your interest in the flavours and aromas of middle eastern street food and festival cuisine, grab a pita, indulge in falafel, shawarma, and sabich, and step into the vibrant world of street food. Don't be afraid to try new flavours, embrace different foods and savour every bite. Your taste buds will thank you for welcoming them into the diverse and delicious world that awaits them.
Bon appétit!
Please see visit Wholesale if interested, or order your pittas for national delivery.