Middle Eastern Cuisine – This Is The Real Thing!

Traditional Arabic Dessert - Baklava

 

Think Middle Eastern fare and Hummus with Pita or the popular Falafel instantly jumps to mind. Nevertheless, there’s more to Middle Eastern fare than Baklava or the delicious yet unimaginative Shawarma.

This natty listicle is your guide to exploring the best of Arabic fare about town. From the delectably Cheesy Kanafeh to the well-spiced Arabic Shish Kebabs, we bring it all!

Kunafa

Traditionally spelled Kanafeh, this is one dessert you simply must order. This authentic Palestinian dish is a cheese pastry that only gets better when it is doused in sweet syrup. Legendary in Egypt, this is the only eatery Pune serving Kanafeh.

Where: Arabian Bites, Kondhwa
Cost per plate: Rs. 30

 

Lahm Paya Shourabat

Marrakesh serves a large spread of rolls and shawarmas, however, their soup is the highlight. The Lahm Paya soup is a stunner with lamb paya (hoof) slow-cooked traditionally. It is graced with the chef’s spices and is the perfect start to your meal.

Where: Marrakesh, Kalyani Nagar
Cost per plate: Rs. 140

 

Walnut Moutabal

This is a dish especially preferred by vegetarians. A stellar starter, it is a smoky and creamy mix of eggplant (akin to the Baba Ganoush) laced with Tahini, olive oil and a splash of lemon juice. The garnish of walnuts is just what it needs and this wonder is served with pita bread.

Where: Turkish Delight, Senapati Bapat Road
Cost per plate: Rs. 150

 

Shish Taouk

This is herbed chicken kebabs interspaced with bell peppers served on skewers. They are a must order if you adore smoky meat cooked to perfection. Th addition of signature spices does imbibe a Middle Eastern flavor to the Taouk.

Where: Cafe Arabia, Viman Nagar
Cost per plate: Rs. 220

 

Basbousa

If you’ve only tried Baklava, then this Middle Eastern dessert shall knock your socks off. Essentially a semolina sweet cake, it is a classic dessert that is wonderfully spiced with orange blossom syrup. The Penthouze serves their rendition with a snowy dollop of clotted Mascarpone.

Where: Penthouze, NIBM Road
Cost per plate: Rs. 250

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#All prices mentioned are indicative and readers are advised to check with individual outlets to confirm rates. Images used for representation purpose only.

#This article is not an official Pune365 review of these outlets and is purely for reader information.

 

Aditi Balsaver