Palestinian cuisine is a hidden gem in the world of food. It’s a beautiful blend of flavors, traditions, and stories passed down through generations.
From hearty stews to flaky pastries, every dish tells a tale of resilience, community, and love for good food.
If you’re a foodie looking to explore something new, you’re in for a treat.
Get ready to dive into a culinary adventure that’ll make your taste buds dance.
We’ve rounded up the best Palestinian recipes you absolutely need to try at least once.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want to spice up your weeknight dinners, these dishes are sure to impress. Let’s get cooking!
1. Musakhan The National Dish of Palestine
Musakhan is the ultimate comfort food. Imagine tender chicken, caramelized onions, and sumac piled high on flatbread.
It’s a dish that’s as vibrant as it is delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons sumac
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 4 pieces of taboon bread (or any flatbread)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pine nuts (optional, for garnish)
How to Make It:
Start by marinating the chicken with olive oil, sumac, salt, and pepper. Roast it until golden and juicy.
While the chicken cooks, sauté the onions until they’re soft and sweet, then mix in more sumac for that tangy kick.
Layer the bread with the onions, top with chicken, and garnish with pine nuts if you’re feeling fancy.
Why We Chose It:
Musakhan is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of Palestinian culture.
The combination of sumac and caramelized onions is a flavor bomb you won’t forget.
2. Maqluba The Upside-Down Wonder
Maqluba, which literally means “upside-down,” is a show-stopping dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
It’s a layered rice dish with chicken, veggies, and spices.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 1 large eggplant, sliced
- 2 tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups chicken broth
How to Make It:
Fry the eggplant and cauliflower until golden. Layer the chicken, veggies, and rice in a pot, then pour in the broth.
Cook until the rice is tender, then flip the pot onto a platter for that wow factor.
Why We Chose It:
Maqluba is a feast for the eyes and the stomach. It’s perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself.
3. Falafel The Crispy Classic
No list of Palestinian recipes is complete without falafel. These crispy, golden balls of goodness are a street food staple.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 cup fresh parsley
- 1 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
How to Make It:
Blend the chickpeas, onion, garlic, and herbs until coarse. Form into balls and fry until crispy. Serve with tahini sauce or stuff them into pita bread.
Why We Chose It:
Falafel is a crowd-pleaser. It’s vegan, crunchy, and packed with flavor.
4. Shakshuka Eggs in Tomato Heaven
Shakshuka might have North African roots, but it’s a breakfast favorite in Palestine too. Eggs poached in a spicy tomato sauce? Yes, please.
Ingredients:
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make It:
Sauté the onions, garlic, and bell pepper. Add the tomato sauce and spices, then crack the eggs into the sauce. Cover and cook until the eggs are set.
Why We Chose It:
Shakshuka is simple, hearty, and perfect for any meal of the day.
5. Knafeh The Sweetest Ending
Knafeh is a dessert that’ll make you weak in the knees. It’s a gooey, cheesy pastry soaked in sweet syrup.
Ingredients:
- 1 package kataifi dough
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon rose water
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
How to Make It:
Layer the kataifi dough with cheese, bake until golden, then drench in syrup. Serve warm for maximum indulgence.
Why We Chose It:
Knafeh is the ultimate dessert. It’s rich, sweet, and impossible to resist.
6. Mansaf The Dish of Gatherings
Mansaf is a traditional dish often served at celebrations. It’s made with lamb, rice, and a tangy yogurt sauce called jameed.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs lamb
- 2 cups jameed (dried yogurt)
- 3 cups basmati rice
- 1 tablespoon ghee
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Almonds and parsley for garnish
How to Make It:
Cook the lamb until tender, then prepare the jameed sauce. Serve the lamb and sauce over rice, garnished with almonds and parsley.
Why We Chose It:
Mansaf is a dish that brings people together. It’s hearty, flavorful, and deeply cultural.
7. Warak Enab Stuffed Grape Leaves
Warak Enab is a labor of love. These grape leaves are stuffed with rice, herbs, and spices.
Ingredients:
- 1 jar grape leaves
- 1 cup rice
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup fresh mint
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon juice for serving
How to Make It:
Mix the rice with herbs and spices, then stuff the grape leaves. Cook in a pot with water and lemon juice until tender.
Why We Chose It:
Warak Enab is a delicate, flavorful dish that’s worth the effort.
8. Fattoush The Zesty Salad
Fattoush is a refreshing salad with a tangy sumac dressing and crispy pita chips.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1 cucumber, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 radish, sliced
- 1 pita bread, toasted and broken into pieces
- 2 tablespoons sumac
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Toss the veggies with the dressing and top with pita chips.
Why We Chose It:
Fattoush is light, zesty, and perfect for summer.
9. Makdous Pickled Eggplant Delight
Makdous is a pickled eggplant stuffed with walnuts and peppers.
Ingredients:
- 10 small eggplants
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
- 2 red peppers, chopped
- 1 tablespoon salt
- Olive oil for storing
How to Make It:
Boil the eggplants, stuff with walnuts and peppers, then pickle in olive oil.
Why We Chose It:
Makdous is a unique, tangy treat that’s perfect as a snack or side.
10. Qidreh Hebron’s Hearty Stew
Qidreh is a rich stew made with chickpeas, rice, and tender meat.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 1 lb lamb or chicken
- 1 cup chickpeas, soaked
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Cook the meat with spices, then add rice and chickpeas. Simmer until everything is tender.
Why We Chose It:
Qidreh is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for cold nights.
11. Za’atar Manakish The Breakfast Star
Za’atar Manakish is a flatbread topped with a za’atar and olive oil mix.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tablespoon yeast
- 1/2 cup za’atar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Salt to taste
How to Make It:
Roll out the dough, spread the za’atar mix, and bake until golden.
Why We Chose It:
Za’atar Manakish is simple, flavorful, and perfect for breakfast.
Conclusion
Palestinian cuisine is a treasure trove of flavors and traditions. These recipes are just the tip of the iceberg.
So, roll up your sleeves, grab your apron, and start cooking.