Essential Manakish Toppings You Have to Try

Manakish is probably the most popular flatbread in the Middle East, renowned for its versatility and flavor. It could pass for a breakfast item or a quick snack, served as a light dinner—the variety is immense. A soft, chewy basic dough that gets a topping of any number of ingredients, it's then baked to perfection. But the magic really lies in the toppings. These are some of the best Manakish toppings that you need to try.

1. Zaatar: The Classic Must Add

Probably the most traditional and iconic of all the Manakish toppings is this one, and for good reason. This aromatic mix of dried thyme, ground sumac, sesame seeds, and salt is bound together with extra-virgin olive oil to make a perfect blend of vivid, tart, and savory taste profiles. The result is a herbaceous flavor that's both comforting and invigorating. Zaatar manakish is usually eaten for breakfast and served with fresh vegetables, olives, or yogurt and a cup of hot tea. It is such an essential topping that no lover of manakish should ever miss out on it.

2. Cheese: A Melty, Savory Delight

This topping has really been a hit among the traditional masses, as cheesy manakish is gooey and gratifying to chew into. The Akkawi cheese is creamy, soft, and salty, while Nabulsi also has a salty flavor but is firmer. Both melt well, hence the added creaminess to the flavor of the soft bread. For a more recognizable flavor, mozzarella combined with feta allows for the balancing of richness in cheesiness combined with subtlety in its savoriness. Cheese Manakish is ideal for those who favor comfort in savory sweets.

3. Minced Meat (Lahm Bi Ajeen): A Hearty Flavor

Lahm bi ajeen is what one orders when in the mood for an even heavier Manakish. This topping is traditionally made out of ground lamb or beef seasoned with a special spice mixture that includes cinnamon, allspice, and sumac along with some very finely chopped onions and tomatoes. The end result is a spreadable, thinly spiced, savory meat mixture.

During baking, juices are released by the meat, all of which are absorbed by the bread to give it delicious and rich flavors. Lahm bi ajeen manakish is a perfect fulfilling dish with rich tastes for lunch or dinner.

4. Spinach: Healthy and Tangy Turn

Spinach serves as a perfect topping for those looking for something a bit lighter and healthier. Usually, you can add onion, sumac, and a splash of lemon juice, season the spinach manakish, and let nothing go sour. Nuts such as pine or feta might be added on, giving more textures and richness to the topping. This will be one delicious way to eat your greens and still feel like you are in the Middle East.

5. Kishk: An Acquired Taste and Pungency 

Kishk is a kind of traditional topping made with a fermented mixture of yogurt and bulgur wheat, then dried and powdered. This results in a creamy tanginess touched by its own delicate nuttiness when mixed with olive oil and spread on top of the dough. Far from being the most popular of toppings, kishk remains a niche ingredient that many fall in love with after just one bite. Kishk, after all, ensures the Manakish is different and unapologetically unique.

6. Tomato and Olive: A Fresh Mediterranean Combo

For even more of a Mediterranean flair to your Manakish, add sliced tomato and olives. The juicy sweetness from the tomatoes, coupled with the briny tang from the olives, makes a fresh and bright flavor combination. Drizzle the top with olive oil and sprinkle with oregano or thyme to really increase the Mediterranean essence. It's light but very tasty and good to go at any time of the day. 

Manakish is a food without rival, as it comes with all sorts of topping flavors—from the flavors of zaatar and cheese to the meatiness of minced meat and the freshness of tomatoes and olives. Whether one makes it at home or enjoys it at a neighborhood bakery, it is these ingredients that truly bring the Manakish experience to food enthusiasts.