The Rich Influence of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean Cuisine on Western Palates

The whole culinary world is an intricate tapestry of flavors woven together by diverse cultures, but few have had quite the impact on Western cuisine that the dishes hailing from the Middle East and Mediterranean regions had. Their influence can be tasted in dishes from the tantalizing spices of Morocco to the fresh flavors of Greece.

This influence is perhaps best represented by hummus, which originates in the Middle East. This creamy combination of chickpeas, tahini, lemon, and garlic has found its way to many tables in the West. When eaten with pita bread or used as a spread inside a sandwich, hummus has won many hearts and taste buds, resulting in the successful inclusion of Middle Eastern flavors in Western dishes.

One more dish that represents an entire region's culinary influence is falafel. Falafel is a favorite street food of the Middle East that consists of deep-fried balls or patties of ground chickpeas or fava beans. In Western nations, the food is a favorite of both vegetarians and vegans because of its rich taste and an almost filling texture. Falafel wrapped in pita bread with tahini sauce and salad has been a favorite of many looking for fast-casual dining in the West.

For that matter, the sophistication of fresh ingredients and bold, punchy flavors of Mediterranean cuisine has also percolated into Western cooking. Take, for example, the Greek salad: so simple but so delicious with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, olives, and feta cheese in an olive oil and oregano dressing. One might say that it is the easiest salad in the world to prepare, and yet it appears on menus all across the world and is one of the most popular, a testimony to the Mediterranean love of bright, vibrant, and fresh flavors.

Many of the foods of the Middle East and Mediterranean have passed into the Western kitchen, along with their characteristics and techniques. Basic spices and condiments such as cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, along with mint and parsley, are great ways to make Western dishes fuller or more interesting.

The idea of mezze is an important influence that Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines have contributed to Western cooking. It refers to a course of small dish selections, that is, appetizers or snacks, which are similar to Spanish tapas. The kind of dining style is perfect for shared meals in which every diner present gets to experience a host of flavors and textures, all in the course of a singular meal. The popularity of mezze-style dining in the West, which is typical in the Mediterranean dining tradition, is a growing trend.

The extent of westward diffusion of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines into Western cookery is huge; from spices and ingredients to methods and styles of eating, these culinary traditions have made the Western palate more diverse and continue to surprise chefs and home cooks all over the globe. The world is getting more connected each day, and the fusion of these flavors is bound to continue, creating a space for culinary fusions that encourage diversity and creativity.

At Manakish Oven & Grill, we believe our food is the perfect example of the marriage between Mediterranean and Western culinary influences. From our pizza-influenced manakish breads to our shawarma fries, we have something for everyone. Visit us today if you live in Walnut Creek or nearby cities such as Pleasant Hill, Concord, or Milpitas. Also, be sure to ask about our catering services if you are interested in having Mediterranean food at your next major gathering.