If you’re struggling to plan your wedding menu due to all the tempting options available, don’t worry! When selecting what to serve your guests, keep in mind the ease of eating and choosing food that will appeal to the majority. The good news is that Muslim cuisine offers numerous dishes that fit these criteria.
To help you save time in finalizing your menu, we suggest some delicious Muslim wedding food options that you should consider including on your menu. You can also read our guide on things to know before hiring a catering service for your special day!
Arabic Dishes for Your Wedding Menu
All these dishes are a staple in Arabic Wedding cuisine. Moreover, you can always have your own twists to make your wedding food remembered for ages. The basic Arabic dishes for your Wedding menu are:
1. Fattoush
Fattoush is a traditional Levantine salad that is commonly consumed in Arabic countries like Lebanon and Syria, so this would be a perfect addition to you wedding menu. It is typically made with mixed greens and fried Arabic bread pieces to add crunchiness. Sometimes, pomegranate is also added. Sharing this salad with others is a common tradition in these cultures, allowing people to come together and bond over its delicious taste.
2. Tabouleh
Tabouleh is a popular dish in Arabic cuisine, similar to hummus and fattoush. Mezze, meaning small plates to share at the beginning of a meal, is a common term in Arabic restaurants. The salad is made with parsley, mint, onion, tomatoes, bulgur, lemon juice, olive oil, black pepper, and salt, and is a simple but flavorful appetizer. Add Tabouleh in your wedding menu and let it be the bridge that connects your guests hearts through an indulgence of remarkable Arabic flavors.
3. Turkish Kebabs
Kebabs are versatile as they can be served both as a starter and as the main course. You have the option to select from Shami or Galouti, or even a combination of both. This will definitely impress your guests, you do not want them to miss this popular Arabic dish in your wedding menu!
4. Mansaf
Lamb is a common meat in Arabic cuisine and is often served as a traditional dish during celebrations like Eid, weddings, and other celebrations. One such dish is Mansaf, which is popular in countries like Palestine and Jordan. It consists of lamb, yogurt, and rice, and is highly recommended.
The dish’s cultural significance and savory taste make it a highly recommended addition to your wedding menu, adding a touch of authenticity and warmth to your celebration. As your loved ones gather around to enjoy the delectable Mansaf, they will be transported to the heart of the Middle East, embracing the traditions that have been passed down through generations.
The shared experience of savoring this iconic dish will foster a sense of togetherness and joy, making your wedding celebration truly unforgettable for all who attend.
5. Warak Enab
Grape leaves, also called vine leaves, are a common ingredient in Lebanese cuisine and can be found in other Arabic dishes, including those from Gulf countries. Warak enab is a cold mezze dish consisting of grape leaves filled with rice mixed with ingredients like onions, tomatoes, and mint. This vegetarian option is ideal for those looking to try Arabic dishes, as the cuisine tends to be meat-heavy.
Warak enab is considered the most delicious vegetarian option available. Elevate your wedding menu and delight your guests by adding the exquisite Warak Enab, a classic Arabic delicacy that promises to infuse your special day with authentic flavors and cultural charm.
6. Mandi
Mandi is a traditional dish from Yemen’s Hadhramaut region made of rice, meat, and spices that creates a delightful Middle Eastern taste. The meat is prepared in a tandoor, a unique clay oven that smokes the meat, resulting in a mouthwatering tender texture with a barbecued flavor.
The dish consists of meat served together with rice flavored with cardamom, cinnamon, turmeric, and cloves. Sultanas and nuts are sometimes added to the rice. It is a classic meal that is typically served during weddings, feasts, and religious celebrations due to its rich and luxurious nature.
7. Kunafah
Kunafah is a highly popular Arabic dessert that is loved by many people. It is made of shredded pastry that is filled with either cheese or cream, baked, and then soaked in syrup and topped with crushed pistachios. Despite claims by various Arab nations to be the original creators of Kunafah, it remains a favorite dessert in its traditional form.
Some establishments offer variations of this dessert with additional toppings like Nutella, ice cream, fruits, and sauces, but the classic Kunafah is still the best. Let your guests embrace the cultural richness and culinary allure of Mandi by adding it to your wedding menu and to your other special events!
8. Basbousah
You may not recognize the name “Basbousah,” but it is a well-known sweet cake throughout the Arab world. The cake is made from semolina, coconut flakes, ghee, and honey, resulting in a spongy texture and golden diamond shape. To finish it off, a sweet syrup is poured over the cake and nuts are added as a topping. It’s a popular dessert typically enjoyed with evening tea.
Enchant your guests’ taste buds by adding the irresistible Basbousah to your wedding menu and other special events. This delectable dessert, renowned across the Arab world, boasts a spongy texture and a golden diamond shape.
Elevate your celebrations with the sweet indulgence of “Basbousah”, complemented by a luscious syrup and nut toppings, leaving everyone enchanted with its delightful flavors.
9. Baklava
While Baklava has Turkish origins, it is also considered a beloved Arabic dessert. Baklava’s popularity comes from its delicious taste, variety, and appeal, making it a household name. If you can’t resist a tray of assorted Baklava, we get it!
Typically, Baklava is made up of layered phyllo sheets with crushed nuts in between, and the different folding techniques used for the phyllo sheets account for the variety in assorted Baklava. Crafting the diamonds, nests, and rolls you see on the trays requires precision and concentration.
With every bite, “Baklava” unveils a symphony of flavors as the layered phyllo sheets interlace with a generous sprinkling of crushed nuts, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness that leaves a lasting impression.
The assortment of Baklava on your wedding menu and on your other special events showcase the culinary craftsmanship of folding techniques that result in stunning diamonds, delicate nests, and inviting rolls, adding an air of elegance and sophistication to your dessert spread.
10. Qatayef
“Qatayef” can be thought of as Middle Eastern pancakes. However, due to its sweet cream filling, nutty outer layer, and multiple coatings of sugary syrup, it may not be suitable for breakfast. Its folded structure makes it a perfect bite-sized dessert that is hard to resist.
While it is crafted with love and skill, each “Qatayef” is meticulously folded to perfection, showcasing the artistry behind this delightful treat. As your guests savor its unique combination of textures and flavors, they’ll find it impossible to resist this exquisite dessert that will surely leave a lasting impression on their hearts and taste buds alike. You will not regret adding this on your wedding menu or serving them on your other special events.
11. Barazik
Barazik is another type of Arabic dessert that’s perfect to pair with your tea. Similar to Ma’amool, it’s a light snack that’s popular in the Levant region. The unique flavor of Barazik comes from the sesame seeds and crushed nuts that cover the surface of the biscuits. For those who prefer sweeter treats, it’s also available soaked in sugary syrup.
Consider adding “Barazik” on your wedding menu to add a touch of sophistication and cultural richness to your celebrations, allowing your guests to revel in the unique essence of Arabic flavors.
12. Luqaimat
Luqaimat, also known as Lagaimat, is a well-known Middle Eastern dessert that is typically served during festivals, gatherings, and various social occasions. You can easily identify where to find it in any event; follow the longest line to a warm plate of Luqaimat. This sweet treat requires a sticky batter to make small bite-sized dough balls, which are then deep-fried until they turn golden brown.
The dough balls may seem bland on their own; therefore, they are served with a generous pouring of date syrup and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Luqaimat, like many desserts, has different variations. You can choose to have chocolate sauce instead of date syrup, or go for cheese-filled Luqaimat instead of the regular ones.
Adding “Luqaimat” into your wedding menu will surely add a touch of nostalgia and cultural significance to your celebration, as your loved ones revel in this delightful dessert that has been cherished for generations. Let the spirit of togetherness and sweetness envelop your special day, making it truly unforgettable for all who attend.
13. Halawet Al-Jibn
Halawet Al-Jibn is a dessert that the Syrians claim as their own. It consists of small cheese dough and semolina rolls with a cream filling, making it a perfect bite-sized dessert. Adding nuts and rose petals and drizzling rose or orange blossom syrup on top not only finishes off the dessert but also makes it look fancy.
Infuse your celebration with a sense of cultural pride and culinary finesse by adding “Halawet Al-Jibn” in your wedding menu or might as well serving them on other special events. As your guests delight in this charming dessert, they will create cherished memories, forever associating the delectable taste of Halawet Al-Jibn with the joyous moments of your special day.
14. Hummus
This delicious appetizer is made with chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon. It’s best to share the hummus and eat it with pita bread. Encourage your loved ones to share in the joy of hummus, as they savor each luscious scoop with warm, soft pita bread.
The simple act of breaking bread together symbolizes unity and togetherness, making hummus an ideal choice to enhance the sense of connection and celebration on your special day. By including hummus in your wedding menu, you introduce your guests to the time-honored traditions of Middle Eastern cuisine while providing them with a delightful culinary experience that lingers in their hearts long after the celebration ends.
As they dip into the velvety goodness of hummus, they will be immersed in a world of rich flavors, creating memories that will forever be associated with your joyous wedding day.
15. Arabic coffee
As you stroll through the historic streets of the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, you’ll notice a strong aroma of rich Arabic Coffee known as (gahwa). Often flavored with spices like cardamom, cumin, cloves, and saffron, this coffee is a symbol of hospitality in Arabian culture. It’s served in traditional Arabian coffee pots, called a dallah, which are usually elegant and ornate vessels made of silver or gold.
The coffee is also served in small cups without handles, called finjaan. Typically, friends gather to enjoy this coffee and the time-honored social ritual, accompanied by a plate of fresh dates. You may also enchant your guests with the irresistible aroma of Arabic Coffee, leaving a lasting impression on their hearts.
Embrace the essence of Arabian hospitality with the inclusion of Arabic Coffee in your wedding menu, and watch as your guests bask in the warmth of this wonderful ritual, creating unforgettable memories on your special day.
16. Jellab
Dubai is known for its sunny weather, so people prefer cold drinks. One popular Arabic beverage is jellab, made with grape molasses, rose water, and toppings of pine nuts and raisins. It is especially enjoyed during hot summer nights and Ramadan.
Another popular drink during Ramadan is Qamardeen, which is a thick drink made from dried apricot paste. It is a staple in most Arab homes and a great beverage to share with loved ones. Also, its velvety texture and sweet taste evoke a sense of warmth and togetherness, making it an ideal choice to share with loved ones on your wedding day.
Adding these delightful Arabic drinks into your wedding menu will not only introduce your guests to the cultural richness of Dubai but also offer them a taste of the region’s cherished traditions. As they raise their glasses and toast to your love and happiness, the unique flavors of Jellab and Qamardeen will create a memorable experience that will forever be linked to your joyous celebration.
17. Fresh Juices
Although it’s not an Arabic drink, considering quenching the thirst of your guests with a delightful array of refreshing beverages by adding it to your wedding menu or serving it during other special events, many people love the best-selling lemonade infused with refreshing mint. It’s perfect for cooling down after a fun day in the sun and is commonly referred to as ‘lemon-mint’.
Another popular local juice is Tamar Hindi, which is made by soaking and crushing tamarind and then adding water, sugar, and lemon juice. It has a perfectly balanced sweetness with a tangy twist to it, and it has been traditionally served by traveling traders throughout the Levant.
Juice bars often include popular fresh juices such as watermelon, rock melon, pineapple, and papaya on their menus. These juices may also be blended with camel milk or laban to create a local version of a thick and creamy milkshake.
As your guests savor these refreshing beverages, they will be captivated by the diverse flavors that embody the essence of Dubai’s culinary scene. The drinks will undoubtedly complement your wedding festivities, offering a delightful respite and a taste of local favorites that create unforgettable memories on your special day.
Conclusion
We know it might seem like a daunting task to choose the best to present to your guests, however with the above options your guests will be more than happy with your wedding menu. In case you are wondering where to get the best catering services in UAE, Visit Monasabat and avail the best event management services in the region.