Top 7 Iconic Middle Eastern Dishes You Can Order for Delivery Tonight

Craving bold and comforting flavours. Middle Eastern delivery covers street-food wraps, fragrant rice platters and syruped pastries. This roundup lists seven iconic dishes you can order for delivery tonight and explains what to expect.

If you are located in Doha and want to try these authentic dishes right now including the Machbus Qatar’s National dish, you need the local delivery infrastructure. To browse menus and place an order, see our comprehensive guide to the best online food apps in Qatar.

Note: Machbus is the national dish of Qatar. It is a spiced rice and meat dish similar in spirit to mandi. If you are ordering in Doha, try Machbus for an authentic local meal.

1. Shawarma, the must-order wrap

What it is
Shawarma is thinly sliced marinated meat roasted on a vertical spit. Vendors shave the outer crust and wrap the meat with vegetables and sauces.

Why it travels well
Wraps retain heat and structure. Bread keeps juices inside and sauces can be packed separately.

Ordering tips
Ask for sauces on the side for long rides. Add extra pickles or roasted vegetables for crunch. Order a side salad or fries to round the meal.

Best pairings
Mint lemonade, ayran or a fresh cucumber and tomato salad.

2. Mandi, fragrant pit-cooked rice and meat

What it is
Mandi is a rice and meat feast from Yemen and the Arabian Peninsula. Long grain rice cooks with warm spices while meat slow roasts for deep flavour.

Why it travels well
Rice soaks up juices and stays moist. Meat and rice travel well when boxed separately, and they reheat cleanly.

Ordering tips
Ask for meat on the side if you want crisp edges. Request extra rice or sauce for sharing. Order pickles and yogurt to balance richness.

Best pairings
Fresh salad, pickled vegetables and plain yogurt.

3. Hummus with mixed grill, creamy dip plus protein

What it is
Hummus is a smooth chickpea dip blended with tahini, lemon and garlic. Many outlets top hummus with spiced meat or mixed kebabs.

Why it travels well
Hummus keeps consistency in transit and toppings can be packed separately. It pairs well with warm pita or flatbread on delivery.

Ordering tips
Request warm pita or grilled bread. Ask for toppings in a separate box if you prefer fresh dipping. Choose extra olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika.

Best pairings
Tabbouleh, fattoush and grilled vegetables.

4. Falafel, crispy, vegan and filling

What it is
Falafel are deep-fried patties made from chickpeas or fava beans. They are crisp outside and tender inside and work well in wraps or platters.

Why it travels well
Packed with vents or wrapped in paper, falafel keeps crisp. Keep dips and salads separate to avoid steam.

Ordering tips
Order tahini and pickles on the side. Ask for extra napkins and a small oil container for freshness.

Best pairings
Hummus, tabbouleh and pickled vegetables.

5. Manakeesh, zaatar or cheese flatbread comfort

What it is
Manakeesh is Levantine flatbread topped with zaatar, cheese or minced meat. It resembles pizza and is often cut or folded for easy eating.

Why it travels well
Flatbreads hold warmth and shape in insulated bags. Zaatar remains aromatic in transit and cheese toppings work if delivery time is short.

Ordering tips
Choose zaatar with olive oil for an herb-forward option. For sharing, order a mixed platter with cheese and meat toppings.

Best pairings
Mint tea, Arabic coffee or a simple yogurt salad.

6. Kunafa, syruped pastry dessert

What it is
Kunafa is a shredded pastry dessert filled with sweet cheese or cream and soaked in fragrant syrup. It has a crisp top and a gooey centre.

Why it travels well
Syrup can ship separate to keep pastry crisp. Insulated packaging preserves warmth for delivery.

Ordering tips
Request syrup on the side for long rides. Ask for chopped pistachios as garnish. Order cut portions for easy sharing.

Best pairings
Arabic coffee or a lightly brewed black tea.

7. Balaleet, sweet-savory vermicelli and egg

What it is
Balaleet is a Gulf breakfast classic of sweetened vermicelli scented with cardamom and saffron, often topped with an omelette.

Why it travels well
Balaleet travels best in shallow containers with the egg on top. It keeps shape and texture while warm.

Ordering tips
Request the egg separate if you want it freshly cooked. Add a side of labneh or yogurt to cut sweetness.

Best pairings
Mint tea, strong black tea with cardamom or a fresh fruit plate.

How to choose for delivery, quick checklist

Check packaging notes, sauces on the side help reduce sogginess. Pick dishes with sturdy bases, such as rice or pita, for long rides. Order heat-stable sides like pickles and salads separately. Use insulated or hot-box delivery when available. For group orders, mix wraps and rice platters to cover tastes.

Ordering in Doha, the apps to use

Talabat, Snoonu and Carriage list local kitchens and live menus. Use filters for cuisine type, ratings and delivery time. Read recent reviews and check estimated delivery time before you confirm.

FAQs

Can I get authentic versions via delivery?
Yes. Many restaurants prepare traditional recipes for delivery. Ask for traditional spice levels or chef recommendations.

Should I order sauces separately?
Yes. Separate sauces help keep textures crisp and wraps fresh.

How long will these meals stay good in transit?
Most dishes are best within 45 to 90 minutes. Rice dishes and hummus survive longer than fried items.

Can I make these dishes vegetarian or vegan?
Yes. Swap meat and seafood for firm tofu, jackfruit, mushrooms or extra vegetables. Use vegetable broth and coconut milk to keep texture and flavour.

How should I reheat rice platters like mandi or machbus?
Reheat gently in a covered pan with a splash of water to steam the rice. Use low heat and stir occasionally to avoid drying out.

Will fried items like falafel stay crispy in delivery?
Fried items can soften during transit. Ask for vents or paper wrapping and request sauces on the side to reduce steam.

Are these dishes suitable for children?
Yes. Reduce chilli and strong spices for young eaters. Offer yoghurt, bread or rice to balance heat.

How long can I keep leftovers in the fridge?
Store cooked food in airtight containers and refrigerate within two hours. Consume within 2 to 3 days for best safety and flavour.

Can I request milder spice levels when ordering?
Yes. Most kitchens will tone down chilies and strong spices on request. Mention your preference in the order notes.

Are these dishes gluten-free?
Some are naturally gluten-free, like moqueca and many rice dishes. Others, such as manakeesh or breaded items, contain gluten. Ask the restaurant if you need a safe option.

How can I avoid soggy bread or flatbreads during delivery?
Ask for bread to be packed separately or for toppings to be added on arrival. Insulated bags also help keep bread texture intact.

Do restaurants offer halal certified options?
Most Middle Eastern restaurants offer halal food. Check the menu or restaurant profile to confirm certification.

What is the best time to order for prompt delivery?
Order slightly outside peak meal times to avoid delays. Early evenings and weekend lunch times are busiest.

Can I get allergy-safe meals delivered?
Yes, but you must inform the restaurant clearly about allergies. Confirm cross-contamination policies before ordering.

Is contactless delivery available on local apps?
Yes. Most delivery apps support contactless drop-off. Select the option in the app when you place your order.