11. Shawarma
No, shawarma wasn't invented as a hangover cure. But the tender bits of skewered chicken, garlic puree and salad wrapped in pita have made it a beloved post-session snack the world over. One more, please.
Where to try it: Hashipudia, 6 Ha-Shikma Street, Jerusalem, Israel; +972 2 625 4036
12. Shish tawook
Served with pure garlic paste, this simple skewered chicken dish is hugely popular in Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Iraq and the Gulf region. Dishes are served with fries and pita bread.
13. Dolma
Dolma goes horribly wrong when the stuffed vine leaves become flaccid and slimy after being left out in the sun for too long. They need to be fresh with succulent lamb or juicy vegetables.
Where to try it: Asitane Restaurant, Kariye Camii Sokak 6, EdirnekapI, Istanbul, Turkey; +90 212 534 8414
14. Kofta
Common in Iran and Pakistan, these balls of minced lamb or beef have a spicy, onion kick.
You can fry, grill, barbecue or bake the patties, but they’re best served with a distinctive spicy sauce. In the Arab region, you'll find them in cylinder shapes, often on a stick.
Where to try it: Gulf Pomegranate Iranian Restaurant, Al Ansab Road next to Al Agbiya Mosque, Muaskar Al Murtafa'a, Oman; +968 9 223 6697
15. Quwarmah Al Dajaj
Curry veterans, this may be a new one for you.
Known to most as Kuwaiti curried chicken, the zesty dish is made with a blend of Middle Eastern flavors and spices -- lime, ginger, turmeric, baharat, cumin, cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, paprika -- that combine to give it a disinctive pop.
Where to try it: Mais Alghanim, Gulf Road, Kuwait, +965 2 225 1155
16. Mansaf
The small version of this Jordanian and Palestinian dish looks like a pizza covered with a lamb carcass, while a larger banquet variety can cover a whole table.
Despite the intimidating appearance, the tender mutton, covered in yogurt sauce and sprinkled with almond and pine nuts, makes for a culinary masterwork.
Where to try it: Jabri Restaurant, Wasfi Al-Tal Street, Amman, Jordan; +962 6 5681700
17. Kebab karaz
Otherwise known as cherry kebab or desert candy, this Syrian dish offers a new slant on the famed meat stick. Kebab karaz adds sour cherries and pomegranate pips, rendering the meaty mix blood red, sweet and sour.
Where to try it: Al-Mayas, Al-Bedea, Kuwait City, Kuwait; +965 5 738 089
18. Baklava
Buttery filo pastry, chopped nuts, sweet syrup and honey dressing -- made from a recipe that dates to the Ottoman empire, it's no wonder baklava is one of the most enduring and beloved dishes on the planet.
Where to try it: Rihtim Cad, Kati Otopark Alti, 3-4 Karakoy, Istanbul; +90 212 293 0910
19. Knafeh
This delicious cheesecake uses Nabusi cheese, which is common to Palestine, Syria and Lebanon. The blush coloring comes from orange blossom water or rose water.
Where to try it: Habibah, Al Malek al Hussein Street, Amman, Jordan
20. Iraqi masgouf
Remember the best piece of carp you ever had? No?
You would if it had been this carp, which is slow-cooked for up to three hours until the fat has been burned off, then served with lemon and pickles.
Where to try it: Al Adhamiyah Iraqi Restaurant, Al Asmakh StreetJasra, Doha; +974 4432 4326
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