If you've ever gone to a restaurant serving authentic Mediterranean food, you may have wondered what ingredients came together to create such a unique flavor profile. Luckily, the expert cooks at Shahrazad Mediterranean Restaurant, based in St. Louis, MO, are here to share some of their secrets. In the guide below, they highlight some of the most common spices and herbs in their delectable dishes.

Top 5 Spices & Herbs Found in Authentic Mediterranean Food

1. Basil

With its sweet and peppery taste, this herb is used in many dishes, such as sauces, soups, and marinades. You may even be familiar with its starring role in a Caprese salad. Plus, basil works well with other herbs on this list.

2. Fennel

Fennel comes from the various coastal regions around the Mediterranean Sea and tastes a lot like licorice. You'll often see it in salads, sauces, pastries, and even on meats.

3. Mint

Often used to flavor candies and desserts, mint provides a refreshingly unique flavor. You may even find some types of mint, like spearmint, in teas and jellies, while other forms are cooked into stews and stuffing.

4. Parsley

Both curly and flat-leaf parsley originated in Southern Europe and are high in vitamins and nutrients. This herb is commonly found in soups and casseroles, as well as potato and meat dishes.

5. Sage

Similar to mint, sage plays an important role in Mediterranean food. With a bittersweet taste, this herb brings out other various flavors in bean salads, bread, meats, and poultry.

If you're searching for amazing and authentic Mediterranean food, look no further than Shahrazad Mediterranean Restaurant. Their chefs excel at reproducing the flavor profile of this celebrated region. After sampling Jordanian, Lebanese, and Arabic food, your taste buds will beg you to come back. If you'd like to make a reservation, call them at (636) 527-4000. You can also check out their menu on the website.