Authentic Middle Eastern food is part of a proud tradition dating back to the earliest days of human civilization. Few other regions offer the same variety, inventiveness, and rich flavor that you’ll find in a real Arabic restaurant, with dishes born out of a combination of practicality and geographical happenstance. Understanding the unique history of this cuisine will enhance the flavor next time you visit your favorite Middle Eastern restaurant.

The History of Middle Eastern Cuisine

Food in the Fertile Crescent

The region between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers is known as the Fertile Crescent and is widely considered to be the Cradle of Civilization. In the Bronze Age, as the first cities were developing, residents relied on local crops like wheat, barley, figs, and dates. Many of their dishes also included garbanzo beans, lentils, and other legumes, which are still important parts of authentic Middle Eastern food.

Opening the Silk Road

Thanks to its unique location, the Middle East has always been the Crossroads of the World, where trade routes between Europe, Asia, and Africa intersected. As all these cultures came together, bringing their unique dishes and styles of cooking, Middle Eastern cooks learned to combine Indian spices, Asian rice, and other elements into their cuisine. The explosion of trade gave more people the resources to enjoy meat-based dishes in the classical and Medieval periods.

Middle Eastern Cuisine in the Modern Age

Ease of travel and instant worldwide communication have inspired cooks throughout the region to combine ideas from other cultures with authentic Middle Eastern food to create increasingly innovative dishes. For instance, you might find burritos filled with typical Middle Eastern ingredients, or falafel served with an Italian flair. People from around the world are also discovering the rich flavors and textures of authentic Middle Eastern food for the first time, making it increasingly popular across the globe.

As the best Middle Eastern restaurant in the St. Louis, MO, area, Shahrazad Mediterranean Restaurant has been serving up authentic dishes based on old family recipes for over 20 years. Their menu features a variety of delicious, authentic Middle Eastern food, always made with fresh ingredients in a welcoming, friendly atmosphere. Visit their website now to browse their menu, follow their Twitter for more insight and news, or call (636) 527-4000 with any questions.