Middle Eastern Bread Types: Differences and Benefits

Bread is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, playing a central role in meals across the region. With a rich history and diverse cultural influences, Middle Eastern breads come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and flavors. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most popular types of Middle Eastern bread, highlighting their differences and unique benefits.

What is Middle Eastern Bread Called?

Middle Eastern bread can go by different names, usually reflecting its country of origin and specific type. The most common one is Pita (in English) and Khubz (in Arabic). Other common names are Manakish, Barbari, and Lavash. Each of these bread types has its unique characteristics and is enjoyed in different ways across the Middle East.

Middle Eastern Bread Types

1. Pita Bread

Pita is probably the most well-known type of bread from the Middle East. This round, pocket-style bread is very versatile and can be used for anything from scooping up dips to wrapping around fillings for a sandwich. Pita bread is made from a simple dough consisting of flour, water, yeast, and salt, and is baked at high temperatures, causing the dough to puff up and create the characteristic pocket.

• Difference: Pita owes its uniqueness to its pocket, which is just perfect for stuffing with meats, vegetables, and sauces.
• Benefit: Pita bread has low fat and can be healthier compared with other kinds of bread, especially when made from whole grains.

2. Lavash

Lavash is a thin, soft flatbread that originates from Armenia but is popularly known in the Middle East. It is commonly used as a wrap for meats and vegetables or served as an accompaniment to kebabs and stews. Traditionally, it is prepared with a basic dough of flour, water, and salt and then baked in a tandoor oven.

• Difference: Lavash is much thinner than any other Middle Eastern bread; it's ideal usage for rolling or wrapping.
• Benefit: It is low in calories and carbs, hence good to continue with without gaining much weight.

3. Manakish

Manakish is often referred to as the pizza of the Middle East. It is a type of flatbread topped with various ingredients such as za'atar, cheese, or minced meat, and then baked to perfection. Manakish is a popular breakfast item in the Middle East and is commonly enjoyed in Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine.

• Difference: Manakish differs from all others by the great variation of toppings that range from herbs and spices to meats and cheeses.
• Benefit: Depending on the topping, Manakish could be a healthy meal and a source of protein, healthy fats, and important vitamins.

4. Barbari

Barbari is a type of Persian bread that is thick and chewy. It is often sprinkled with sesame or nigella seeds before baking to add extra flavor and texture. In Iran, barbari is commonly served for breakfast with cheese, honey, or jam.

• Difference: Barbari is much thicker than most bread in the Middle East and a little chewy.
• Benefit: Barbari is a dense bread, which is heavy and full; thus, it may be considered an excellent choice when you are aiming to have a full-of-energy breakfast.

5. Khubz

"Khubz" is a general term in Arabic for bread. However, it can also specifically refer to the round, flat bread commonly found in the Middle East. Traditionally, khubz is served with a variety of meals and is used to scoop up stews and sauces.

• Difference: Khubz is simple and versatile; it serves as a base for many meals in the Middle East.
• Benefit: It's usually made of whole wheat, which in turn incorporates good amounts of fiber and essential nutrients.

6. Saj Bread

Saj bread, also known as markook, is a thin, round, flatbread that is baked on a convex metal griddle called a saj. The bread is very thin, almost like a crepe, and is commonly used to make wraps or served alongside grilled meats.

• Difference: Saj bread is super thin and pliable, making it perfect for wraps.
• Benefit: The saj bread is low in calories, and it may be light, but it satisfies the meals.

7. Taboon Bread

Taboon bread is a traditional Palestinian flatbread that is baked in a taboon clay oven. It has a very crispy crust and a soft, fluffy interior. This type of bread is commonly used to make musakhan, the famous Palestinian dish made with chicken and onions.

• Difference: Taboon bread is prepared differently and boasts of its light crispiness.
• Benefit: The authentic baking method of making taboon bread renders it a distinct savor and slightly crisp texture, making it tasty bread that one can pair with most Middle Eastern cuisines.

8. Eish Baladi

Eish Baladi is an Egyptian flatbread, similar to pita but a bit thicker, and it's made from whole wheat flour. It's a bread almost as basic in Egyptian cuisine as pita and is often used for sopping up dips like hummus or baba ganoush.

• Difference: Eish Baladi is thicker and heartier than pita, with a nutty flavor from whole wheat flour.
• Benefit: Eish Baladi is full of fiber and other nutrients and is quite a healthy choice for those who want to consume more whole grains.

9. Sangak

Eish Baladi is full of fiber and other nutrients, making it a healthy choice for those who want to consume more whole grains. This traditional Iranian bread is baked on a bed of small stones, giving it its characteristic texture and look. The bread is slightly chewy with a crusty topping and is usually served with cheese or kebabs.

• Difference: This is due to its special manner of baking on stones, and therefore, it gives it a special rough texture.
• Benefit: Many times, it is prepared with whole wheat flour; therefore, it serves as a great fiber and useful nutrient resource.

10. CHallah

Challah is a sweet bread, usually braided and is very popular in Middle Eastern and Jewish cuisines, often served during religious holidays and special occasions. Challah is soft, slightly sweet, and has a rich, buttery flavor.

• Difference: Halla is unique because it is sweet and in braids.
• Benefit: Halla's richness in ingredients makes it satisfying as a special treat.

Benefits of Middle Eastern Bread Types

Middle Eastern breads are not only delicious but also offer a range of health benefits. Most of the bread is made with whole grains, which are rich in fiber and other important nutrients. Additionally, they are low in fat and calories, making them a healthy choice for those trying to maintain a balanced diet. Furthermore, the variety of Middle Eastern bread, whether soft and fluffy or thin and crispy, offers something for everybody.

Middle Eastern breads are diverse, reflecting the cultures that create them. Each type has its own unique taste, texture, and benefits. Whether it's soft pita, thin lavash, or hearty barbari, you're not just eating bread - you're experiencing a tradition that has been passed down for generations. Explore the different Middle Eastern bread types to uncover the wonderful world of Middle Eastern cuisines.

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FAQs

1. What is the Middle Eastern bread called?

The general name for the Middle Eastern bread is Pita, but it has many types, such as Lavash, Manakish, and Barbari-each having a different name and distinct features.

2. What are the different types of Arabic breads?

Arabic breads come in a lot of different forms: Pita, Khubz, Saj bread, and Eish Baladi, to name a few. Each has its own texture, flavor, and ways it is used within Middle Eastern cuisine.

3. What kind of bread do Lebanese eat?

The Lebanese consume Pita bread, Manakish, and Saj bread. These breads are used interchangeably for wraps, sandwiches, or just serving with dips.

4. What are the 10 types of bread?

The various Middle Eastern bread types include Pita, Lavash, Manakish, Barbari, Khubz, Saj bread, Taboon bread, Eish Baladi, Sangak, and Halla.

5. What is the most popular bread in the Middle East?

Pita bread is considered to be the most consumed in the Middle East due to its versatility and that it is applied to a wide variety of dishes within the region.

6. What is the thin Lebanese bread called?

The thin Lebanese bread is known as Saj bread; it is more rightly referred to as markook. It is a thin round flatbread baked on a convex metal griddle.

7. What bread is used for shawarma?

Shawarma is usually served in Pita bread or Saj bread, both apt for wrapping up flavor-filled meat and toppings.