54 delicious yemeni recipes from around the world
A traditional Yemeni dish featuring tender, slow-cooked meat (typically lamb or chicken) infused with aromatic spices and a distinctive smoky flavor, served over fluffy basmati rice. Traditionally cooked in an underground oven (tandoor), this recipe provides methods for achieving a similar smoky essence at home. It's a celebratory dish perfect for gatherings.
A traditional Yemeni and Saudi Arabian dish of rice and meat (usually chicken or lamb) cooked in a tandoor or special pit. The chicken is infused with smoky flavors and served with fragrant rice.
Saltah is considered the national dish of Yemen. It's a hearty and flavorful stew typically made with lamb or beef, vegetables, and a rich broth, often thickened with fenugreek and served with a dollop of spicy herb sauce called 'sahawiq'.
Fahsa is a vibrant and flavorful Yemeni stew, often prepared in a traditional stone pot called a 'madra'. It typically features tender lamb or beef, simmered with aromatic spices, tomatoes, onions, and garlic, and is famously topped with a frothy fenugreek mixture (hulba).
A comforting and aromatic Yemeni stew featuring tender chunks of lamb cooked with white beans (fasolia) in a rich, spiced tomato broth. It's a staple in Yemeni households, often served with rice or bread.
Bint Al Sahn, meaning 'daughter of the plate,' is a beloved Yemeni sweet bread characterized by its numerous thin, flaky layers, rich buttery flavor, and a generous drizzle of honey. Traditionally served for breakfast or as a special treat, it's often enjoyed warm with a cup of tea.
A comforting and nutritious stew featuring tender red lentils simmered with aromatic spices and small, flavorful meatballs. This dish is a wholesome meal, perfect for a chilly evening.
Fahsa is a hearty and flavorful Yemeni lamb stew, often served bubbling hot in a traditional stone pot. It's characterized by its rich broth, tender lamb, and the unique whipped fenugreek condiment (hilbeh).
Fasolia is a hearty and comforting stew made with kidney beans, tomatoes, and aromatic Yemeni spices. It's a staple in Yemeni households, often served with flatbread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Madbi is a popular Yemeni dish where chicken is marinated in a flavorful spice blend and then grilled over a special grill made of stones or a grill pan. The result is a smoky, tender, and incredibly aromatic chicken.
Aromatic rice cooked with chicken and a special blend of spices, often baked or grilled to achieve a smoky flavor. While Mandi is a well-known dish, this variation focuses on the rice component often served alongside marinated chicken.
A hearty and flavorful breakfast stew, often made with lamb or beef, vegetables, and a blend of aromatic spices. It's designed to be a nourishing start to the day.
A hearty and flavorful stew featuring tender lamb and okra simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with aromatic Yemeni spices. This dish is a comforting staple, often served with rice or flatbread.
Kebab Halabi, also known as Aleppo Kebab, is a flavorful Middle Eastern dish featuring spiced ground meat (typically lamb or beef) formed into kebabs and grilled. It's often served with a tangy tomato and onion sauce, making it a popular and satisfying meal.
Whole chicken stuffed with a flavorful mixture of rice, herbs, and spices, then slow-cooked until tender and aromatic. This dish is a celebratory centerpiece, often prepared for special occasions.
Sabaya, also known as Bint Al-Sahn, is a delicate, layered sweet pastry from Yemen. It features thin, flaky layers brushed with butter and often served warm with honey, making it a popular breakfast or dessert item.
A decadent and sweet Yemeni dessert or breakfast dish made from mashed ripe bananas, shredded flatbread (malawach or roqqaq), honey, and often topped with cream and nuts.
While shawarma is popular across the Middle East, the Yemeni version often features a unique blend of spices and a distinct preparation method. These wraps are filled with tender, marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful tahini sauce.
A flavorful Yemeni rice dish where chicken is stuffed with a spiced rice and herb mixture, then baked or cooked until tender. This dish showcases the rich culinary heritage of Yemen, with aromatic spices and tender chicken.
A hearty and flavorful fava bean stew, inspired by Palestinian Foul Nabulsi but with distinct Yemeni spices and preparation methods. It's typically served for breakfast or as a light meal.
Lahoh is a spongy, pancake-like bread with a unique, slightly tangy flavor, often served with honey for a sweet and savory breakfast or snack. Its characteristic holes are a result of the fermentation and cooking process.
Crispy, golden-fried pastries filled with a savory mixture of spiced ground beef, onions, and herbs. These sambusas are a popular appetizer or snack, especially during Ramadan, and are a staple in Yemeni households.
A popular Yemeni breakfast dish, 'Kebda' features tender chicken livers sautéed with onions, tomatoes, garlic, and a blend of aromatic spices. It's often served with traditional Yemeni bread (khobz).
A flavorful and aromatic Yemeni dish featuring spiced minced meat cooked with a generous amount of caramelized onions. It's often served with rice or flatbread.
