What to Order First at an Arabic Restaurant (Beginner’s Guide)

Dining at an Arabic restaurant can feel overwhelming if you’re new to the cuisine — with so many dips, appetizers, grills, and platters to choose from. At Tarboush, where the menu brings together Middle Eastern, Turkish, and Western flavors, knowing what to order first can make your experience smoother and more enjoyable, and truly exciting.  

Start With the Classics: Cold Appetizers 

1. Hummus: Creamy, smooth, and made with fresh chickpeas — a must-have starter for first-time diners. 

2. Baba Ganoush: A smoky dip prepared with charcoal grilled aubergine, blended with tahini for a rich, earthy flavor.  

3. Muttabal: Made from charcoal-grilled eggplant, seasoned with tahini, lemon juice, salt, and pepper — slightly tangier and more robust than baba ganoush. 

Pro tip: Pair these cold appetizers with freshly baked Arabic bread for more authentic flavors to enjoy. 

Add Warm Appetizer:

1. Tabbouleh Salad: Made with finely chopped parsley, fresh tomatoes and mint, lightly seasoned with olive oil for a refreshing start.

2. Falafel: Crispy, round chickpea patties, served with creamy tahini sauce. 

3. Cheese Sambousek: Golden flaky pastry filled with melted cheese, perfect for a comfortable bite.

Pro tip: Order 2-3 hot starters if you’re dining in a group — they’re ideal for sharing and tasting a variety of flavors.

Move to the Main Experience: The Arabic Food Platter

Tarboush Signature Arabic Platter

If you’re new to Arabic cuisine, Tarboush Arabic platters are the perfect place to start. Each platter offers a complete Middle Eastern dining experience and typically includes: 

• Grilled chicken

• Baramundi

• Lamb Kofta

• Arabic rice

• Barbeque beef ribs

• Salmon steak

Why Order it First?

• One platter gives you a complete taste of Arabic cuisine in a single dish.

• Beginner-friendly and shareable, making it ideal for first-time visitors.

• Helps you discover your favourite Arabic flavors, so you know exactly what to order as individual mains on your next time.

Try Individual Mains Based on your Taste

1. Chicken Mandi: Slow-cooked rice with tender chicken, slightly spices, and perfect for those who don’t prefer strong flavors.

2. Mixed Grilled: A combination of kebabs and grilled meats served with vegetables. Good for those who prefer smoky flavors.

3. Grilled Baby Lamb Rack: Rich, tender, and flavorful — marinated in aromatic spices and charcoal-grilled to perfection, offering a juicy and smoky flavor in every bite. 

Finish with Something Sweet

1. Kunafa: Made of thin shredded pastry baked with cheese and soaked in syrup.

2. Baklava: A rich and sweet pastry, topped with nuts, pistachios, and honey.

Beginner’s Sample Order at Tarboush

For someone visiting for the first time, here’s an ideal order:

• Hummus

• Falafel 

• Arabic food platter with bread and sides 

• Kunafa

This order gives a complete Arabic dining experience — starting from light appetizers to hearty grills and a traditional Arabic sweet finish.

Final Thoughts

Ordering at an Arabic restaurant like Tarboush becomes easy when you know what to order — start with mezze, move to grills or a platte, and finish with dessert. The key is to explore Arabic cuisine that defines Middle Eastern flavors.