The concept of the Middle East was introduced by the Anglo-Saxons in the early 20th century to describe the area from the Red Sea to the British Indian Empire. After the fall of the Ottoman Empire, the term was extended to include all Arab countries, with the result that the term Near East was abandoned. In France, however, the terms Middle East and Near East are still used interchangeably.
So it's to these sun-drenched countries that we take you today, from Morocco to Pakistan, via Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Sudan, Israel, the Palestinian territories, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Arabia, Turkey, Iran and Afghanistan.
Generous, Middle Eastern cuisines vary from country to country, and even from region to region within a country, influenced by the history and geography of these states. Each country has its own specialties and regional variations, but it's worth noting that certain ingredients are often used, such as olive oil, spices like sumac and zaatar, and dried fruit.
As for meats, they are often marinated, then spit-roasted or flame-grilled, accompanied by a variety of small portions called mezzés. Want to discover new flavours? Here are the best addresses for Middle Eastern restaurants in Paris!
Moroccan restaurants in Paris, our best addresses
If you're looking to savor dishes with bright colors and spices that will take your senses on a journey, you've come to the Moroccan restaurants of Paris. [Read more]
Algerian restaurants in Paris, our best addresses
Here are the best addresses of Algerian restaurants in Paris for a colorful and tasty lunch! [Read more]
Tunisian restaurants in Paris, our best addresses
How about Tunisian for lunch? Here are the best addresses for Tunisian restaurants in Paris! [Read more]
Lebanese restaurants in Paris, our best addresses
Gourmet and healthy, Lebanese gastronomy is THE cuisine of pleasure. How about a delicious meal at a Lebanese restaurant in Paris? [Read more]
Israeli restaurants in Paris, our top addresses for Jewish cuisine
Let yourself be tempted by the diversity and conviviality of Jewish cuisine at Israeli restaurants in Paris! [Read more]
La Sabicherie, home of the 'other' Israeli sandwich
Less well known than the falafel sandwich, the sabich has nothing to envy it! You can eat it to go at La Sabicherie, near Bastille and now at SoPi too! [Read more]
Bistro Baghdad, an affordable Iraqi restaurant a stone's throw from the Champs-Elysées
Comfort food and affordable formulas: that's what awaits us at Bistro Baghdad, a restaurant a stone's throw from the Champs-Elysées that proudly shares Iraqi gastronomy with us. [Read more]
Ardi, the restaurant and concept store based on Palestinian cuisine and handicrafts
In the 18th arrondissement, take the time to discover Palestinian gastronomy and craftsmanship at the only restaurant in Paris to celebrate Palestinian know-how. A warm and authentic concept store! [Read more]
L'Atelier Dürüm, the Turkish canteen with delicious dürüms in the 18th arrondissement
On Rue de Clignancourt, in the 18th arrondissement, Atelier Dürüm is a family affair, before becoming a must-visit address in the neighborhood. On the menu? Generous, homemade cuisine, inspired above all by the traditional cuisine of southeast Turkey. [Read more]
Shirvan, a road trip along the Silk Road with Akrame Benallal
At Shirvan, Michelin-starred chef Akrame Benallal invites us on a road-trip of unique flavors along the Silk Road. A culinary journey that takes in Azerbaijan and the discovery of Azeri cuisine. [Read more]
IBRIK, a true Turkish-style coffee shop, but not only...
IBRIK, the coffee shop par excellence in the 9th arrondissement, not only offers you the chance to enjoy a good, traditional, sand-heated coffee à la truque, but also all other kinds of "grand cru" coffees over a good breakfast or a plate of mezzés made on the premises from fresh produce. [Read more]
How about a mint tea or Turkish coffee to round off this feast?
