The Jordanian state is currently leading the revival of tourism in the Middle East. The Kingdom unites groups of countries in the same region that have experienced rebound growth. Along with several other Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt, Jordan has seen a surge in demand from the global tourism sector this year.
The surge in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has seen the world of travel and tourism called the “amazing regional travel renaissance,” driven primarily by demand from tourists from Asia, Europe and the US.
A dispute that creates dents
Of course, this growth has been hit hard in recent months in light of the ongoing conflict between Israel and its neighbors. The World Bank recently reported on October 7, 2023 that attacks in Israel and their aftermath had dented this prosperity. This review shows how this suspicion slowed what could have been a stronger path to recovery for the tourism sector in the Mena region.
Nevertheless, Jordan reports tourism revenues have risen by 11.9% in the first half of 2025. But it pales in comparison to Egypt, the Jordanian neighbour in North Africa.
The astonishing rise in Egypt
The ancient country is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with tourist footprints rising 24% in the first half of 2025. To explain these numbers, the Egyptian Prime Minister has targeted a staggering arrival of 18 million people by the end of the year, according to reports from today's business.
If anything, the Arabian world needs to be experienced for its food, and there is no better place than Egypt. Most food lovers rave about their favourite recipes of falafel, baba ganosh or hummus, but it's on the streets of Egyptian urban areas where true Egyptian cuisine really shines.
Regional Egyptian recipes
Some of the country's most beloved local recipes include:
A dish made with kochari, lentils, rice, pasta-based dishes, garbanzo beans, fried onions and roasted tomato sauce. This dish is common, affordable and mostly consumed in Kosharya restaurants and is famous for serving the treasures of the country. Furmedham, a slow-cooked faba bean stew seasoned with cumin and lemon, is often served with tahini or eggs. It is common to see local taxi drivers and construction workers enjoying a bowl of furmedam and baladi bread for breakfast. These fares are common at family celebrations and events.
Domestic Egyptian Food Tours
For those who cannot travel to Egypt, there are plenty of Egyptian restaurants scattered throughout the United States. Plus, online cooking enthusiasts can sample a wide range of recipes and try them out at home. Recipes such as this Egyptian egg casserole and ground beef marinara sauce can give anyone the taste of this North African food giant.
Egyptian recipes are just a small part of an incredible Arabian cuisine map ranging from Morocco in North Africa to Somalia, Yemen, Oman in the Arabian Peninsula, and the Indian Ocean. The region boasts a diverse climate, terrain and cultural influence that contributes to its unique culinary characters, resulting in a menu that appeals to a wide range of flavors.
Middle Eastern Regional Favorites
Lebanon and Syria are famous for their bread, pudding and pastries. Turkey for depth of flavor and variety in culinary. Iran (now off limits to most tourists) is famous for its fragrant rice dishes. Simply put, the area's celebratory culinary history and diverse ingredients make it a formidable culinary destination.
It may therefore be surprising that the US has never fully embraced Middle Eastern cuisine that it probably should have. A 2023 survey from Grand Canyon University (GCU) found that no Middle Eastern cuisine has made the top 11 list of their favourite ethnic foods (including traditional Americans) in the country.
The changing dietary habits of America
Using data from “50 of the most populous metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs),” the review looked into the most referenced eateries per capita based on restaurant ethnicity. It's hardly surprising that Mexican restaurants dominated the five-star review charts by winning 44 out of 50 metro areas.
Sadly, the only dish similar to Middle Eastern food was Greek cuisine, one of the lowest scores on the charts. The report found no restaurants in Lebanon, Syria or Turkey, but there were Japanese, Thai and Vietnamese options.
However, this trend can change as generations of Z-food lovers mature and increase their expenditure. The youngest money-making generation has completely different dietary habits than Gen-Xer and Baby Boomer ancestors. Industry Trends Platform Toast is investigating recent Gen-Z feeding trends.
Generation Z needs a genuine experience
The 2025 report found that cohorts ages 12 to 28 have many influences in determining food preferences. In addition to social media that influences nutrition, convenience, and dietary choices, many young people are more adventurous than their older counterparts. They support food experiences that include more “real global cuisine.”
There's good news for those who want to try out some of the local cuisine. Halal Times' recent guide to halal-friendly American cities. Today, all major cities have several great restaurants from diverse Middle Eastern and North African origins.
Middle East US food map
There is no need to visit Mena now to sample the best dishes. Major hubs such as New York, San Francisco, and Miami all offer something similar to an authentic Middle Eastern dining experience.
Nevertheless, making a foodie pilgrimage to the Middle East may prove to be still attractive to some. People brave enough to become part of the region's new tourism boom will find some of the world's largest food culture. Maybe we will still see Middle Eastern food becoming one of the staples of America in the future.
