20 top Middle Eastern foods -- which is the best?

13. Dolma

Vine leaves: rolled to perfection.

Dolma goes horribly wrong when the stuffed vine leaves become flaccid and slimy after being left out in the sun for too long. They need to be fresh with succulent lamb or juicy vegetables.

Where to try it: Asitane Restaurant, Kariye Camii Sokak 6, EdirnekapI, Istanbul, Turkey. Tel: +90 212 534 8414

14. Kofta

Kofta: don't let looks deceive you.

Common in Iran and Pakistan, these balls of minced lamb or beef have a spicy, onion kick.

You can fry, grill, barbecue or bake the patties, but they're best served with a distinctive spicy sauce. In the Arab region, you'll find them in cylinder shapes, often on a stick.

Where to try it: Gulf Pomegranate Iranian Restaurant, ‪Al Ansab Road next to Al Agbiya Mosque, Muaskar Al Murtafa'a, Oman. Tel: +968 9 223 6697

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