How Arabic Food Is Taking the World by Storm: Mandi, Shawarma & More

Photo by Aboodi Vesakaran: Pexels

Introduction

From smoky Mandi to juicy Shawarma and perfectly grilled Faham, Arabic cuisine is becoming a global food sensation — and it’s happening faster than ever.

Arabic food has always been full of rich flavors, ancient cooking techniques, and generous platters meant to be shared. But in the last few years, these dishes have exploded across the world, winning hearts from New York to New Delhi.

If your social media feed keeps showing giant Mandi platters, sizzling Faham grills, or spinning Shawarma cones… don’t worry — you’re not alone.

This global food wave is REAL.

Let’s break down why Arabic food is trending worldwide in 2025 and explore the dishes leading the movement.

Why Arabic Food Is Becoming a Global Trend in 2025

1. Social media made Arabic food go viral

TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts love Arabic dishes:

• Huge meat platters
• Smoky grills
• Slow-cooked rice
• Dripping sauces
• Satisfying “pull-apart” meat moments

The visuals are irresistible — and people want to try what they watch.

2. Middle Eastern flavours are bold yet comforting

Arabic food hits the perfect balance:

• smoky + aromatic
• spicy (but not too spicy)
• tender meats
• generous portions

It’s comfort food with personality — and that sells everywhere.

3. Affordable & shareable

One large Mandi platter can feed:

• 2 friends
• a couple
• a small family

Shawarma rolls are cheap, filling, and travel-friendly.

Faham is perfect for fitness lovers looking for high-protein grilled meals.

4. Overseas Arab communities are shaping global food culture

Whether in:

• the USA
• UK
• Singapore
• India
• Malaysia
• Australia

Arabic restaurants and cloud kitchens are opening everywhere, bringing authentic flavours to new cities.

5. People are bored of the usual food

Just like how sushi, tacos, and Korean BBQ took over the world…

Arabic cuisine is the next global food wave.

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The 3 Arabic Dishes Taking Over the World

1. Mandi – The New Global Comfort Food

Mandi was once a Yemeni speciality, enjoyed mostly in the Gulf. Today, it is:

• viral on Instagram
• a trend in India (especially Kerala, Hyderabad, Bangalore)
• growing in the USA & UK
• popular in Southeast Asia

Why the world loves Mandi

• smoky, tender meat
• long-grain rice cooked with aromatic spices
• huge shareable platters
• the “wow” factor on social media

Mandi is now being compared to biryani — and many foodies say it’s the next big biryani rival.

2. Shawarma – The Undisputed King of Street Food

Shawarma has gone from a Middle Eastern favourite to a global superstar.

You’ll find Shawarma everywhere:

• food trucks in New York
• night markets in Singapore
• cloud kitchens in India
• late-night spots in the UK

Why Shawarma is taking over the world:

• cheap, quick and delicious
• customizable
• perfect fusion food (Indian-style Shawarma, Filipino Shawarma, Turkish-style Shawarma)
• it photographs beautifully

Whether in wrap, roll, plate, or over rice — Shawarma wins.

3. Faham – The Grilled Chicken That’s Replacing Peri-Peri

Faham is Arabic-style charcoal-grilled chicken — smoky, juicy, and full of flavour.

It’s becoming Huge in:

• India
• Malaysia
• Singapore
• UAE
• Qatar

Fitness lovers love it because it’s:

• protein-rich
• low-oil
• flavour-packed
• great with rice or bread

Why Faham is trending:

• healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken
• perfect for BBQ nights
• restaurant-friendly and easy to serve
• amazing aroma

How Arabic Cuisine is Influencing Global Food Culture

Arabic food is changing the world in ways we didn’t expect:

✔ More restaurants are adding Arabic dishes

Even non-Arab restaurants now serve Shawarma bowls, Mandi plates, or Faham grills.

✔ New food fusion trends

Examples:

• Shawarma tacos
• Mandi biryani
• Faham rice bowls
• Arabic-style burgers

✔ Cloud kitchens are booming

Startups and young chefs are opening Arabic-themed brands.

✔ People prefer shareable food

Platters, trays, and large portions appeal to today’s “eat together → take photos → share online” culture.

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From the Middle East to the World: A Delicious Journey

Arabic cuisine is a magical mix of:

• history
• spices
• hospitality
• slow-cooking traditions
• generous portions

And the world is finally giving it the appreciation it deserves.

Whether you’re biting into a juicy Shawarma, tearing into smoky Faham, or diving into a fragrant Mandi platter — you’re tasting centuries of culture in every bite.

Final Thoughts

Arabic food isn’t just trending…
It’s becoming a global comfort cuisine.

From families to foodies, from travellers to home cooks — everyone is falling in love with the bold flavours of the Middle East.

And honestly?
The world is eating better because of it.

Loved this global Arabic food journey?

Don’t miss my previous post —“Halal Street Food Around the World: 10 Hidden Gems No One Talks About” — a guide to underrated halal flavours from every corner of the world.

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