A Delicious Gift Guide for Middle Eastern Food Lovers

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

A Gift Guide for All Seasons

The best gifts come from the heart. And if you’re anything like me, from the kitchen – where the real magic happens. Ditch the predictable candles and sad socks. This year, serve up something that says I care, and I can cook. Because when it comes to finding the best gifts for food lovers, nothing beats something homemade, beautifully bottled, and just the right side of bougie.

So whether you’re off to a Christmas party, rocking up at a holiday potluck, or in desperate need of a show-stopping hostess gift, here’s your ultimate gift guide, bursting with foodie gift ideas from the Middle East and beyond. Thoughtful, delicious, and guaranteed to make you everyone’s favourite friend.

1. Rose Petal Jam

Sweet, floral, and a little bit fancy, this jam is the edible equivalent of giving someone a bouquet that lasts. Spread it on toast, drizzle over panna cotta, or stir into yoghurt for that ooh la la moment. Perfect for anyone who loves a touch of elegance in their pantry.

Why it’s a great food gift: it looks stunning in a jar, smells divine, and gives serious “I made this myself” energy.

This is always near the top of any gift guide I make, whatever the time of year. You can make it with fresh as well as dried edible rose petals.

Rose Petal Jam (with Fresh or Dried Roses)

Easy homemade rose petal jam recipe made with just a handful of ingredients. Can be used as a spread or a topping for puddings and desserts.

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2. Zhug (Yemeni Green Chilli Paste)

For your spicy friends, because we all have one. Zhug is punchy, herby, garlicky, and unapologetically bold. A little spoonful turns anything from eggs to roast potatoes into a full-blown flavour fiesta.

Why it’s a good gift for foodies: it’s vibrant, lasts a while, and you can bet they won’t find it in the average supermarket gift set.

What would a gift guide be without something spicy?

Zhug, Yemeni Green Hot Sauce

Click here for Zhug recipe, a Yemeni Green Hot Sauce. It’s fresh, it’s delicious and only takes 8 minutes, using everyday ingredients!

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3. Persian Rice Cookies (Nan-e Berenji)

Delicate, fragrant, and melt-in-the-mouth, these little beauties make butter cookies look plain. Think rosewater, cardamom, and the kind of texture that makes you say just one more. Four times in a row.

Why it’s a foodie gift idea that wins: they’re elegant enough for gifting, but simple enough to make in batches for your Christmas potluck or holiday party.

This is my revamped recipe of the original one I posted many years ago. It doesn’t take as long but tastes exactly the same.

Present them in little gift boxes to ensure they don’t get crushed. Extra bling? Attach a rose on the top of the box and let your inner bougie shine.

Persian Rice Cookies Recipe (Nan-e Berenji)

Get our Persian Rice Cookies recipe, perfect for Nowruz and Eid. Gluten free, they are also known as Nan e Berenji and Shirini Berenji.

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4. Homemade Hibiscus Syrup

Move over, cranberry. This hibiscus syrup brings tart, floral brightness to cocktails, mocktails, and everything in between. Bottle it in something pretty, tie a ribbon round the neck, and boom – great food gift sorted.

Why it’s perfect: it lasts for months, looks lush, and gives that “mixologist at home” vibe we all secretly love.

Homemade Hibiscus Syrup Recipe

Homemade Hibiscus Syrup is absolutely delicious! Beautiful colour with a tart and sweet flavour, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to make!

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5. Homemade Rose Syrup

For the friend who adds rosewater to everything (me!). This syrup is fragrant, versatile, and wildly romantic. Pour it over ice cream, drizzle it on cakes, or mix it into lemonade.

Why it’s one of the best gifts for food lovers: it’s simple to make, utterly luxurious, and looks like it came straight from a boutique food market. Just homemade.

Homemade Rose Syrup with Fresh or Dried Edible Roses

An easy recipe for homemade rose syrup using fresh, edible rose petals or dried, edible roses. Perfect for those who love using edible flowers in the kitchen.

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6. Homemade Labneh

Creamy, tangy, and effortlessly cool, homemade labneh is basically yoghurt that decided to glow up. Bottle it with a drizzle of good olive oil and a sprinkle of za’atar, or swirl in some chilli flakes if you’re feeling sassy.

Why it’s one of the best gifts for food lovers: it’s versatile, looks fancy in a jar, and makes even plain bread feel like it belongs on a mezze platter. Perfect for that friend who calls hummus a food group.

How long does it last? 2 weeks in the fridge.

Homemade Labneh Recipe

Making labneh at home is incredibly simple and requires just two basic ingredients. Find out how to right here!

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7. Moroccan Almond Cookies

Because every table deserves a little crunch. These golden almond cookies are buttery, nutty, and dangerously addictive – like the love child of a shortbread and a marzipan dream. Not a fan of marzipan? Neither am I, so erm, we’ll just ignore that comparison!

Wrap them in parchment, tie with string, and watch people’s eyes light up faster than the fairy lights.

Why it’s a foodie gift idea that never fails: they’re easy to make, keep well, and make a gorgeous addition to your cookie box line-up. Plus, nothing says “I adore you” quite like homemade biscuits that melt in your mouth.

Moroccan Almond Cookies (Ghriba)

These Moroccan almond cookies are deliciously crumbly and perfect served with traditional mint tea or whatever beverage you fancy.

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