The Good Food Middle East Awards 2025 is back, and this year, it’s bigger, bolder, and more inspiring than ever. As the region’s most prestigious culinary event, the awards celebrate the finest talents, flavors, and innovations in Middle Eastern cuisine. From sizzling fried chicken to delicate steamed fish, the 2025 edition promises to showcase the diversity and richness of the region’s food culture, while honoring the chefs, restaurants, and food artisans who continue to push the boundaries of creativity and taste.

In this 2,000-word article, we’ll take you on a journey through the highlights of the Good Food Middle East Awards 2025. We’ll explore the award categories, the standout dishes, and the culinary trends that are shaping the future of Middle Eastern cuisine. Whether you’re a food enthusiast, a professional chef, or simply someone who loves a good meal, this article will give you an insider’s look at the event that’s redefining the region’s food scene.

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A Celebration of Middle Eastern Culinary Heritage

The Middle East is a melting pot of cultures, traditions, and flavors, and its cuisine reflects this vibrant diversity. From the aromatic spices of Lebanon to the rich stews of Iran, the region’s food is a testament to its history and heritage. The Good Food Middle East Awards 2025 honors this legacy by recognizing the dishes and chefs that best represent the essence of Middle Eastern cuisine.

This year’s awards feature a wide range of categories, including Best Fried Chicken, Best Grilled Vegetables, Best Pakoras, and Best Steamed Fish. Each category highlights a different aspect of the region’s culinary landscape, showcasing both traditional recipes and modern interpretations.

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Category Spotlight: Best Fried Chicken

Fried chicken is a universal favorite, and in the Middle East, it’s taken to new heights with unique spices, marinades, and cooking techniques. The Best Fried Chicken category at the Good Food Middle East Awards 2025 celebrates this beloved dish, with entries from across the region vying for the top prize.

The Contenders

• Lebanese Spiced Fried Chicken: Infused with a blend of sumac, garlic, and paprika, this version is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, with a tangy, aromatic flavor.
• Emirati-Style Fried Chicken: Marinated in saffron, cardamom, and turmeric, this dish offers a golden crust and a rich, fragrant taste.
• Iranian Fried Chicken with Pomegranate Glaze: A modern twist on a classic, this dish features a sweet and tangy pomegranate glaze that adds a burst of flavor.

The Winner

The 2025 award for Best Fried Chicken goes to Al-Mashawi Grill in Dubai for their Za’atar and Lemon Fried Chicken. This dish combines the earthy flavors of za’atar with the brightness of lemon, creating a perfect balance of taste and texture.

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Category Spotlight: Best Grilled Vegetables

Grilled vegetables are a staple of Middle Eastern cuisine, offering a healthy and flavorful option for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. The Best Grilled Vegetables category highlights the creativity and skill of chefs who transform simple ingredients into culinary masterpieces.

The Contenders

• Levantine Grilled Eggplant with Tahini: Smoky grilled eggplant topped with creamy tahini sauce and a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds.
• Iranian Grilled Tomatoes with Saffron Rice: Juicy tomatoes grilled to perfection and served with fragrant saffron rice.
• Emirati Grilled Zucchini with Date Glaze: Tender zucchini brushed with a sweet and sticky date glaze, offering a unique blend of flavors.

The Winner

The 2025 award for Best Grilled Vegetables goes to Zaytouna Restaurant in Beirut for their Grilled Halloumi and Vegetable Platter. This dish features a colorful array of grilled vegetables, including bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms, paired with smoky halloumi cheese and a drizzle of olive oil.

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Category Spotlight: Best Pakoras

Pakoras, the crispy fritters made from vegetables or meat, are a popular snack across the Middle East and South Asia. The Best Pakoras category celebrates the versatility and flavor of this beloved dish.

The Contenders

• Classic Onion Pakoras: Thinly sliced onions coated in a spiced chickpea batter and deep-fried to golden perfection.
• Spinach and Cheese Pakoras: A modern twist on the classic, featuring a filling of spinach and melted cheese.
• Chicken and Herb Pakoras: Succulent pieces of chicken marinated in herbs and spices, then fried to create a crispy exterior.

The Winner

The 2025 award for Best Pakoras goes to Spice Route Kitchen in Abu Dhabi for their Truffle and Mushroom Pakoras. This innovative dish combines earthy truffle oil with finely chopped mushrooms, creating a luxurious and indulgent snack.

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Category Spotlight: Best Steamed Fish

Steamed fish is a delicate and healthy dish that showcases the natural flavors of the sea. The Best Steamed Fish category highlights the skill of chefs who master the art of cooking fish to perfection.

The Contenders

• Lebanese-Style Steamed Sea Bass with Garlic and Coriander: A light and fragrant dish that lets the fish shine.
• Iranian Steamed Salmon with Dill and Lime: A zesty and aromatic preparation that pairs perfectly with fluffy basmati rice.
• Emirati Steamed Hammour with Spiced Tomato Sauce: A traditional Emirati dish featuring tender hammour fish in a rich and flavorful tomato sauce.

The Winner

The 2025 award for Best Steamed Fish goes to The Pearl Fishery in Muscat for their Steamed Hammour with Saffron and Rosewater. This dish combines the delicate flavors of hammour with the floral notes of rosewater and the warmth of saffron, creating a truly unforgettable dining experience.

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Culinary Trends Shaping the Future

The Good Food Middle East Awards 2025 is not just about celebrating the present; it’s also about looking to the future. This year’s event highlighted several culinary trends that are set to shape the region’s food scene in the years to come:

1. Sustainability: From farm-to-table dining to zero-waste kitchens, sustainability is a key focus for chefs and restaurants across the Middle East.
2. Fusion Cuisine: The blending of Middle Eastern flavors with international influences continues to gain popularity, offering diners new and exciting taste experiences.
3. Plant-Based Eating: With a growing emphasis on health and wellness, plant-based dishes are taking center stage, from grilled vegetables to innovative vegan pakoras.
4. Artisanal Ingredients: Chefs are increasingly turning to locally sourced, artisanal ingredients to create dishes that are both authentic and unique.

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The Role of the Good Food Middle East Awards

The Good Food Middle East Awards play a crucial role in promoting culinary excellence and innovation in the region. By recognizing the best chefs, restaurants, and dishes, the awards inspire others to strive for greatness and push the boundaries of what’s possible in the kitchen.

Moreover, the awards provide a platform for celebrating the rich culinary heritage of the Middle East, ensuring that traditional recipes and techniques are preserved and passed down to future generations. At the same time, they encourage creativity and experimentation, paving the way for new and exciting developments in the region’s food scene.

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Conclusion: A Night to Remember

The Good Food Middle East Awards 2025 was a night of celebration, inspiration, and, of course, incredible food. From the crispy perfection of fried chicken to the delicate flavors of steamed fish, the event showcased the very best of Middle Eastern cuisine, honoring the chefs and restaurants that continue to elevate the region’s culinary landscape.

As we look ahead to the future, one thing is clear: the Middle East’s food scene is thriving, and the Good Food Middle East Awards will continue to play a vital role in shaping its evolution. So, here’s to another year of delicious discoveries, unforgettable flavors, and culinary excellence. Cheers to the Good Food Middle East Awards 2025!