Middle Eastern food with an egg allergy

Egg is uncommon in Levantine savoury cooking, which makes this one of the easier cuisines for an egg allergy — the exceptions are brunch dishes such as shakshuka, some pastry glazes, and mayonnaise-based garlic sauces on modern menus.

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How Middle Eastern kitchens work

Middle Eastern and Levantine menus are strong for vegan and dairy-free eating and difficult for sesame, since tahini underlies much of the mezze table — nuts and wheat are also common in both savoury and sweet dishes.

Middle Eastern dishes that often contain egg

Patterns worth checking, not a list of dishes to rule out.

  • Shakshuka and other egg-centred breakfast dishes
  • Pastry brushed with egg wash, and some cakes and semolina desserts
  • Mayonnaise-style garlic sauces on modern shawarma menus
  • Some kibbeh and patty binders

Dishes that often work

Starting points for a conversation with the kitchen. No dish is safe by category — it depends on that kitchen's ingredients and equipment.

  • Hummus, baba ganoush, muhammara and tahini-based dips
  • Grilled meat and vegetable skewers
  • Tabbouleh, fattoush and lemon-dressed salads
  • Rice and lentil dishes, and most breads

What to ask

Questions that produce a usable answer rather than a reassurance.

  • Is the garlic sauce mayonnaise-based or an oil emulsion?
  • Is the bread or pastry brushed with egg?
  • Is egg used as the binder in this patty?

Common questions

Is toum egg-free?

Traditional toum is an emulsion of garlic, oil, lemon and salt with no egg at all. Many restaurants shortcut it with mayonnaise, so the answer depends on the kitchen — it is worth asking which version they make.

Is falafel egg-free?

Traditional falafel binds with soaked chickpeas alone, so usually yes. Some commercial mixes add egg, and the fryer is shared with other items, so confirm both.

Are Middle Eastern desserts egg-free?

Many are — baklava and kunafa are built on pastry, nuts and syrup rather than custard. Semolina cakes and some puddings do contain egg, so check per dessert.

Advisory, not medical advice

MealSafe is a planning aid, not medical advice. AI-generated assessments can be incomplete or wrong, and ingredients and kitchen routines change without notice. Always confirm with the kitchen, the producer or the label before you eat, and follow the advice of your own clinician.