Architectural Designs - I've never eatten middle eastern cuisine and plan on going to this small resurant by my house in a few.?

I've never eatten middle eastern cuisine and plan on going to this small resurant by my house in a few.?

what should I get? I dont want anything weird since I'm hungry and its my first time. Anything thats good and the meat must be chicken or beef only. I don't know whats on the menu yet, but something thats common.

Public Comments

Butter chicken is very good, and very recognizable. Anything curried...
chicken schwarma (not sure on sp) its a sandwich like meal... that or shish twook (again not sure on sp) this is a shishkabob with rice and veggies and hummas and pita bread is always good!
Scroll waaaay down this screen to see what is in each dish: http://mideastfood.about.com/
Shish kebab and pilaf rice. They are just delicious.
Ask for recommendations, Do you like spicy food? tell if yes or no on the spice. Do you like vegetarian meals, there will be some different things to accommodate you. I'm sure that it will have a brief description of the way it is prepared to help you out. There should be pasta dishes to choose from also, pea or bean dishes along with meat dishes. There are just so many countries that middle east could encompass
ask the waiter to recommend something for a first timer. or try to get a couple of the appetizers so you can see what flavors you like.
Why do you want meat? Try falafel and hummus on a pita with pickled vegetables and fried potatoes and hot peppers (typical middle eastern snack food). It's safer and healthier than meat, and much less 'weird' than shawarma.
Some common Middle Eastern dishes that are good... For the most part, the food is good and you won't find anything weird and grossly flavored, unless you count lamb, but you're wanting chicken or beef. Just go in with an open mind and there to have fun. Don't over think or psyche yourself out by the "mystery" dishes of a new cuisine. Appetizers Hummus (chickpea dip) Baba Ganoush (eggplant dip) Stuffed Grape Leaves Entrees Shish Kabobs Sharma Gyros Grains Couscous Pilaf Pita (bread) Vegetarian Falafels Salad Tabouleh Yogurt-Cucumber